Pisac

Located at the Eastern end of Sacred Valley (the opposite end to Machu Picchu and about 30Km North of Cusco, Pisac is the most significant Inca Ruin after Ollantaytambo.

The road climbs from the Pisac township in the valley and the ruins are 3,400m above sea level ( similar to Cusco in height)and about 350m above the town.

The agricultural terraces are still used.


Pisac Ruins show that the Incas could conquer building and living in difficult terrains.

The system of aqueducts still function...P

The flowers at this altitudes are beautiful.

The central element of the site is the Templo del Sol - it is an astronomical observatory,

The mother was making sure that her kids got in the photo and were paid for the pleasure.
.............

Meanwhile the township had a lively market.

Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is about 20km North west of Urubamba (towards Machu Picchu). It is described by the guide books as a living Inca town were ancient traditions are still utilized like tilling the fields with foot ploughs. The township has had people living in the cobblestone streets since the 13th century. Inca terraces are in the surrounding mountainsides.

The climb of the fort is at high altitude and is taxing - but we took it slowly.

An unfinished fortress , Araqama Ayllu consists of a Temple of the Sun, Royal Hall and the Intihuatana used to trace the path of the sun.

Look at the perfect fit of the stonework

Although unfinished the temple of the sun is one of the finest examples of Inca stonework. Six pink monoliths, designed to glow as the rays of the rising sun hit the structure, fit perfectly together. T joints were filled with molten bronze.

In the mountainside there is a grainery store keeps the produce dry and cool.

The township from the fortress

Great Experience

Back down from the fort.

Sacred Valley 1

After flying to Cuzco we went by coach to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Leaving Cuzco

Then the bus climbed and we sytopped to view the surrounding countryside.

LUNCH STOP

Lunch was at this amazing place called Hacienda Huayocarri..The eucalypts made us homesick. This could be an Aussie landscape.

But not the mansion interior

Or it's bird life..macaws are very cheeky

Here's the Sacred Valley. The town of Urubamba..

Our luxury hotel, Tambo del Inca Resort, is all the buildings in the center of the picture surrounded by the greenery overlooking the river.

This market in the town of Urubamba had fruit, vegetables and similar on display..

a Urubamba side street

We didn't try them since the name was rather off putting.