Pisac

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Yesterday Jamie and I had our first proper day of exercise - Pisac! Pisac is about 30km outside of Cusco, in the Sacred Valley (doesn´t that sound romantic??). We had breakfast in Cusco, and managed to get front seats to the big Sunday parade...soldiers, children dressed in their uniforms, a big brass band and the raising of the Peruvian and Cusco flags in front of the Cathedral...very cool!

Jamie and I decided to catch the local bus to Pisac instead of taking a tourist bus, and it was an adventure in itself! It took us a while to find the bus stop, and we ended up in this little courtyard area (where Jamie had to pay .10 soles to pee in front of everyone!). The bus itself wasn´t too bad - kind of old and dingy, but everything seemed to be working, which I think in Peruvian terms is quite luxurious! Saw my first llamas, and took lots of scenic pictures on the way. The town is only 30km outside of Cusco, but takes about 1hr 15 by local bus. They really pack them in too! People standing in the aisles, the bus driver yelling to squish up more so he can fit MORE people on...Jamie and I were lucky to get on at the first stop so we had seats, but lots of people weren´t so lucky.

We arrived at Pisac and it´s this little village at the base of some huge mountains. The mountains are all terraced, and at the top are these old Inca ruins. Sunday is market day so it´s really busy and colourful. After lunch we hiked to the top of the mountain to see the ruins. It´s only 5km (with quite a few switch backs) but it was HARD! I´m going to blame the altitude. We huffed and puffed our way up there, and there was hardly anyone around. Occasionally we´d meet local villagers who were selling stuff to tourists on their way up the mountain, and few guys offering to be our guides. The views were amazing! Seriously beautiful. We sat at the top of this mountain, in this old Inca citadel and looked out over the Sacred Valley, it was the best day! There´s a gorge on either side which is truly spectacular - I hope our photos come out OK!

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Photos

Pisac markets
Jamie walking through the markets at Pisac

Comments

[betty]

hello mr and mrs heather
Hi you two Pleased that you arrived ok and are having a great time. The area looks amazing - not a Marks and Spencers in sight. Dave and I are following your route on Google Earth. Second hand armchair travellers I know, but better than nothing. Thanks for taking the time to write the blog - we are learning a lot about the area, and it's good to hear that you are doing ok. Can't wait to see the photos. Take care of yourselves and soak it all up. love from Betty and Dad xxx