🇵🇪 Cusco, Peru - My 45th Country!

Standing at 3,600m in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco ⛰️ - the "Lhasa of South America"! Here, you can feel the clash and fusion of Inca civilization and Spanish colonial culture ✨ 🌟 Must-See Highlights 🌟 ☀️ Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) See the blending of Inca and Spanish architecture Features perfectly fitted giant stones (some with mortise-tenon joints!) The altar hosts Sun Festival on June 23 🏰 Sacsayhuamán Ruins Was it a military fortress or ceremonial site? Don't miss the 11-sided stone and "El Peru" mountain view 📸 Warning: At 3,600m+, walking here is tiring (and sunny! ☀️) ⛲ Plaza de Armas Classic Spanish colonial square (originally where locals surrendered weapons) See the famous 12-angled stone and former palace The layered arches and columns make perfect photo ops 📷 💡 Tips Drank lots of coca tea � Took ibuprofen for altitude headaches 💊 Stayed in Urubamba (lower altitude) before taking the train to Machu Picchu 🚂 Despite the altitude sickness... I absolutely fell in love with this place! ❤️ #SouthAmerica #OffTheBeatenPath #WorldHeritageCity #TravelTheWorld #Cusco