From Lima, we flew to Cusco. But, we did not linger. We would return for a longer visit after a few days spent on the way to and from Machu Picchu. This was our first in-depth look at the Andes Mountains surrounding the Sacred Valley of the Inca. We took the high road from Cusco to Ollantaytambo via the historic pre-Inca village of Pisac.
Overlook on the highway east of Cusco ascending along the Sacred Valley of the IncaLlamas at Awana Kancha farm, petting zoo, and textile shop, our first stop along the way. Shaggy llamaAnd, a vicuña … on the run through the outdoor exhibits!Exhibit of Inca tribal gatheringAnother exhibit of an Inca tribal gatheringDemonstration of a textile being woven on a traditional loom; she told me it would take about two months to complete the piece she was working on.Traditional Inca yarns used in weaving the textiles; we would see how they were spun and dyed at a later stop.The shop at Awana KanchaFine textiles made from the camelid furs.
We arrived at our lunchtime destination, the town of Pisac.
Central plaza at Pisac, ancient village in the Sacred Valley of the IncaOne of the people selling wares and produce on the plaza. This one conned me out of $5.00 for taking her photo! Actually, she asked and I gave it gladly. She was a real character.Corn—one of many varietiesPotatoes—one of 600, no 4,000, no 6,000, varieties. The number kept increasing!Potatoes, potatoes, and more potatoes!
Behind the modern-day scene, there are remnants and evidence of Inca and pre-Inca foundations.
Old wall on a side street in Pisac
Entrance to the local arts and crafts market off the main plaza of PisacThree-wheel “tuk-tuk” taxis—they were everywhere in Peru—decorated in a vast array of styles from gaudy to elegant
Our journey continued onto Ollantaytambo via Urubamba and several other villages each tracing back to Inca and pre-Inca times and tribes.
Main entrance gate to Hotel ParakitampuOffice and Lobby at Hotel ParakitampuBuilding with our room at Hotel Pakaritampu
The main attraction in Ollantaytambo—the Inca ruins above the old town
Panoramic view of old Ollantaytambo from partway up the Inca ruins terracesStarting the climb up through the ruins of the Inca terraces at OllantaytamboWarning and detour signage along the routeClimbing through the ruins en route to Inka Watana, the Citadel, high aboveThe trail up to the Citadel continuesInca Watana — the CitadelRuins of the Citadel — Inka WatanaAncient Inca precision stone fitting and designThe author at Inka WatanaAlong the trail back downBack in the lower ruins and excavation areaPathway from the ruins toward the railroad station and our lunch stop
A Finis Terrae 