Peruvian escapade 2022

IN MY SEARCH for llama meat, I talked to several restauranteurs and tour guides.

They all said that llamas are hardly served in Peru because they can be a little tough and chewy.

At best, they would taste like lean beef.

And even if I saw llama on the menu, I could be very well served alpaca anyway.

So, for now, I leave it there.

***

If God wills it, I will ultimately taste llama meat.

But if it does not happen, I will be okay with my alpaca experience.

And don’t forget the Guinea pig! 

That one needs some courage to eat, especially if you had a Guinea pig as a pet when you were younger. 

***

Day 5 was the Sacred Valley tour.

In the morning, we climbed another temple of Inca ruins in Ollantaytambo.

The place was named after some warrior called Ollantay. Tambo means “resting place”.

Then, we had a buffet lunch of typical Peruvian cuisine.

No llama meat, no cuy, no special meats. Just pork, chicken, beef. And all the veggies, including several types of potatoes.

***

We visited Chinchero, a picturesque Andean village after lunch.

More ruins, more 15th century Andean drama.

A recurring motif: On Inca temples, destroyed by Spanish conquistadors, build new Catholic churches.

Since the natives are used to go to Inca temples to worship, they can just go to the new Christian churches to worship. Makes sense?

***

In Chinchero, we chanced upon a festival.

(I chanced upon a festival in Machu Picchu, too. 

But singular pronoun ‘I’ because I had a special train, remember?

The others in my tour group didn’t see it because they arrived at a different schedule.)

There were dancing, singing, drinking (some beers and other libations), playing of instruments.

But what was beautiful for me were the colorful costumes, and the active role of women.

Photos, photos, photos.

***

Then, another textile village with some art crafts.

I’m happy with my poncho—red Moses-like that has already climbed up Machu Picchu.

Beautiful red contrasted to the mostly green (mountains) and grey (ruins, stones) and blue (sky) Machu Picchu background.

Still, I ended up with an expensive purchase—

A silver work with the traditional Peruvian/Inca trilogy: condor (air/higher world), puma (earth/middle world), snake (underground/lower world).

***

Day 6 schedule was rest in the morning, and Cusco city tour in the evening.

And it was supposed to be perfect even if there was a labor and transport strike.

But my heart is not content. Is restless.

Another day in another city with stories of the same: grand Christian churches built on top of ruined Inca temples.

I was hoping to get into some other tours, even if I had to pay extra.

***
And so, I made Rainbow Mountain happen.

Rainbow Mountain, or Montaña de Siete Colores, the seven-colored mountain. 

Let’s just say that I spent an extra $100 for the tour, and didn’t understand a word they said.

Well, it was only $38 for the tour maybe. 

But I spent on a good dinner, an Inca massage, and I gave generous tips, so let’s count it as $100 or $150.

***

Lima is just 500 ft above sea level.

Machu Picchu is 7,972 ft above sea level.

Cusco is 11,152 ft.

Sacred Valley is 9,000 ft.

Urubamba is 9,420 ft.

Rainbow Mountain is 17,060 ft. 

Does it make sense now that they made us stay in a hotel in Urubamba right after we arrived in Cusco from Lima?

It’s called acclimation to the high altitudes. Haha.

***

Flight from Lima to Cusco.

But they didn’t want us to have problems with a sudden big change in altitude.

Better to change from 500 ft to 9,420 ft than from 500 ft to 11,152 feet.

So, why not Machu Picchu (7,972 ft elevation) directly?

Well, because it is way, way, way, far away.

And besides, if you can deal with 9,420 ft, you can surely better enjoy the 7,972 ft without complications.

And complications are difficult if you have scheduled this visit months in advance (regulated entrance to the ruins), and paid good money for it. (To be continued as “Rainbow Mountain”.)/PN