Peru continued 2019


After leaving Machu Picchu we took the train from Aquas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. This was turned into a fortress for one of the last stands by the Inca to the Spanish by Manco Inca Yupanqui.



Looking out from the park there is a face carved into the mountain. The face has a beard and other western characteristics and was carved prior to the Spanish conquistadors arrival. There is speculation that other less violent westerners had already been to Peru.


We then drove back to Cusco on a different route from when we came and it was basically a plateau above the valley. We made a few stops along the way. There is a controversy about the government wanting to put in an international airport on the plateau.


Our main stop was a store where they sold wool products and gave demonstrations of wool dying and spinning. We learned that baby Alpaca wool is the first shearing of a season not actually wool from baby Alpacas.


A lecture on the different natural dyes used for wool coloring.


Making a natural dye.

Layers of cloths.


Linda trying her hand at spinning. Pretty good for a first timer.


I bought one of these bags from this lady.


This group was going down the street in front of the wool shop. It was a part of the celebration of the towns anniversary. We did not notice any other tourists around, this was an authentic local celebration


A mural depicting the history of Peru.


Where we had our last Peru dinner?


Bel surprised us with each table setting having the makings of a Pisco Sour which we poured into a shaker and poured out our own drink.


Our group at the restaurant.


>Entrance to Saqsaywaman (sack-sah-wah-MAHN) which sits above Cusco.


The 14 Inca's. Corn as on the top of the staff is in a lot of the Inca history.


Inside Saqsaywaman. This area used to be much higher but for many years the temple was mined for stones for modern buildings.



Our bus negotiated through this turn.