We had another early start with a pick up at 8 so breakfast at 7.15. It was cool but lovely so we sat outside and enjoyed the view. My heart rate was racing again so i had a large pot of coca leaf tea!
Our pickup was actually a transfer to join another tour which we didn’t realise and our driver couldn’t explain as we did not have each other’s languages. What it meant was a 45 minute drive the full length of the Valley to Pisac, where we waited for 15 minutes or so for our tour bus to turn up from Cusco. We were met by Eloy and immediately taken the 7 km up the mountain to the ruins of a hilltop Inca citadel. Now a World Heritage site it is fully protected. The terraces are really impressive. We had about 45 minutes to wander round.
Then back down to Pisac itself and a rather unexciting stop at a silver shop to be told how they make their jewellery, and a wa def around the market, today exclusively filled with textiles. Bought a couple of alpaca scarfs, time for a coffee at a local stall and a lovely chat to the owner who was feeding her lovely baby. We chatted about her other son who was 14 and his reaction to his tiny brother - I think she was surprised and pleased to be talked to, Mum to Mum
Anyway back on the bus and the long drive BACK to Urubamba and to a buffet restaurant for lunch. A beautiful setting with a pan pipes band playing. However the buffet food as always was fine but nothing exciting. Avoided the salads of course, but we did treat ourselves to a Pisco Sour, the local drink. Very nice it was too.
Back on the bus for our last stop, the impressive ruins of the Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo. We had about an hour to walk up, and take photos and marvel at the Inca technology. Their stone work, creating huge stones to fit together impressively like Lego blocks was incredible.
It is so difficult to show but these blocks are huge with these inset blocks fitting perfectly
The road to Macchu Picchu behind us
The market at Ollantaytambo where lots of folk were traditional dress...
...the weaving is done by hand...
..and tuk tuks are everywhere!
We finally got back to our hotel around 3.45, had an abortive attemp to swim – FAR too cold! – and met our guide at the hotel at 6 for instructions over tomorrow’s hike. Thank goodness we spoke to him as our luggage arrangements were not as discussed with Trailfinders. However it was good to meet him face to face to get everything sorted. However he is just finishing a 4 day hike so is now off for a day or two so Victor is our man tomorrow!
..and tuk tuks are everywhere!
