A leisurely start to the day. We updated yesterday’s blog – with a cup of coca tea to help cope with the effects of altitude.
After lunch we'd booked to go on a sightseeing tour of Cusco and Inca ruins just outside the city.
In the late 15th century Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire. The Spanish invaders demolished most of the buildings and built their own city on the Inca foundations.
These foundations have withstood two major earthquakes while more modern buildings have been destroyed. We saw lots of examples of Inca craftsmanship on our walk around the city.
We visited the cathedral in the main square. The interior was impressive but we weren’t allowed to take photographs.
We then walked back to the church of Santa Domingo. It was very busy but the central courtyard was beautiful. Some of the original Inca walls remain inside the cloisters.
The original Inca terraces can still be seen outside.
We were then driven up the mountain to Sacsayhuaman, a huge site originally built as a temple and place of ceremonial gatherings. (The photo can only show a small part of the site.)
Cusco was originally designed in the shape of a puma, and this site was believed to be the puma’s head.
Stones from here were used in later years to build many of Cusco’s oldest buildings, including the cathedral.
After a day of sunshine, the clouds darkened and down came the rain.
Our next stop was Tambo Machay (height 12,500 feet) to visit the temple of water. Apparently this is famous for never drying up, even in times of severe drought – but there was no chance of that today!
A good afternoon, but we were glad to get back to the hotel to dry out!
Off to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tomorrow so we probably won't be able to update for a few days. But you never know!
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