Crushing It in Cusco, Peru (June 1, 2026)
Today is Connie Knies’ 93rd birthday and her husband Richard Knies’ 94th birthday (see yesterday’s post for details). I won’t repeat all I shared yesterday, just I’m deeply grateful to have both of them in my life. Even here in Peru, I’m thinking about both of them back in NY.
I love Cusco, and truly love their food. Peruvian Ossobuco for the win!
Tonight I had Peruvian Ossobuco at one of the many available fine dining restaurants in Cusco. This one was called Morena, and everything about it is New York chic. Everything, that is, except the price. When’s the last time you could say you had one of the best meals of your life for under $30 USD (100 Peruvian Soles). Yum!
What makes it Peruvian? The vegetables, sauce and flavoring.
What you don’t hear is the perfect music in the background. It has a Peruvian beat while still feeling modern and mood-lifting. The decoration is authentic, raw and real. Beauty in all mediums. The bar (where I ate my food given how busy it was) had lights coming up from the granite. Even the bathrooms were well decorated, modern and well maintained. No detail was too small and it showed.
I almost went with another Alpaca dish. The meat is lean and delicious and always prepared with Peruvian flair. But when I saw my favorite dish on the menu AND Peruvian style, I couldn’t resist. I devoured it.
Guess what is immediately to the left of this cathedral?
Yep. Kentucky Fried Chicken. For those who want to meet God … early.
And, of course, if you’re more of a McDonald’s tourist, that’s right next door to the KFC. It’s the only McDonald’s I’ve seen world wide that has a black “M” instead of the typical “Golden Arches.”
I guess yellow was not allowed in the plaza signage? How different.
All this is to say, I can’t imagine eating at McDonalds or KFC when some of the best food in the world is abundant in all directions. Peruvian incorporates all flavor profiles. If you’re a vegan, you can find plenty of options. Or, if you’re a carnivore like me, prepare to have some of the most savory meals ever. There’s only one I didn’t love:
I can’t eat a guinea pig when the teeth, claws and face are present
But I digress. The food here is amazing and I’ve had no bad meals. Everything tastes fresh, home cooked and made with deep intention. I receive it as such and consume it with equal care and passion.
I bought a number of souvenirs in Machu Picchu. Sending via Serpost
After DHL destroyed one package and returned another, I no longer trust them as a carrier. Today, however, I experienced the efficiency and helpfulness of the Peruvian Post Office, Serpost. I was met by an independent Peruvian businessman who, for 30 Soles (about $9 USD), provided a box, carefully packed my items, helped me complete the declaration forms, sealed up my box not just with tape, but also plastic wrap, weighed the final product and carried it to the counter. Wow.
And, of course, as soon as I shipped everything home, I discovered that there is a day trip to a Peruvian Glacier with a tunnel inside. While I’m glad I shipped my items back, I had to get a few more for the Glacier trip. No matter, for the first time in 11 months, I actually need sweaters, a jacket, hat and gloves. As I head to Buenos Aires, I’ll need fall clothing and depending on where I go from there, I’ll likely use warmer clothes.
Weather in Cusco ranges from a low of 38 to 60 Fahrenheit
This sign sums it up (grafiti and all)
I also love all the creativity here in Cusco. There are many t-shirt shops with very clever designs that are authentically Peruvian, such as:
Playing with Darth Vader in a Peruvian Hat or Adidas as Coca Leaves
The artwork here is stunning too. When the imagination connects with bright, beautiful colors, what is created is awe-inspiring. There’s no shortage of art showing up in every medium. Beauty is captured in the essence of everything around and surrounding Cusco.
Artist rendition of “Rainbow Mountain” which is similar in real life
And I think that’s why it feels like I’m “Crushing It in Cusco.”
I’m connected to the deep Peruvian vibe here. I deeply resonate with the food, the art, the clothes, and most of all, the people.
Peruvian people are so loving and kind. I’ve met so many beautiful people from Peru in such a short time. They all have amazing hearts and deeply connect.
I’m excited for the rest of my time here. I know it will only deepen my love of Peru and help me continue my growth year as I continue to travel the world for a full year.
