Day 11

Today was the horse riding tour of the surrounding area of Cusco. Our tour started at 9:30 this morning, when the guide picked us up from the volunteer house. We had about a 15 minuted drive to the base of one of the mountains on the outskirts of the city. Liz, Jo, and I all got on our horses and we made our way to the first set of ruins. Tambomachay, which was the remains of an Inca temple, after the Spanish invaded. Flowing out of the temple was a mysterious fountain that no one knows where the water is coming from. Archeologists have discovered evidence that the Incas were using the syphone technique to get water from one location to their fields it is believed that this temple is an example. After the temple we headed about a quarter mile over to Pukapukara. Which was an Inca ceremonial alter for sacrifices to their gods. Most of these ceremonies take place in June around the 21st – 24th. After the Alter it was back on the horses for a trek back towards town, We stopped short and checked out Q'enquo, which was another ceremonial alter. What was interesting about this site was its structure. The Incas believed in three levels to the world; heaven, physical world, and the underworld. This site has all of these represented in a pile of rocks that they have cut. Onward to lunch! Haha, it was pretty touristy but the food was very good. I myself got a Peruvian dish; spicy sausage, mashed sweet potatoes, and caramelized onions. It was quite good. Then we were of to the most extensive Inca ruins in the Cusco area, Saqsayhuaman. This was absolutely amazing! the structures were very extensive. I have photos, but you will have to wait until I can upload them. All in all it was a fantastic day, and now I am gonna kick back and rest.