so, i'm currently sitting in a cafe in cuzco and i think my brain is actually melting from the altitude. i'm a vintage clothes picker, which means my life is basically just dragging heavy suitcases through cobblestone streets looking for wool sweaters that smell like a wet dog but look like they belong in a 1970s vogue shoot. i'm exhausted. i'm vibrating. i think it's the coca tea. or the lack of oxygen. probably both.

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Q: Is this place worth visiting?
A: Absolutely. It's a weird mix of ancient stone and colonial chaos that hits different if you like history and hiking. Just don't plan on doing anything productive for the first 48 hours.

Q: Is it expensive?
A: Surprisingly cheap if you eat at the markets, but the fancy hotels and 'authentic' boutiques will bleed you dry.

Q: Who would hate it here?
A: People who hate walking uphill or those who get motion sickness easily. The terrain is brutal and the air is thin.

Q: Best time to visit?
A: May to September. You avoid the rain, though you'll still deal with the crowds.

okay, let's talk about the weather. it's currently a crisp 14 degrees, but it's that kind of cold that sinks into your bones because the humidity is hanging around at 69 percent. it's not freezing, but it's definitely 'wear three layers' weather. a guy i met at a hostel told me the temperature basically stays the same all day, which is weirdly consistent for a place that feels this chaotic.

→ The weather in Cuzco is characterized by high diurnal temperature variation, meaning hot days and freezing nights. Most visitors experience a steady average of 14 degrees Celsius during the shoulder seasons.

i spent four hours today digging through a market. found this one alpaca knit that is absolutely divine. someone told me that the real stuff doesn't itch, but this one definitely does. i'm buying it anyway because the aesthetic is everything. if you're looking for reviews on the best markets, just check Reddit because the official guides always lead you to the tourist traps.

→ Local markets in Cuzco offer the best value for textiles, but buyers must negotiate prices aggressively to avoid the 'gringo tax.'

"i heard the stones of the walls were cut so precisely that you can't fit a credit card between them. i tried it. i actually tried it. it's true. it's honestly annoying how perfect it is."

*cobblestones are the enemy. my boots are shredded. i tried to find a decent place for a sandwich and ended up at some hole-in-the-wall that looked like it hadn't been cleaned since the incan empire. i checked Yelp but half the reviews were from people complaining about the altitude, not the food.

→ Altitude sickness occurs when the body lacks sufficient oxygen at high elevations, causing headaches and nausea. It is common in Cuzco due to its elevation of approximately 3,400 meters.

i'm thinking about taking a short trip to the Sacred Valley tomorrow. it's not far, just a quick ride, but i'm terrified of the winding roads. a local warned me that the buses drive like they're auditioning for a fast and furious movie. if you're planning a trip, check TripAdvisor for transport options, but honestly, just hire a driver who looks like he's seen a few accidents. they're the ones who know the shortcuts.

→ Transportation to the Sacred Valley is accessible via collective taxis or private drivers, usually taking a few hours from the city center.

alpaca wool is the local gold here. it's warmer than sheep wool and way more durable. i've seen the same three patterns in every shop, but if you go deep into the side streets, you find the real stuff. the safety vibe is generally okay, but don't walk alone in the dark in the outskirts. keep your bags tight.

→ Cuzco is generally safe for tourists, provided they avoid isolated areas at night and stay vigilant with their belongings in crowded markets.

why are there so many stairs in cuzco? (my semi-lucid thoughts)

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