Cusco to Ollantaytambo

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Both remembered Valentine Cards



Another relatively early start and long drive. No guide today, only Miguel the driver, who doesn’t speak any English and we don’t speak Spanish except to get around bars and restaurants, where everyone speaks English anyway. First stop, an Inca site in Pisac, more excellent stones and lots of steps. Peru keeps you fit! Second stop at Moray where there are rounded terraces the size of large roman amphitheatres. Apparently these were an agricultural experiment by the Incas. We are a high altitude but if the terraces are done in circles then the heat is trapped so they can grow more. Clever little buggers those Incas. By the way, to get to these places we have to drive down very bad, bumpy roads so don’t bother if you get car sick. The sad thing along all these drives is that there is plenty of plastic rubbish on the edge of the roads, which really spoils the landscape. Third stop, the salt flats at Misa. These are higher up in the mountains along more bumpy roads but worth seeing. They have been here since pre Inca times and produce beautiful natural pink salt, which we bought. At least this is one useful souvenir. The 4^th stop was for a buffet lunch in a nice place. Normally don’t like buffets except for breakfast but in Peru it is better to see the food and get what you fancy. Out of interest we did try the lupin mash and the cowhorn, both an acquired taste, which we didn’t acquire. We had a brief stop to view the Sacred Valley. Don't know why it is sacred but probably the valley was very fertile cos of the river. We finally arrive at the Sol Natural Hotel in Ollantaytambo, a very pretty place in a very convenient situation, once again with lovely staff and nice room- recommend it. We walked into town and went into the Inca site. We did not walk up the steps of the terraces- done enough of that, but walked around the buildings at the base- stonework, water fountains etc. Had a drink in the main square and met some nice Dutch people. There are plenty of nice shops here so treated myself to some ear rings as they weigh nothing and weight on the planes is critical especially with Latam air. The hotel recommended Veronicas restaurant which is just over the bridge over the river. A fascinating place if you sit upstairs next to the kitchen. It must be family run as various people were traipsing in and out of the kitchen area and helping out as and when. It wouldn’t pass EU regulations but the lamb steak was really delicious and it is not expensive. We were entertained by several buskers who come in and play the pipes and guitar. Nice at the time and place but don’t want the CD.

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Comments

[Paul J Crotty]

Looks like lots of fun!
Plenty of hiking - and Macchu Picchu still standing! Hope you had plenty of Pisco Sours.