Sunday, September 15, 2013

Peru - Sacred Valley of the Incas

My first taste of Peru was the bustling city of Cusco (known as Qosqo in Quechua). There was a vibrant energy in this city that I just fell in love with. Unfortunately we didn't get enough time here but I was left feeling so enchanted that I vowed to come back as soon as I could.

Next up we met with our group and guide from G Adventures and headed out to the Sacred Valley. First stop was the Planeterra Weaving Community in the town of Ccaccaccollo (3600m above sea level). Below you can see the beautiful women and children from this community who showed us how they spin the alpaca wool, dye it with natural elements and then weave blankets, shawls and many more stunning pieces which can sometimes take months to produce just one piece! We also got to spend a little time with the alpacas and llamas, feeding them. 











Below is the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River. I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of this place. The Urubamba River is actually the start of the Amazon River. 




Next stop was the ancient town of Pisaq (3600m above sea level). The terraces you see below were all hand made by the Incas for crops and are still in use today.   




Just another day, standing amongst Inca ruins...

Below is the inside of a Chicheria - a place the sells chicha (corn beer). We watched a demonstration on how this was made and then ended our visit with a game of Juego de Sapo (the frog game).  

All images by Glenn Chiofalo for Looking Glass


My next post will be photos from the Inca Trail. The hardest but most rewarding thing I've ever done in my life! If you can't wait I already have some great snaps on instagram.

Where's the most enchanting place you've ever been to? I'd love to know.

Clare x



4 comments:

  1. It looks like you had a wonderful trip, Clare! The photos are amazing!! I've been to Ecuador, but I would LOVE to visit Peru someday. :)

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    1. Thanks, Niki! It was the trip of a lifetime. I'd love to go to Ecuador though! x

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  2. Beautiful photos and story.

    Thank you your contribution.

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    1. Thank you! This was the trip of a lifetime and Peru left me truly enchanted.

      C x

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Thanks for sharing on Soulful Mama ~ Clare x