Our day began early as we traveled up to the countryside to visit the Tambomachay ruins above Cusco. These ruins consisted of aqueducts and waterfalls running through the constructions. As we travelled further around the mountain and valleys of Cusco, we entered a little spot on the mountains with various houses, made out of clay, eucalyptus, and bamboo. We were able to spot Puca Pucara, the military ruins.
The Archeological Park of Sacsayhuaman
We reached a point within the Archeological Park of Sacsayhuaman where a woman waited with her 10 year-old daughter with many llamas to follow us to lunch. Here we were able to use the Green Latrine to relieve ourselves – at least the view was amazing!!
Having the llamas follow us to lunch was hysterical and entertaining. They would run right around you to get to their next bush to graze on, easily within your reach. We encountered some sheep on the way, too.
When we arrived to lunch, Juan Carlos (our guide) created an offering using various aspects of nature, objects used in everyday life, and food. Everything was colorful and had a meaning to signify health, prosperity, and happiness. The offering later went to the top of the mountain by Juan and his father to burn for Pachamama, or the god of Mother Nature.
Exploring the Ruins
After our lunch in the countryside, we passed by the Temple of the Moon, heading towards Qenko, the ruins representing fertility. Hanging outside of the ruins are puppets. They represent a couple that has cheated in the village, which are dressed just like the couple to embarrass them.
For our last stop of the day, we visited Sacsayhuaman, an historical ruin site that locals from Cusco often visit to play soccer, lay in the sun, and use for festivals. There is a rock leading to a cave seen from these ruins that teenagers at University used to explore. Some were lost and never found, but one made it to the main Cathedral, knocking under the alter while the Priest was preaching. It has been since closed off, but there has been talk of reopening.
Traveling around these valleys of cusco are beautiful.