Day 5 - Following the Incas

Zane unaware that the female condor is about to take off

Another day full of adventure….this entry is actually going to be posted one or more days after it is written. But I (Ted) wanted to get this down while it was fresh in my head! As I write this I am seated in a hotel below Machu Picchu. That will be for tomorrow.

So today we got up a little later than usual. Most people were looking a little bit better than the day before, having adjusted to the altitude. As with a lot of trips of this nature, the original adrenaline high was beginning to wear off. People were starting to settle into a routine.

Puma met us at the hotel. For me at least I find his energy very interesting. He is charismatic yet calming at the same time. He gathered us up on the bus and started us along our journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (the Machu Picchu base). We stopped at one of the many Incan posts along the way, chosen not only for its physical location but for its magnetic properties. Some of us swayed with Puma as we felt the magnetic energy.

Next was an amazing stop at an animal sanctuary. They had “recovered” animals that ranged from parrots to pumas (recovered from a Lima nightclub where they were drugged so people could take pictures of them), to alpacas and llamas. The most impressive of all were the four condors. We all watched in awe as these animals with their 10ft gave us a brief flight demonstration.

Puma telling us about the terraces at Pisco

We carried on into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We learned of the paths the Incas used (religious, social and military), saw ancient burial grounds and started our acquaintance with the three sacred animals of the Inca - the condor (symbol of the divine), serpent (inner spirit or the “inner world”)  and puma (manifestation of the physical). Puma, our guide, showed us all of the ways in which the Incas reflected the important symbols in their architecture.

On the way there were nicknacks of all sorts for purchase. We have become accustomed it seems to vendors rushing our bus before we even have the chance to get off!! Bargaining galore and deals to be had by all. Lunch was next. Donna in particular was happy to finally get her Peruvian rice and beans! We also had a chance to stop by a local “chicha” (corn liquor) maker to find out how this sacred drink was made…and of course sample a little bit!

Leilah and Puma waiting for chicha

We arrived Ollantamytambo to catch our train at 4. It took us out of the dry Scared Valley and towards the lush eye of the jungle…Aquas Calientes! A long day of travelling and an early morning awaiting meant most of the group grabbed food and hit the sacks…next day was early up to Machu Picchu!!