Founded by Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo between the XI and XII centuries, Cuzco was completely changed when in 1534 the Spanish Crown decided to found it again according to its parameters and needs. Today it is a cultural patrimony of mankind. Everything in it smells and tastes of a cultural melting pot, the pride of the Incan empire and Spanish stoicism. The downtown buildings headed by the Cathedral, the Jesuit Church and Town Hall all show unquestionable Iberian sumptuousness but the streets have absorbed indigenous life and the pride of belonging to the once great Incan empire. The city is large with a population of 300,000 and although its profile recalls a colonial town, there are new residential and commercial areas far from the tourists, planned and inhabited by the everyday population of Cuzco.
Signs of life are more palpable at the train station.
Rays of sunlight begin to appear but the cold is penetrating. The wind blows unabatedly and you can almost touch the sky, the sun and clouds. The train, a locomotive and three cars although the number varies according to the tourist demand, is in excellent repair and painted red and yellow in a direct allusion to the flag of Spain, the country that donated it. Inside, the polished wood and English style upholstered seats await us. The swaying begins.