The first question I had was anything now going to compare to our amazing jungle experience, were we heading for disappointment from now on? Oh, definitely not, our next stop was Cusco, an introduction to high altitude in preparation for other destinations during this bucket list trip. Not knowing what to expect we were faced with a quaint old city encased by beautiful buildings. For those who know me they understand my passion with culture and indeed people. Immediately I was on the look out for photography opportunities, especially the Peruvian people. Again, not to be disappointed there was an abundance of photographic opportunities.
During this time the altitude was becoming quite a challenge, 3,400 metres above sea level I suppose it was to be expected, however, the husband didn’t suffer and had to put up with having to stop for refreshment breaks to enable me to get my breath. We wondered around Plaza De Armas and found a suitable place to taste the Peruvian food, what friendly and helpful people, I’ve already fallen in love with South America and especially Peru one of those magic countries that grab your heart. After a pleasant evening we meandered back to our beautiful hotel the Aranwa Cusco Boutique who were amazing while I was struggling with altitude sickness.
Up early and ready for the next journey to the Sacred Valley but oh dear the message at the reception said we couldn’t leave until later in the day due to a strike taking place over the increase of fuel. We decided to take a walk and see what was happening. In front of La Catedral, Plaza De Armas, people were quietly protesting regarding the fuel increase, police with their shields kept the large group of protestors well under control, another unexpected photo opportunity.
As 6pm arrived we eagerly waited for our coach to arrive, the protesting stops at 6pm and everyone goes home for dinner. The roads were now open for travel again. Thank goodness they only strike 9am to 6pm………..
Off at last and on our way to the Sacred Valley the next stage of our adventure. We had lost most of the day but again Llama Travel came up trumps and rearranged the itinerary around to ensure we didn’t miss any of the planned sites.
We arrived at our hotel which was to be our home for the next two nights and ‘wow’ what a hotel, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, the view from the room was stunning. Surrounded by mountains, I couldn’t wait to get up early and see the sunrise. Not being an early riser this maybe a challenge but I knew my husband wouldn’t let me sleep in!
I step out of bed through the patio doors and onto the terrace. Camera all set, all I had to do was watch. It was worth getting up early to catch the sunrise as the surrounding mountains started to come alive around the valley. This adventure was still getting better by the minute.
Breakfast finished, Llama Travel on time as always and we were already for experiencing this mesmerising Valley. Off we set for Chincheros first stop being a cultural village where we would experience weaving, dying of wools, cooking and other crafts. Apparently Chincheros is the home not only for weaving but it is said to be where the rainbow started. The local people were so warm and friendly you really cannot help but fall in love with this country. Having watched the demonstrations and learned a little about their country it was time to move on. ‘Ah’ but not before we said good bye to the cute Llama wearing his colourful tassels.
The next stop on the itinerary was the Church of Santo Domingo, which was built on the site of an Inca temple: Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun, which was destroyed by the Spanish. Humble looking from the outside but amazing artefacts encased the walls including the famous Inca silver. After marvelling over this amazing site, we wandered out of the church. Drinking in the beautiful landscape framed by the Andes I turned to see an elderly lady resting on Inca stones, abroad smile across her face, this summed up the Peruvian people, happy and friendly.
On the plateau was a market, locals selling their wares, many handmade local crafts. I stood enjoying the spectacular site as my husband bartered with one of the stall owners……. No not for one of his goods but for the hat he was wearing. Two smiling faces the Peruvian gentleman whom had sold the hat off his head and the husband who stood proud with a bright coloured locally made hat. Ok time to move on before he bought the shirt off his back.
Weaving our way through the steep narrow streets we stopped to watch a man carving a very large Gouda, a very popular tourist souvenir. There was so much talent in this amazing urban town. Time to move onto our next stop Ollantaytambo Ruins.
I took one glance and thought ‘oh my goodness do I really have to climb up there’ The ruins of the fortress were at the top of the large terraces, and although the stonework of the Inca’s was amazing the steps used to climb to the top were certainly not your normal steps. Uneven with some of the stone steps being quite deep they surely were not created with people with shorter legs in mind, some of us were not blessed with long model like legs, our strides a little shorter to say the least. As we stood amongst these terraces and looked back from where we had come, I was amazed to see a face carved in the rock face. Apparently, this is the face of Wiracocha, the deity. The Inca’s believed he was the creator of all.
We continued our climb to the top where our guide pointed out the unfinished ‘Sun Temple’ we admired the rocks that were part of the Sun Temple, carved by the Inca’s. This was engineering in a different light. Perfect and exquisite, you had to question how such work had been created with such primitive tools.
The views from the top were stunning and yes, another photography opportunity. Time to be taken to the train station to the next part of our journey, Machu Picchu, on the Sacred Valley Train.
“Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travellers don’t know where they are going.” Paul Theroux
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