South America 2017: 06 Peru - Indigenous Quechua in a laid-back colonial town of Pisac

“He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever…” - Chinese Proverb

(Pisac Market selling local handicrafts and souvenirs)

Day 06: Saturday, 21 Oct 2017
Route: Lima – Cuzco – Pisac - Sacred Valley

Hotel: Sacred Valley Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Yucay, Peru

(Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport)

(The shops at the Departure Hall)

(Acclimatization needed for the high attitude)

We checked out of the hotel and were transferred to the airport to board our 07:37 domestic flight to Cuzco. Unfortunately the 07:37 flight was cancelled and replaced with the 9.00 am flight instead. The group was split into two groups flying half an hour apart. Arrived in Cuzco at 10:00 and were met by our guide Mr. Willington and the driver. Both are Quechua originated among the indigenous peoples of South America.

(High altitude hamlets and ruins)

(Andean countryside dotted with villages)

(Beyond lies the Sacred Valley)

(Panoramic view of the Sacred Valley)

(A stunning landscape from the Condor Viewpoint)

(A restaurant and rest area)

(The mountainous narrow road from Cuzco to Sacred Valley)

From the airport we travelled to Pisac enroute to Sacred Valley on Peru Andean Range with an altitude of 3,399 meter. Acclimatization is needed as the air is thin and cold. The Sacred Valley is a region in Peru, along with the nearby town of Cuzco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, it formed the heart of the Inca Empire. Stretching roughly 60 km, it is an area of fertile farmland and Spanish colonial villages like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Pisac is known for its Sunday handicraft market and hilltop Incan citadel. On the way to Pisac, we stopped at a viewpoint to have a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley.

Along the way, we noticed that most houses have a pair of miniature ceramic bulls on the middle of their rooftops. This acts as good fortune and protection for the house and the families that inhabit it. This tradition comes from the time of the Incas.

(Talisman, an ancient believe in modern time)

(Entering Pisac region)

(A laid-back colonial town)

(Indigenous Quechua communities from the highland) 

(Lunch in a local restaurant)

(A delicious fish and spinach dishes)

We had lunch at Ulrike’s Cafe, a restaurant at the centre of Pisac Market. Lunch was grilled pink trout and pumpkin soup, very tasty and delicious.

(Handicrafts and souvenirs)

(Local crafts and farmers market)

(Paintings by local artists)

(Cafes and restaurants)

Visited Pisac Market, one of the most famous markets in the Cuzco region. The market draws many visitors to its famous Sunday market when indigenous Quechua communities from the surrounding highlands come to Pisac to sell their produce and stock up on supplies for the week. A large section of the market is dedicated to tourist-oriented souvenir stalls where you can find weavings, jewellery, ponchos, hats, Andean instruments, ceramics, alpaca products and a whole range of other gifts and souvenirs. The handcraft market is open every day from 09:00 to 16.30 and is a good place to pick up some gifts all in the one place.

(Pisac Inca Ruins)

(A doorway marking the Entrance)

(A flute player at the Pisac Ruins)

(The highest point of the Pisac Ruins)

(Thin and dry air on the mountain top)

(Inca villages and ruins)

(The village with the plunging gorge on either side)

(Vast sweeping agricultural terraces)

(The citadel across the hill terrace)

(The hilltop Inca citadel)

(A street vendor)

After spending a few hours in the Pisac Market, we travelled up the mountains to visit Pisac Ruins known as Inca Písac which lie atop a hill at the entrance to the valley. They are separated into four areas stretching along the picturesque ridge- Pisaqa, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa, and Kinchiracay. The settlement is built on row upon row of fine stone terraces, laid out on a natural balcony. The layout is thought to represent a partridge’s wing. Visitors to the upper sector are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Andes Mountains. The main Temple of the Sun is built on a huge protruding spur of volcanic rock. There are also baths, altars, water fountains and a ceremonial platform whilst above these ruins lie several ancient burial sites, many still unexcavated.

(Drinking glasses of coca tea to fight altitude sickness)

We overnight in Sacred Valley Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Yucay. Tonight, some in our group started to experience Acute Mountain Sickness and were having severe headaches and nauseating.

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