Day 236
There were so many Inca ruins around Cusco and we opted to visit most of them.
On our day’s schedule we found the Sacred Valley Tour.
After leaving Cusco we stopped at a market where we could buy the latest chic. And have ourselves photographed with llamas and probably a genetic altered giant guinea pig!
The Incan citadel at Pisac was stop number two. Researchers believe that Písac defended the southern entrance to the Sacred Valley. The Inca constructed agricultural terraces on the steep hillside, which are still in use today.
Then we went for buffet lunch were I was able to proof my Portuguese language skills while queuing up.
In the afternoon more ruins awaited at Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region, built the town and on a steep hill a ceremonial center. Due to impressive character of these terraces, the Temple Hill is commonly known as the Fortress, however, this is a misnomer as the main functions of this site were religious. We were able to enjoy excellent views of the surrounding area.
The valleys of the Urubamba and Patakancha rivers along Ollantaytambo are covered by an extensive set of agricultural terraces which start at the bottom of the valleys and climb up the surrounding hills. The terraces permitted farming on otherwise unusable terrain; they also allowed the Incas to take advantage of the different ecological zones created by variations in altitude.
On our way back to Cusco we stopped at a small handicraft place where we got to know the local tricks of Alpaca wool making and dying.
Day 237
It was New Years Eve‘s day. Still, we had to do a few things–sightseeing of course.
So we went to the designated departure point and boarded a bus. Yet again (3rd time) we were greeted by Ronald who had been our very informative tour guide on the two previous trips we conducted in Cusco. Nice!
As it seems visiting some handicraft place is part of every tour. So we couldn’t miss this one. Up until now we really can call ourselves very versed in the Peruvian art of colouring wool.
Our second destination was Maras, a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is is well known for its nearby salt evaporation ponds, in use since Inca times: Salinas de Maras! This place is accessible only by a poorly maintained dirt road. We got a brief introduction to the place and then were allowed to wander off around the upper parts of the salt ponds.
The last stop Moray is an archaeological site northwest of Cusco on a high plateau at 3500m. The site contains unusual Inca ruins, mostly consisting of several enormous terraced circular depressions. Moray was perhaps an Inca agricultural experiment station. As with many other Inca sites, it also has a sophisticated irrigation system.
Back in Cusco we bought some important party necessities and went about our evening preparations for New Years Eve.
We had drinks, then fine Indian dinner at Korma Sutra in San Blas. Then more drinks down at the Plaza de Armas. We also met up with some Argentinian girls we went on a tour with before. The main square got very busy. We geared up with yellow–utilising blow out paper or properly coloured clothes.
It was a mental party with lots of people and impressive fireworks.
Unfortunately Berne got his camera snapped out of his belt bag. This was lowering our mood a little bit. So Bettina and I left him with the girls and went for further drinks and laughs at Paddy’s Pub.
Day 238
Happy New Year 2012!
We were sleeping in. Plus went on a brief shopping spree to prepare for our upcoming trip to the Peruvian jungle.
Also I learnt: Malaria pills give you very vivid dreams!
New Year’s Eve 2011 and The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Salinas de Maras and Moray
Day 236
There were so many Inca ruins around Cusco and we opted to visit most of them.
On our day’s schedule we found the Sacred Valley Tour.
After leaving Cusco we stopped at a market where we could buy the latest chic. And have ourselves photographed with llamas and probably a genetic altered giant guinea pig!
The Incan citadel at Pisac was stop number two. Researchers believe that Písac defended the southern entrance to the Sacred Valley. The Inca constructed agricultural terraces on the steep hillside, which are still in use today.
Then we went for buffet lunch were I was able to proof my Portuguese language skills while queuing up.
In the afternoon more ruins awaited at Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region, built the town and on a steep hill a ceremonial center. Due to impressive character of these terraces, the Temple Hill is commonly known as the Fortress, however, this is a misnomer as the main functions of this site were religious. We were able to enjoy excellent views of the surrounding area.
The valleys of the Urubamba and Patakancha rivers along Ollantaytambo are covered by an extensive set of agricultural terraces which start at the bottom of the valleys and climb up the surrounding hills. The terraces permitted farming on otherwise unusable terrain; they also allowed the Incas to take advantage of the different ecological zones created by variations in altitude.
On our way back to Cusco we stopped at a small handicraft place where we got to know the local tricks of Alpaca wool making and dying.
Day 237
It was New Years Eve‘s day. Still, we had to do a few things–sightseeing of course.
So we went to the designated departure point and boarded a bus. Yet again (3rd time) we were greeted by Ronald who had been our very informative tour guide on the two previous trips we conducted in Cusco. Nice!
As it seems visiting some handicraft place is part of every tour. So we couldn’t miss this one. Up until now we really can call ourselves very versed in the Peruvian art of colouring wool.
Our second destination was Maras, a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is is well known for its nearby salt evaporation ponds, in use since Inca times: Salinas de Maras! This place is accessible only by a poorly maintained dirt road. We got a brief introduction to the place and then were allowed to wander off around the upper parts of the salt ponds.
The last stop Moray is an archaeological site northwest of Cusco on a high plateau at 3500m. The site contains unusual Inca ruins, mostly consisting of several enormous terraced circular depressions. Moray was perhaps an Inca agricultural experiment station. As with many other Inca sites, it also has a sophisticated irrigation system.
Back in Cusco we bought some important party necessities and went about our evening preparations for New Years Eve.
We had drinks, then fine Indian dinner at Korma Sutra in San Blas. Then more drinks down at the Plaza de Armas. We also met up with some Argentinian girls we went on a tour with before. The main square got very busy. We geared up with yellow–utilising blow out paper or properly coloured clothes.
It was a mental party with lots of people and impressive fireworks.
Unfortunately Berne got his camera snapped out of his belt bag. This was lowering our mood a little bit. So Bettina and I left him with the girls and went for further drinks and laughs at Paddy’s Pub.
Day 238
Happy New Year 2012!
We were sleeping in. Plus went on a brief shopping spree to prepare for our upcoming trip to the Peruvian jungle.
Also I learnt: Malaria pills give you very vivid dreams!