Saturday, March 5, 2016

Out of the Jurisdiction: Cuzco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Lonely Planet says that if you visit only one place in Cuzco, make it Qorikancha, the Incan ruins on which the colonial church and convent of Santo Domingo was built.  Some Inca stone walls survive.  



Without modern engineering or tools, the Incas fit big, heavy, complicated stones together, 
without mortar, in perfect alignment. 


The convent was built around a simple courtyard, with an ornate tower looming above.


From here we can see both the Inca 15th century stonework and the Spanish colonial church begun a century later.  There will be more time for Cuzco in a few days.  Now, on to the Sacred Valley.


A beautiful spot on the bus ride from Cuzco down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas.


The town of Teray seen from an overlook on the descent into the Secret Valley of the Incas.


A yucca was blooming on the mountainside below us.  You can see hummingbirds if you look close.


In the market town of Pisaq, it is boring if no tourists buy your handicrafts.


If these smiles look posed and artificial, it is because they are.  In the Pisaq market,
children dress up, hold baby animals and beg to have their photos taken.  
Hey, they needed the coins more than I did.

I am away again until mid-March.

12 comments:

  1. I may not be saying much Jack but I'm enjoying your trip immensely :)

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  2. Marvelous captures, Jack. I often wonder how structures like that church were built without modern day technology -- and yet have withstood the test of time. Love the valley pics. And, I would've driven myself crazy trying to get close-ups of those hummingbirds -- very cool. Safe travels!

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  3. Your photos have capture the beauty and the mysteries of Cuzco. Well done Jack!

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  4. Fabulous photos Jack!! I love the view of Teray.

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  5. I love your post, Jack! The local market is so colourful:)

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  6. Oh, what a great trip you are having!! Thanks for sharing the beauty and the history! Enjoy!!

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  7. I'm envious. I'd love to travel there.

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  8. Beautiful photos form South America! Thanks taking us along with you.

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  9. Your photos are allowing me to travel to Cuzco in my imagination. Thank you.

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  10. The engineering skills of the Inca are incredible - makes you respect mankind. Those kids are sad to see but I'm sure they gather a lot of coins to help their families. Enjoying your trip, Jack!

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  11. Loving seeing all these. What a beautiful place. The colour of the textiles is wonderful for photos - glad you gave the girls a few coins. I can't imagine these people have a very wealthy life.

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  12. O.M.G. That convent, that scenery, that market. Way to go, Jack.

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