So here we are in Cusco, high up in the Peruvian mountains. Known as the ´Navel of the world´ is it the historic capital of the facinating Inca Empire who founded the city in 1100AD.

It is located within breathtaking scenery, a true mountain city with narrow steep cobbled streets, buildings clinging to the mountain sides, lovely preserved ruins, lots of llamas and local people wandering around in local dress, and stunning architecture. We think this place is one of our favorite locations so far.

Of course the height is a problem (11,152ft above sea level) and even after 5 days we are still having the odd issue (mainly tiredness and headaches) but the city more than makes up for its damage it does to us humble lowland dwellers.

Our time here has been split between recovery (day 1 and 2 pretty much a write-off) and sightseeing, notably dragging ourselves up the mountain to see some cool ruins and meet a little Alpaca called Pavlo.

The rest of our time has consisted of exploring the cities many narrow twisty alleyways, interesting people and culture, restaurants, bars and museums.

Our current hostal call ´El Tuco´ and is run by a local man called Coco who made us feel very at home, even insisting on us drinking the local drink called ´Pisco Sour´ which consists of Pisco (a brandy) Lime Juice, Syrup, raw egg white and bitter. Dave had the version without the egg and Emily had the full deal (well actually she had 2 - then she had to lie down)

This drink is the famous local tipple but Coco insists that his is the best and not a ´tourist version´ that they sell all over town, we can confirm that it was very tasty indeed!

Oh yes, we also had Llama meat balls for lunch (also very tasty!). Another option was Guinea Pig tandoori and Alpaca burger which we may try out after our Inca Trail trek.

So we have been in the beautiful Cusco for 5 days, in the morning we get picked up at 5.30am to begin our 4 day Inca Trail trak to Machu Picchu. We are rather worried that we are not fit enough for a 42km hike over 4200m high mountain passes but fingers crossed !!