Day 4, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Pisac

After we had breakfast we were off for a day of excursions. We drove up the same way as we did the day before, but this time we drove past Sacsayhuman. We went to the town of Chinchero, to see a demonstration of how Andean people weave.

First they showed us how they clean the wool with their own Inca Shampoo, then how they do the natural dying techniques and finally from what plants they got the coloring. After that they showed us the way the weave. They told us that young girls learned to weave before they reach puberty, while women weave on heddle looms. At the end, the demonstrator blessed us for the New Year with confetti, just like the Incas did back in the pass.

When we were in Ollantaytambo, the locals were celebrating their “El Día de Reyes” (Three Kings Day), the Epiphany, echoing the day when the Three Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem. Although it was raining everybody was celebrating in the main square. Some of the locals wore costumes with big masks; others were dancing or playing some Andean instrument. It seen that they were heading to the church to culminated their celebration.

Next, we visited Ollantaytambo, a town known for its ruins, and the major site where the Incas defeated the Spaniards in battle. Ollantaytambo is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There is a set of terraces leading up the mountainside and from the summit there is an impressive view of the city. Ollantaytambo is enclosed with a defensive wall which separated the city from the ruins.

Later we had lunch. We drove to a nice restaurant that looked like a retreat place with beautiful flowers, gardens, alpacas, parrot and Andean music. The restaurant had a buffet with typical Peruvian food. The desserts were delicious, oh well at least for me, I love sweets, and they had a dessert that was made with rice pudding and I think (going to bet on this one- not quite sure) tropical berries. You would think that’s an odd combination, but if you’re into sweets you goanna love it.

After lunch, Edwin took us to the Pisac market close to the Sacred Valley, to do our shopping; because this market offered better quality and a bigger variety, than the one in Cuzco. I bought most of my souvenirs and hand crafts in this market. In this market if you really want to purchase something but you’re not too crazy about the price you could bargain, unless you want to pay the full price. Piece of advice; if you use and sharp your haggling skills you would get unbelievable bargains.

Afterward, we drove back to Cuzco. The Sacred Valley was unforgettable, unique, words can’t describe it completely. The Valley is mostly untouched and most of the locals conserve the lifestyle they had decades ago.

Dinner was at the restaurant in Plaza de Armas, I ate alpaca. The meat was a little tough for me, but the taste was good, it was cool to try it. When they served the alpaca, Karina and Giseth started playing with the finger puppets they bought at the Pisac market, it was hilarious our own puppet show at the dinner table. As for dessert we had a delicious ice cream.

Tomorrow is our big trip to Machu Picchu, I’m looking forward for my encounter with the new 7 Wonder of the World.