We toured part of the Sacred Valley today via bike. We celebrated the Summer Solstice with thousands in Cusco.
Up and out early today, our pickup scheduled for 6:30am arrived a bit tardy at 7:30. Any aggravation or frustration was short lived because we had awesome tour guides and an awesome driver. Onward for a 90 minute drive to the Sacred Valley.
Morning Pickup.
Quick stop for Bathroom, Snacks, and Scenery.
Ready to go in bright orange with all gear...showing Happy Lamas
Ready to go in our bright orange and full safety gear.
Lee
CJ
Chris and Abby
First Stop: Moray - Inca archaeological site - different levels create different growing conditions.
Claire, Caroline, Jackie
The last section was rather technical. Big bumps, downhill, thin trail, and a 100 meter drop off available at all times.
Karen's up there.
The Trail ended at Salinas de Maras. Evaporation salt mines in use since Inca times. Some lunch in the restaurant was also in order.
Rastaurant at Salina de Maras
Exploring the Salt Mine
Testing/Tasting the Salt Water
View of the salt mine from accross the valley
h The trip was not quite over we opted to visit The Chinchero District to see the natural process of coloring and making Peruvian blankets, clothing, and more. Of course we had to buy a few items and make a donation to help preserve the traditional methods.
Chinchero color demonstration
Chinchero color demo
We were beat after the day of activities, but needed some dinner and also took in the festival in Plaza de Armas celebrating the Summer Solstice (Winter in Peru - The days will be getting longer)
The crowd was unbelievable and, as we exited the plaza, it was like a stampede. At one point, CJ was off the ground, carried by the crowd, simply being smooshed and riding the wave. Abby was terribly upset at the situation, the adults were anxious for safety, and Caroline could not stop expressing her thrill for how cool it was. We broke free as the street opened up and also broke into cheers. The crowd in front of us turned at our loud outbursts and cheered along, it was hilarious, ridiculous, and an experience for the blog. You're not going to believe this, but the highlight is still to come.
On our way walking home (well, on our way to get dessert before actually going home) there was a street vendor selling children's music. CJ, Claire, Caroline and Jackie began to dance to the music. The crowd making their way down Avenida El Sol started to gather and watch. Although the street vendor did not seem amused, we thought it actually promoted his product. Anyway, have a watch. Link: Dancing in the Streets
