This morning we were up at a rational time and after a pleasant breakfast – complete with harp music and a delightful view from the restaurant windows, 
– we were off to explore some of the ancient sites around Cusco.
– we were off to explore some of the ancient sites around Cusco. Our first stop was Sacsayhuaman 
which overlooks Cusco, Qenko and Puka Pukara.
The site was fascinating with its stone zig zag walls that were originally 10 meters high (now about 5 -6 meters high) and pieced together with such attention to detail that they have survived earthquakes and the environment for over 500 years. We learned that the reason that many of the structures have disappeared is that for centuries – up until the 1960’s, the residents of Cusco used the site as a quarry 
for building their current day homes and buildings. 
There is also one rock, that once in place and after a rain storm – it was noted that water came pouring out of a hole – according to the belief that the rocks were beings with a soul, the people believed it was crying so made the stone sacred.
Actually it is a porous volcanic rock which explains the water. Here we have a couple of our ladies taking a breather on the 'resting stone'.
From here we went on to Qenko with its 200 Meter climb – up and down – about half the group made the walk and enjoyed the sites from that altitude. Here we found a stream
which had been discovered, directed and then revered – to provide water for the population around the site.
Next stop Puka Pukara which was the site used for sacrifices of Alpaca during religious ceremonies. Here we see
Geri offering 
herself up to the Gods, fortunately – no one would do anything but take pictures – certainly Bill was pleased. Several of us got to pose with this Inca Warrior - or is he the Inca Chief for the cost of 2 Sols. 
Next stop – and the last for the day was Santo Domingo which is a 17th century church built on the original site of the Incan Temple of the Sun. It is very interesting to note that the Incan
portion of the church better survived subsequent earthquakes which destroyed the church which had to be rebuilt.
By now everyone was starving and tired, so we walked back through the square, some of us stopping for lunch (2 PM), others going back to the hotel to drop off their belongings and then coming back, still others went elsewhere for lunch. We will include the balance of today’s tour in tomorrow’s itinerary which was on the light side.
Tonight we enjoyed a Peruvian dinner and folkloric show which featured Resplendor de los Andes, traditional dancers, and participation by Margaret, Ken and Mariseth (Jaimie’s daughter). We walked home in the rain.
which overlooks Cusco, Qenko and Puka Pukara.
The site was fascinating with its stone zig zag walls that were originally 10 meters high (now about 5 -6 meters high) and pieced together with such attention to detail that they have survived earthquakes and the environment for over 500 years. We learned that the reason that many of the structures have disappeared is that for centuries – up until the 1960’s, the residents of Cusco used the site as a quarry 
for building their current day homes and buildings. 
There is also one rock, that once in place and after a rain storm – it was noted that water came pouring out of a hole – according to the belief that the rocks were beings with a soul, the people believed it was crying so made the stone sacred.
Actually it is a porous volcanic rock which explains the water. Here we have a couple of our ladies taking a breather on the 'resting stone'.
From here we went on to Qenko with its 200 Meter climb – up and down – about half the group made the walk and enjoyed the sites from that altitude. Here we found a stream
which had been discovered, directed and then revered – to provide water for the population around the site.
Next stop Puka Pukara which was the site used for sacrifices of Alpaca during religious ceremonies. Here we see
Geri offering 
herself up to the Gods, fortunately – no one would do anything but take pictures – certainly Bill was pleased. Several of us got to pose with this Inca Warrior - or is he the Inca Chief for the cost of 2 Sols. 
Next stop – and the last for the day was Santo Domingo which is a 17th century church built on the original site of the Incan Temple of the Sun. It is very interesting to note that the Incan
portion of the church better survived subsequent earthquakes which destroyed the church which had to be rebuilt.
By now everyone was starving and tired, so we walked back through the square, some of us stopping for lunch (2 PM), others going back to the hotel to drop off their belongings and then coming back, still others went elsewhere for lunch. We will include the balance of today’s tour in tomorrow’s itinerary which was on the light side.
Tonight we enjoyed a Peruvian dinner and folkloric show which featured Resplendor de los Andes, traditional dancers, and participation by Margaret, Ken and Mariseth (Jaimie’s daughter). We walked home in the rain.
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