An Exciting Morning in Cusco

I am spending my spring break in Peru to hike the Inca Trail, and I just arrived in Cusco around 6 am this morning, after little-to-no sleep due to a weird layover in Lima. I felt like a zombie, but as soon as the plane touched down in Cusco, my energy was renewed! All around me, there were mountains in every direction I looked! The commute from the airport to the hotel was quick–about 15 minutes. My room would not be ready until 10:30, so I decided to head out for a walk.

The streets started out pretty quiet. Very few cars or people were out. The city is fairly small, and much less touristy than I thought it would be, considering all the people who pass through on the way to Machu Picchu each day. But it is really colorful and there is something interesting to see around every corner.

  
The day continued to get interesting. I made my way to the Plaza de Armas, which is the main square. Being worn down by the altitude just a bit, I decided to sit down and catch my breath for a bit, and enjoy some people watching. I am glad I did, because interesting events ensued! First, I heard people chanting, and I turned around and saw a parade of people carrying signs in protest or support of something. They all filed into the square and situated themselves in front of the cathedral. Next, hundreds of soldiers marched into the plaza and also positioned themselves in front of the cathedral. They were doing some sorts of drills.

Some of the demonstrators were wearing traditional outfits. They were blowing into some conch shells and dancing around.

 It is hard to see in that picture, but they are up by the fountain.

Then the marching bands came in. I could also hear someone making announcements about things, but I could not make out what he was saying.

Lots of police also marched in and out of the plaza.

Eventually, the demonstrators left, but the soldiers were still there. It looked like there was going to be some sort of big speech going on, based on a podium that was set up in front of the church.

Finally, I got tired of waiting around and nothing new of interest was happening, so I left. I guess I may never know what exactly was going on in the plaza this morning, but it sure made for an exciting welcome to Peru!