Most overlanders (RVers, campers) who visit Cusco stay at the campground Quinta Lala above town. It’s possible to walk to the city center from there and then have a tough climb back home, at 12,000ft elevation, or take a $3 cab ride. 

Mark and I decided to spend our first handful of days closer to the historic district, at a free parking area, a few blocks from the main square, Plaza de Armas. It was the perfect location to run errands and explore the beautiful heart of Cusco.

(As always, hover over or click on photos in galleries to read their captions.)

We managed to get heaps of laundry done affordably (after hauling it up many steps to the drop-off store), but this required checking several of the numerous laundry places, as they cheat you with their scales, and multiple walks back and forth, since the task lasted longer than promised.

It took us a few days to find the right materials – in addition to parts brought from the US by a friend – for our Starlink mounting project. A couple of big grocery stores and the central market, as well as a wonderful bakery, Cosqo Maki, were within walking distance. 

And, our Italian friends Valeria and Davide joined us after their terrible radiator problem came to a happy end. We explored town together and shared a few yummy meals – and drinks.

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