Plazoleta San Blas

By Walter Coraza Morveli (translated by David Knowlton)

One of the most visited neighborhoods of Cuzco, San Blas is famous for many things. There, were born Cuzco’s master craftsmen among the narrow streets with surprising names in Quechua that almost no one can memorize. It is where many people get turned around as if in a labyrinth that traps them with its spells. But that is not all. One of the most visited attractions in San Blas is its public market. Read the rest of this entry

Tourist Walking down Cuzco Streets

By David Knowlton

The security message from the United States Embassy in Peru warning American citizens of a security risk was valid only through today, the end of February. A flurry of interest in the warning stormed through the press in the last several days because of the reported disappearance in Peru of an American couple who are now reported same and in contact with family. The US insists the couple’s situation had nothing to do with the warning.
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A Christmas Tree on the Plazoleta Espinar

By Walter Coraza Morveli (translated by David Knowlton)

After a Christmas Eve filled with villancicos (Christmas carols), hot chocolate, and panetón, finally midnight came, the Christ Child was born and brought with him Christmas, a day of peace and love for all. Christmas is a day to celebrate in family, showing our love for each other. Read the rest of this entry

A Woman and her Daughter Selling Bracelets on the Path to the Pisac Complex

By Walter Coraza Morveli (Translated by David Knowlton)

On the way to tourist attractions, such as the fifteenth century Inca estate of Pisaq in the Sacred Valley, you see women offering their wares. They come from communities near the tourist sites and with warmth and sincere smiles captivate the visitors while offering them handicrafts that they made as a souvenir of the place. Read the rest of this entry

Welcoming Travelers this Morning in Cuzco

Today at an early hour, around 7 am, Cuzco’s municipal government along with the Inca, the Ñustas (Empresses) waited to receive tourists who were arriving at the Bus terminal in Cusco, just as they did in the airport.  They gave them a warm welcome with dances from Cuzco’s traditional repertoire of Cuzco.  They also gave them souvenirs of Cuzco such as and CDs of Cuzqueñan music in order to make them feel very welcome in our city.   Read the rest of this entry

I Need Your Picture

First thing in the morning, September 27th, the Regional Directorate of Tourism (DIRCETUR) will appear in Cuzco’s Velazco Astete airport as well as in the city’s bus terminal to surprise the first tourists to arrive this day with music, traditional dances, and special surprises. They wish to give them a festive reception in honor of World Tourism Day. Read the rest of this entry

The Eyes of a Cusqueño Boy

Big eyes, opened widely, look at you intently from off their mother’s back. Children have permission to look and keep looking where older people would avert their gaze. Being in Cuzco is not only about seeing well tailored stone walls, traveling to Machu Picchu, and eating in Cuzco’s many, diverse restaurants, it is also about these silent yet intense interactions as children’s eyes draw us in and move us from our normal place to one of intrigue and enchantment. Read the rest of this entry

A Shoeshine Boy Going into Peru Bus

By Walter Coraza Morveli (translated by David Knowlton)

“Shoe shine, Mister?” “Hey friend, shine your shoes?” These are questions thrown at tourists daily in the streets of Cuzco. Spoken mostly in English, they are phrases the shoe shine boys who walk through the streets near the Plaza de Armas use to reel in tourists. But it is not only their words that capture, their smiles and insistence win people over. Read the rest of this entry

Offering a Restaurant on the Plaza

By David Knowlton and Walter Coraza Morveli

Strolling at night under the colonnaded arcades that line Cuzco’s main square can be very romantic. The yellowish lights seem to rise from the plaza to become stars in the sky. As a result, the Plaza seems a perfect place for a stroll arm and arm with your companion just to celebrate in a beautiful place that you are together and alive. However, that joy is blocked at every step when someone comes up and demands your attention while offering you a restaurant,  massage, or tourist information. These people are called jaladores [hall-ah-dóor-ehss] and are part of the culture of Cuzco. Read the rest of this entry