Today was extraordinary! I finally visited Pisaq Ruins and it was even more amazing and larger than I imagined! Try to picture a jagged mountain top (MP is relatively flat at the top compared to this) with a long trail, buttressed doorways and even a tunnel. Huge agricultural terraces and a cemetery in the back that spanned the length of a long plateau with burial chambers dug into the hillside. They have counted over 4,000 graves. They were long ago plundered but are still amazing to view on the hillside.
The site is high, about 12,000 feet or so, and the walking trail was about 2 miles with lots of steps. This was good practice for tomorrow!
We saw three hummingbirds and the place is full of flowers and bromeliads this time of year!
Eddie talked along the way pointing out the many unique construction features of the Inca style and mentioned how all these years later the buildings built on living rock have survived many earthquakes.
Then we visited Salineras, the salt pans outside of Maras. They only function in the dry season, but you still see the way that salt is harvested in this amazing and innovative place that is thousands of years old. A salty creek pours out of the mountainside and is funneled into many large pans to dry in the sun and then harvested weeks later. I know it is hard to imagine, but the site is really a marvel! It can also be seen from a distance for a short time from the Peru Rail train on the way to Machu Picchu and is impressive when full of salt and stark white.
Then, onto Moray, a circular agricultural experiment created hundreds of years ago that was used as a barometer of sorts. This creates micro climates to see what corn or crops would grow best at what altitudes and sun exposure. A well preserved site with extraordinary views of the Chicon and St. JohnSan Juan Glaciers! Everywhere you turn on this mountain plateau there is a beautiful view!
Later, we motor on down rough dirt roads switch backing down to the Urubamba Valley, and then we finally return to the hotel.
What a day! It feels like two!
Tomorrow we rise at 6 a.m. and leave here for km82 to begin the hike.
I had a briefing with Eddie about the trail and he provided me with my duffel bag and a hanging scale. "Don't go over 20 pounds and I'll see you at 6:00," were his last words. I settle into my room and try to decide what to pack and of course, it takes me three or four times and I still wish I would have brought this or that! I'm so excited and I may not sleep too well tonight! I take a walk out on the property in the Sacred Valley and the beauty of this place is overwhelming!
More in four days! Cant wait to see the trail! What a test this will be for me!
I’m so glad I’m in good familiar company….
