We started our morning in the Amazon Jungle and ended our day in the Andes Mountains. Our fifth day in Peru had us sight seeing and shopping in the Sacred Valley.
Upon arriving at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, we were greeted by our new tour guide, Luis, and our private driver, who would be with us for the next five days. One of the great things about having our own driver for the time we were in Cusco was we could leave whatever we wanted in the car. We did not have to lug all of our luggage to each hotel. The driver held onto whatever we did not need.
Textiles Sulca in the Sacred Valley of Peru
Our first stop was Textiles Sulca, a museum and boutique. We were given a guided tour, learning about the differing tapestries made by Peruvian pre-Colombian cultures. We were also taught how to distinguish between baby alpaca, alpaca and acrylic clothing. A lot of vendors in open markets claim they are selling baby alpaca, when they are not. Baby alpaca, the first shearing of an alpaca, is softer and more expensive. It is also cool to the touch.
Textiles Sulca in the Sacred Valley of Peru
There was a gentlemen in the back room working the loom, which was interesting to watch. After purchasing some goodies, we headed back to the van for a scenic drive to our next destination.
The Sacred Valley of Peru
The sun was beginning to set when we stopped at the overlook to take some pictures.
Farming Terraces in the Sacred Valley of Peru
I was not aware of how prevalent terraced farming is throughout the country of Peru. Unfortunately, there is a lot of clear cutting and unauthorized burning to make room for more farming. When you compare their standard of living to your own, you can begin to understand why some of the people make that choice.
The Pisac Market in Peru
Unfortunately, we arrived at the Pisac Market as some of the vendors were beginning to close. I was quite disappointed, as this was one of the markets I had specifically said that I wanted to visit. Pisac is a cute town. Although the place we stayed at, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel, was very nice, it was not located near anything we could walk to. In retrospect, I would have liked to stay in Pisac or Ollantaytambo because there was plenty for us to see and do during our free time in each location.
Drainage System in Pisac, Peru
The importance of drainage/irrigation systems in the mountains, diverting water through the towns and to the farming fields, was explained to us and we witnessed it throughout the Sacred Valley. The system built at Machu Picchu is still in use today. The channels you see here are part of the drainage system. They utilize the natural slope of the land to their advantage.
Unauthorized Burning in the Sacred Valley, Peru
We happened to be visiting the area during the horribly destructive fire in the Amazon in Brazil. To see the mountainside in Peru engulfed in flames was a sad sight.
After we finished shopping at the market, we drove to Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado, where we stayed for two nights. We did make a quick stop to look at the stars. I am always amazed at how many stars you can see when you get away from light pollution. The next day had us visiting Ollantaytambo’s ruins and hiking down the Patacancha Valley .
As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.
(All pictures are available for purchase as Fine Art or Digital Downloads at full resolution through Alamy. If you see something you like, click on the link. If you are unable to find it, use the Contact Me page and I will make sure the image is available.)
More Adventures In Peru
Hiking Through the Amazon Rainforest to Oxbow Lake
Hiking to the Summit of Huayna Picchu
To Walk or To Ride To Machu Picchu
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Shopping and Sight Seeing in the Sacred Valley
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