[DAYS 2-4 - Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday in CUSCO]

All right guys, this one's going to be short due to the fact that I didn't do any straight-up mongering. I flew into Cusco on Sunday Morning, took a taxi ride from the airport to Hotel Don Carlos (which does NOT seem to be monger friendly - rather conservative place) for 5 NS, and immediately started getting altitude sickness. Remember this: if you're going to Cusco for a couple days, get some medicine for this before going. The coca tea might help a touch, but DIAMOXX pills will help you even more. Sadly, I didn't take any Diamoxx until Sunday evening - after finding a doctor's office near the Plaza de Armas.

Cusco was a nice colonial town. I did a 2-day hike up Machu Picchu with a small group with a guide for $140 US, and had a great but touristy time. On Tuesday night, back in Cusco from by hiking trip, I made a b-line into the club scene at Plaza de Armas ... this place called Mama Africa. Went up, got a drink, and started chatting with 2 local girls. We had some pizza, but, still feeling mountain-sickness, I decided to call it a night. I'll tell you what, if you're interested in non-pro action, it can be had Mama Africa. The key is that you'll need to approach the girls and just be yourself. Cusquenos are definitely interested in different cultures ... albeit a lot of it may be monetarily driven.

Apparently there is a chongo known as La Curva/Santutis (see the first page of this trip report for cost and how to get there), but my head and stomach didn't allow me to partake in such pleasures. By Tuesday night, I couldn't wait to go back to sea-level ... Lima, here I come!