Cusco

Cusco is a Peruvian city sitting high up in the Andes  at more than 11,000 feet above sea level.  Headaches accompanied our first day, but undaunted we went on a tour of the city and the Incan ruins of the surrounding hills. 

The city itself is an incongruous mix between opulent Spanish architecture and shanty huts lining the narrow streets.  When the Spaniards invaded they attempted to destroy all remnants of Incan culture, building churches and houses over magnificent Incan temples.  Several temples have been restored and repaired, including a large one in Cuzco itself.