WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2015

EXPLORING CUSCO AND HEADING INTO THE SACRED VALLEY

Day 2 started out with a very early 5:15 wakeup call and a quick flight from Lima to Cusco. Arriving at 10,860′ elevation Cusco Airport, we had our first sampling of coca leaves, which locals chew whole (as well as brew as tea and make into candy) as a way to prevent altitude sickness.

After landing, we headed to Qorikancha, the most important temple in the Incan Empire. Quehua for “golden courtyard,” it was dedicated primarily to Inti, the Sun God – the temple was built in the mid-15th Century, and the walls were originally lined with thick sheets of gold. After the Spanish conquest in 1533, Pizarro bequeathed Qorikancha to the Dominicans, in whose possession it has remained ever since. Today’s site is a unique combination of Inca and colonial architecture, topped with a roof of glass and metal.

Walking outside the temple there was a beautiful view of the city of Cusco!

Leaving the temple, we headed out of the city of Cusco and started driving out into the Sacred Valley.

On the way, we stopped for lunch at a beautiful little villa, with the most picturesque backyard!

Heading back on the road, we continued to drive through beautiful scenery before stopping at a point with a stellar view of the valley below.

Finally, we got to our destination: the little town of Pisac, which sits at the foot of an original Inca settlement. The artisan market at Pisac is now world famous; the stalls start from the main plaza and spread into the inclined streets—leading to the foot of the mountain.

When we arrived, there was a little show going on in the street, with masked dancers trying to hit each other with whips. No idea what the show was about (and Googling now I cannot find a single thing about it), but it was entertaining!

After enjoying the show for a little while, we explored what Pisac is known for: its colorful markets and exceptional silver shops with every possible kind of jewelry.

Finally, we arrived at the Sonesta Posadas del Inca lodge in the town of Yucay where we’d be staying for the next two nights. A former 18th-century monastery, it was one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever stayed! Before joining the group for dinner, I took the time to walk around and photograph it as night began to fall. Flowers and gardens everywhere, historic architecture, the massive Andes right behind it… beautiful!