Moray and Chinchero

The concentric circles at Moray were different from anything we´d seen so far.  The current theory is that they were used as an agricultural laboratory, to experimentwith what crops (wheat, quinoa, other grains, potatoes, etc.) would grow best at different temperatures and under different conditions.  It has been proved that the temperature varies at different levels; each is its own micro-climate.  The site was a bit out of the way, but we were glad we made it there.  Instead of building up, the circles were created by digging down as deep as 150 meters (450 feet), and removing tons of earth and rock.  The aqueducts and drains that irrigated the terraces are still in perfect working condition!

 

Chinchero´s (birthplace of the rainbow) setting was beautiful, surrounded by green fields and valleys with the snow-capped Vilcanota mountains visible far in the distance.  The Spanish wanted to “civilize” Chinchero, but evidence of the Andean cultural resistance is clear.  People here still primarily speak Quechua, use the barter/trade system, and maintain many traditional customs.  Almost all of the town´s colonial buildings are built on top of still visible Inca walls and foundations.  The site is still being investigated, and there were workers digging and reconstructing walls in several areas of the main site behind and down the hill from the colonial church (which was an amazing site on its own).  Down below the main terraces and walls were some impressive carved rocks.  One huge boulder had spiral steps winding around to a big platform in the front.  There were also what seemed to be “seats.”  Below and carved into the rock were overhangs and passageways.

More photos from the day here.