Day 3: Cusco & Andean Village of Chinchero, Peru

Breakfast this morning is at the Monasterio Hotel built in 1595. The second picture on the right shows our view at breakfast before our big day touring the Incan sights of Cusco and Chinchero. At breakfast, a giant hummingbird (6 or more inches long) entertained us while we ate as did a Chinchero woman who was weaving across the courtyard. 

Afterward, we travel outside the city to the charming Andean village of Chinchero, which features exceptional expressions of Inca stonemasonry and a population that has maintained its ancestral customs. The colorful local market here is one of the most traditional markets in South America. Continue on to Moray, which boasts three amphitheater-like terraces made by the Inca. These terraces, which are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape, were thought to be used to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where we are treated to a weaving demonstration by master Andean weaver, Nilda Callañaupa. Following lunch, head back toward Cusco and choose between several sightseeing options

Breakfast at the Monasterio Hotel built in 1595

The courtyard

Our view from breakfast

Ran into our awesome friend, Kevin Costner, who befriended us 2 years ago. He's a hardworking, enterprising and delightful young man!

Cut into the grass are the Incan & current symbols of Cusco, Peru. The city of Cusco is in the center and around it are the Condor (the heavens), the puma (the city and earthly ties) and the snake (the after life).

The houses in Peru all have some sort of a symbol like this on top of their dwelling.  It represents the man and woman(whether it be human or beast), the ying and yang, fertility, spirituality, and all good blessings for the home.

The chapel inside of our hotel.  It is being prepared for our evening lecture.

Quechua boy with his llama

Another Quechua boy with his llama

Llama Love!

The Maras terraces in the village of Moray. These amphitheater-like terraces were made by the Inca people. They are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape and thought to be used to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops. Each level contained soil from countries like Columbia, Bolivia, Ecuador, etc

Quechua people weaving, spinning & playing the harp

One of our expedition specialists Wade Davis and our friend Nina Callanaupa. Nina is the Quechua woman who began the Center for Weavers of Chinchero and truly saved the weaving traditions of her people and country.

Quechua women creating the warp (the base structure) for the weaving

More weaving techniques

Quechua ladies from the Center for Weavers of Chinchero, demonstrating the spindle spinning technique of turning llama fleece into yarn.

Guinea pigs are eaten for holidays and special occasions. 

Dried goods are hanging for the winter

A typical house in Peru