Machu Pichu by Train

Machu Pichu by Train

I'm really excited about taking Peru Rail to Machu Pichu and will book tickets soon. The pictures of the rail are beautiful. I'm thinking of spending a little extra money for something nicer.

Cusco by Taxi

Cusco by Taxi

I was told by my bro that taxis in Peru are pretty cheap and that tipping there is not required. This will probably be my main mode of transpo once I get used to the area.

Nuevo Sol = $$$

Nuevo Sol = $$$

The Nuevo Sol (S/.) is the currency of Peru It is subdivided into 100 centimos (cents). The Nuevo Sol was introduced on July 1st 1991 due to the hyperinflation of the previous monetary system the inti. The inflation rate for the Nuevo Sol remains consistant at a rate of 1.5% and maintains a stable exchange rate between 3.3 and 3.00 nuevo soles per USD. Out of all the currencies of the Latin-American region, the Peruvian nuevo sol has been the most stable and reliable currency, also being the currency least affected by the weak dollar global tendency.

Coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 céntimos and 1 nuevo sol, the 2 and 5 nuevos soles coins were added in 1994.

Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 denominations

The most current conversion rate is 1 USD to 3.25 Nuevo Sol

Interesting Bits about Cusco

Interesting Bits about Cusco

Yeah I know these pictures are kind of touristy....

Cusco is located in Huatanay River Valley, in the southeasts Andes of Peru at 11151,44 feet above the level sea. The foundations of modern Cusco were built by the Incas 5,000 years ago. The Incas designed Cusco, their capital in the shape of a puma, the walls Sacsayhuaman in the north representing the teeth. Cusco was the epicenter for the Inca Empire and contained roads leading through the Andes, Ecuador, through Bolivia and Chile. Spanish Conquistadors realized this, and during the battle of Sacsayhuaman most of the Inca monuments were leveled. Many of the Inca structures were so well engineered that the Spanish simply build on top of original structures.

Fun Facts about Peru

Fun Facts about Peru

I'll be posting what I've learned, progress, and interesting tidbits in the meantime. Here are some fun facts about Peru.

• Peru has about 28 million inhabitants and is the fourth most populated country in South America
• Pachamanca is a traditional Peruvian tradition of cooking meat and vegetables with hot stones.
  
• The Inca Empire was located in Cusco
  

Peru!

Peru!

Peru! I booked a ticket, and will be living with my brother in Cusco for 3 weeks, and I know almost nothing about it.