Fully Acclimated?

The San Blas area of Cusco is a colorful mix of artisans’ studios, shops selling tchockes, restaurants, coffee shops and bars. But its most striking feature is the seemingly endless flight of steps leading to the little plaza at (almost) the top.

On Thursday, day 2 in Cusco, my resting heart rate is down to 100, which is okay when I’m just walking around but it really jumps when I’m climbing stairs — a good excuse to browse the shops and to peek into hidden courtyards on the way to the summit.

This ancient church (built in the 1500s, then destroyed and rebuilt in the 1600s) stands guard over the plaza, where children play and old ladies hawk their wares.

Colorfully dressed Incans pose for photos in return for a few coins. It’s sad to see, but they are obviously so desperately poor that paying for a photo is the least one can do.