Andes Mountains

This morning we headed to the airport for what was supposed to be a short flight to Cusco. While waiting in the airport, Juan demonstrated one of the local dances in front of a store that was playing some traditional music. Got a few stares from people walking by.

Just some crazy Americans having fun in Peru!

 Due to several delays we were 1 1/2 hours late arriving and then one of our fellow travelers was ill so we had to make a stop at a local hospital. Unfortunately they admitted her for the night and the rest of the group had to continue on with our trip. Hopefully she will be able to join us tomorrow afternoon.

The mountain range was beautiful as we flew over.

Large lakes on the mountain plateau.

Notice the tiny collection of buildings in this remote mountainous area. There were literally hundreds of these little settlements scattered throughout the mountains. Have to wonder how they exist in such remote settings.

Statues in the town of Cusco.

Since it was Fathers Day and Sunday, there were large crowds in the town celebrating.

We traveled along a narrow and winding road to the town of Chinchero. Along the route we saw this funeral procession.

Chinchero is at an elevation of 12,500 feet. So far I haven't been affected by the the high altitude. It served as the Inca Emperor's estate during the 16th century as well as a resting place on the Inca Royal Road. 

Our first stop was a visit with a shaman. He performed a spiritual healing ceremony for us. It was quite interesting.

We were served so tea before the ceremony.

The shaman place various items in a circle to make a sacrificial bundle.

We were each given 3 coco leaves and then went to add them to the offering.

After the bundle was completed, the shaman tied it up and wrapped it in a cloth. He the said a prayer over it and we were invited to come up and have him do the cleansing prayer using the bundle.

When he was finished he held the bundle in front of us and we took 3 breaths and blew them over the bundle to rid our bodies of what needed to be cleansed.

When we were all finished, he burned the bundle with a final prayer.

Ahhhh! I feel better already.

Today Chinchero is a center for traditional textile weaving. Women make elaborate items such as ponchos, hats, scarfs, and other specialty products. They gave us a demonstration on the complete process from cleaning the wool, dying it with natural resources, and weaving the cloth. But first they dressed us in the native attire.

I can blend in now! Here are some shots of the various stages of making the material.

It is truly some of the most beautiful textiles in the world. Many of the items take months to make. The sun was setting as we made our way down to the Sacred Valley where we would be spending 2 nights. There was some beautiful scenery with the majestic mountains and valleys.

At dinner we were entertained by a couple of local musicians playing various types of flutes. It was very relaxing.

Well, time to get ready for tomorrow's adventures.