More magic in Peru

We loaded up on the buses for a ride to Chincheros where we attended a weaving demonstration. This picturesque village was an important Inca center and is known for the traditional Andean weaving techniques still used by its people. We were shown how they clean, dry, and dye the wool before making the yarn to weave their products. The dyes are made from plants as they have been for centuries.

We visited the Moray Site which is a fascinating archaeological site with huge concentric terraces which the Incas used as a botanical laboratory.

Next, we went to the salt flats of Maras where the finest salt in the world is extracted: Maras salt. The area looks like a mosaic of terraces and ponds. Each pond is owned and operated by a family and has been in that family for generations.

One of our fun adventures was riding in a tuk tuk! We took a tour of the town of Yucay. Our driver took us to some beautiful churches, and we even found a Corona!

After five nights in the Sacred Valley and one night at Machu Picchu (I’m saving that for last) we headed back to Cusco for three nights.

We took a walking tour of the city and saw more archaeological sites near the city.

We saw beautiful churches and statues, held baby llamas, and ate at some great restaurants!

Our next adventure was to board the Titicaca Train for a ten-hour ride to Puno. The train was beautiful and the scenery magnificent through the Andes Mountain range, through valleys and plains. It was a day of relaxing. We spent some time on the open-air car in the back of the train.

The last two nights of our trip were spent in Puno. We had a beautiful view of Lake Titicaca from our hotel.

We took a boat tour of Lake Titicaca and stopped first at the floating islands of Uros. These islands consist of layers of totora and are their inhabitants’ homes and workplaces. They have maintained this way of life for centuries.

Then we stopped at the beautiful island of Taquile for lunch and a tour of the town. We were told that many of the inhabitants were 100 years old.

Our last day tour was to Aramu Muro, the site of strange sandstone formations that are said to be a gateway to another dimension. Many mystical beliefs have been created around these sacred ruins. Our guides told us stories that have been passed down for generations about the history of this mystical site. We were blessed with someone playing a flute and a hawk standing watch the whole time we were there. The energy was magical.

Next week: Machu Picchu!

When we change the world changes.