Cusco and Chinchero and Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu from the top

22 and 23 January 2016

 

We left Lima after a 6 ½ flight from Orlando…Oy Vey. The food on the plane was amazing (Katy told me it would be). Chef Mike is even taking care of my “special needs”

Of course I cheated on Caviar!

 

 

The Hotel Palacio Nazarenas is fabulous. The rooms are amazing and the bathroom is very nice. The Hotel is centrally located and the food is spectacular! (I guess it’s all about the food.) They are constantly feeding us. Peru is noted for its potatoes, producing over 1,000 varieties. And, they are yummy.

 

 

They also eat Guinea Pigs, but I’m not going there.  Well, perhaps just a little bit.  The Guinea Pigs live in the homes, happily eating their meals  on the kitchen floor until…… they meet their fate…Oh dear!

 

 

Cusco is located about 11,200 feet above sea level. Many people experience altitude sickness…not me this time! Ralph, unfortunately, had a mild case. Cusco was the site of the Inca Empire from the 13^th to the 16^th Century. The Spanish conquered the Incas in 1532, and according to our guide, proceeded to destroy the Inca shrines to their Gods and many structures. A very sad story, and an all too familiar story currently and throughout history. The indigenous people of Cusco speak Quechuan, which is nothing like Spanish.  They also speak Spanish and, in the tourist industry, of course, English

We visited the Chinchero Archaeological site. This village was an Inca Fortress, and mythically believed to be the origin of the rainbow. (Those of us that live in Hawaii know better!)  Our Guide, Ronald was quite proud of his 100% Inca heritage, and rightfully so. The Incas created an amazing method of terrace farming and we were lucky to see a circular one in the ruins of Moray. They are micro climates…very cool.

 

We topped off our day with a visit to the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas. We were not allowed to take photos inside (and they charged us admission!) and suffice it to say, it was magnificent. Blinded by the gold leaf!

 

 

We visited Machu Picchu the next day.  I realized it’s been 21 years since I was last there!

Machu Picchu is evidence of the urban Inca Empire.  A citadel of cut stone fit together without mortar so tightly that its cracks still can’t be penetrated by a knife blade.  It is believed it was built as a ceremonial site or a military strong hold or a retreat for ruling elites.  Unfortunately the Incas did not have a written language and there is no record on why they built Machu Picchu.  There are 700 plus terraces which preserved soil and promoted agriculture and served as part of an extensive water distribution system.

Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham.  Indigenous peoples knew of the site, and the Spanish invaders never did which helped to preserve the site.  It is so impressive that they built this site over 500 years ago without the benefit of iron, steel and wheels!  Amazing.

 

The photo below is of a “Ceremonial Rock” which may have been used for sacrifices (human kind) according to my guide 21 years ago!  Not so now…revisionist history I guess.

 

After our visit, and prior to boarding the Hiram Bingham Luxury train for our trip back to Cusco, we visited a market place and I bought a pair of pants…$10!  Saw a seriously cute dog as well and had to include him…wanted to bring him home.

 

Next Stop Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the Moai!  Bucket List!