The Sacred Valley

6.9.13: Pisac

After climbing stairs for over an hour we arrived at the Pisac ruins which overlook the beginning of the Sacred Valley.

Pisac was our first real adventure. We took a bus from Cusco, intending to get off at Tambomacay and walk the 2.5 miles back to the city, visiting the four closest ruins along the way (which we subsequently did the following day). However, the bus was crammed full of people, the driver made a rolling stop, and I wasn't sure it even was our stop until we were driving away and I saw the sign.  So, I looked at Will and said, "So, I hear there is a really great Sunday market in Pisac. Wanna go?" And we had the wonderful chance to improvise for the first time. Neither of us normally excel at improvisation, but if you ask me, we did just fine on our visit to Pisac.  If I had the chance to do research ahead of time we probably never would hiked up to the top when we could have taken a taxi, for example.  Hmm... well, we made it up there is the main point and saw amazing views and hilltop ruins that stretched on and on.

6.10.13: Tambomacay, Puka Pukara, Q'enqo, Sacsayhuaman

Tambomacay ceremonial baths.

Puka Pukara

Will sizes up the sacrificial table at Q'enqo.

The massive stones at Sacsayhuaman loom over Cher.

Set up begins at Sacsayhuaman for the annual Inti Raymi fesitval.

6.12.13: Ollantaytambo

Will atop the terraces at Ollantaytambo; the last outpost before Machu Picchu.