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; [...]

Tambomachay, Pukapukara, Qenqo and Saqsaywamán

The site Tambomachay is only about 5 miles outside Cuzco.  A local bus heading toward Pisaq dropped us off right in front.  The area was used as a resting place, and is most known for its fountains and baths. The Inca Bath is created by two aqueducts that provide clear water year round, making the most of [...]

Machu Picchu

The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu Pueblo) was like entering the jungle.  Everything got more and more lush,green and wet.  There was less agriculture, and more wild.  Aguas Calientes itself (named for thermal springs on the edge of town) was another kind of jungle, the tourist kind.  Obviously this is [...]

Taquile

Our next stop was the island of Taquile.  It was a rainy, steep climb, but we were rewarded with views to Bolivia from the main square.  We spent some time looking around, and saw a photo exhibition of pictures taken by local residents that was amazing.  We learned about the local dress, similar but markedly [...]

Nazca Lines

The world famous Nazca Lines are said to have been created by the Nazca and maybe by the earlier Paracas people between 200 BC and 700 AD.  No one knows exactly why they were drawn, but there are many theories.  Maria Reiche, the German mathematician, and others proposed that they were an astronomical calendar.  Others [...]

Verano Negro

We arrived in Chincha just in time for Verano Negro (Black Summer), an annual eventsort of like carnaval, celebrating Afro Peruvian culture, history and traditions.  Here and nearby Carmen are the cradle of Afro Peruvian culture, evident in the music, dance and in the people themselves.  There isn´t much tourism here otherwise, and the region is clearly [...]

Lima

After a couple of months in Caracas, Lima is a big change.  Things seem more relaxed here, and there is a noticeable tourist presence.  We are also back in Hostel World, with lots of fellow travelers from different backgrounds and opinions.  Prices are much lower than we´ve seen since Argentina and Chile (accommodation wise) and [...]

Santiago Centro

The museums were open today, and we took advantage.  After a spin by a couple of big cathedrals and Plaza de Armas in the center of the city, we visited the Museum of Pre-columbian Art, filled with artifacts, pottery, weaving, metalworks, etc. from cultures throughout Central and South America.
The highlight was an exhibit about ancient [...]