Although the reason for our stay in the Sacred Valley was to help us adjust to the high altitudes there were many interesting things to see and do. After overnight lows in the upper 30s, we began our day with a raft trip along the Urubamba River. With water and air temperatures both in the 50s, I wasn't looking forward to getting wet, but had to wade through the muddy water to board the raft. However, the trip was wonderful-- only a few gentle rapids, and sunny weather, the mountains, villages, and Incan ruins made for a tranquil hour.
Our next stop was the village of Ollantaytambo where we made a walking tour of the village before exploring the local ruins. In the village square and as we walked along the narrow lanes, many of the women were wearing traditional clothing and were willing to pose for photographs for small tips. Once a woman and her young son not only posed for pictures, but also sang for us. We stopped to visit a local family and see the inside of their traditional one room house and their guinea pigs. There were also some local weavings and other crafts for sale. After exploring the village we set off for the ruins. In the mid-15th Century the great Incan emperor, Pachacuteq conquered the region of Ollantaytambo and rebuilt the town with terracing and irrigation for the use of The Inca nobility. During the Spanish conquest it served as a temporary capital for the native resistance. In 1536, the Inca defeated a Spanish expedition, but the next year they withdrew from the site and it came under Spanish control.
For lunch today we visited a Polleria, a restaurant that serves Peru's famous pollo a la brasa. Of course it was accompanied by Potatos and preceeded by a very tasty Pisco Sour. After lunch we visited to studio of Pablo Seminario, a famous potter, who uses traditional techniques and designs in his work. We were lucky that SeƱor Seminario was on site and spent some time talking with him. His current sculptures are a very unique interpretation of Incan subjects.
Tonight we had dinner with a local family and had a chance to sample a number of local foods. Before dinner we joined our hostess and her mother in the kitchen and helped with the preparation of tortillas. They are not like the flat discs but more like little corn cakes, and they were very good. The first course was a quinoa soup that included green onions and Potatos. There were other potato dishes, rice, pumpkin, and roast cuy. The cuy was displayed whole on a platter with a piece of pepper replacing its tongue. It was then chopped into small pieces for serving. I managed to avoid a piece that included a small foot, and took a small piece that was very tough and full of tiny rib bones. I was glad to try it, but it won't be on my list of favorite dishes. We also drank some of the homemade black corn soda. The meal ended with small sips of homemade anisette, which is traditional at a meal when cuy is served. Personally, I think it might be better if the fiery liquor was served first.
Exploring the Sacred Valley
Saturday, June 02, 2012
Urubamba, Sacred Valley, Peru
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2025-02-06