After more than one month of sailing, the boat arrived at Callao, Peru - the first South America country on continental South America.
PERU
Peru has always been a nice-to-travel-to destination for me that I've not gone to because of how far away it is. By following the cruise, I could at last visit Machu Picchu, see the native llamas and get to know the Inca civilisation that built Machu Picchu.
Callao
When I woke up in the morning, the boat has arrived at Callao, Peru. Before even going for the Lima city-tour in the afternoon, I was excited to see that numerous stalls that were setting up at the berthing area. 😙😊
Since the Peru city tour was in the afternoon, I disembarked from the boat to start getting a feel of the place by shopping at the stalls near the cruise.
I loved the variety of goods on sale, all of which was reasonably priced. I bought a sweater, scarf and a small soft-toy llama.
[Quite out-of-character to buy the llama soft toy, but I'm sure it will bring a smile to me in my cabin - there’s always a ready excuse/reason for illogical purchases 😶😌]
Machu Picchu, Scared Valley tour - 3D2N
D1 Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu Town
We gathered at Vista Lounge at 2:45am to set off for the 5:15am chartered flight to Cusco. [Usually, I avoided booking morning flights before 8am... this tour was really value-for-money as it would start early in the morning too 😐😊]
We reached Cusco (~3400m) by 7am and we were welcomed by a traditional performing troupe.
We were briefed by Remy and Mariane, our local guide of our day's itinerary. [I did not pay much attention as it’s a MACHU PICCHU tour and Sacred Valley is part of sightseeing on the coach to get to Machu Picchu?! 😎]
Sacred Valley (Urubamba Valley) Sightseeing
Our first stop was Mirador Racchi viewpoint. It was a cloudy day, and the view was partially blocked. However, I was glad to be able to stretch my leg and see the llama [😍].
Marasal
The coach stopped by a viewpoint along the road. I was at first puzzled by the huge brownish-white puzzle-like spread by the mountain side, and then I realised and was astounded that it was a salt-wells mine. It resembled a beautiful tapestry with squarish-shapes in shades of brown, cream and white draped over the hill side.
The marasal salt mines are salt ponds at an altitude of about 3200 m with around 4,500 salt wells at the slope of the Qaqawinay Hill. It occupies about 1.5 to 2 hectares, and is still mined by the locals .
Although the weather was cool, it was very sunny. We walked around the designated path to view the salt ponds. It was remarkable from the archeological evidence that the salt exploitation was from the pre-Inca times (~500 years ago). After the walk, I stopped by the souvenir stalls before boarding the coach again.
[hmmm GOOD - the sacred valley sightseeing would not just be from the coach’s window. But I should have been more attentive during the itinerary briefing😐]
[Salt Mines of Maras - https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6412/ ]
Moray
Our next stop was Moray (or Muyus in Inca Empire's Quechua language). It comprises of three groups of circular terraces . We visited the largest group with twelve levels of terrace.
[Really mind-boggling 😵😲 how the Incas were able to build such grand yet intricate architecture with the technology and tools available at that time]
I was awe-struck as I looked down at the enormous symmetrical circular structure of the terraces. At each terrace, there are protuding stone steps. However, as the Incas had no written language, the purpose of the Moray is still a mystery. As I left the Moray, I felt a bit regretful of not doing more research on the Sacred Valley.
[Owning up: I did not know the name is Moray and that there are three circular terraces with the largest having 12 levels until I googled 😦😯]
Lunch
A tasty buffet lunch awaited us at the restaurant. [Alpaca meat as Alpaca Saibia]
After lunch, we visited a Chicheria where Peruvian Chicha is brewed. [A bonus - as it was not on the itinerary]
While on the way to the next place, the coach stopped in front of a convenience/souvenir store. After we alighted from the coach, the guide pointed to a hillside spot. As I scanned to where she pointed, I managed to see three small cylinder-like capsules. The capsules are the Skylodge Adventure Suites. These are three hotel-rooms hanging at a height of 1312 feet. The capsule has 4 beds, a dining area and a private bathroom. Access to the hotel is via a climb or a hike with ziplines. [Interesting - but not for old-me now 😯😶]
Ollantaytambo
It is a town and also an Inca archaelological site. I was quite literally 'blown-away' by this massive monumental architecture.
[By now, I truly regretted not having done prior research on Sacred Valley😞😔]
The stone terraces stretched from the bottom of the valley and climbed up the hillside as it narrowed towards the top. The Inca built several storehouses (or qollqa) on the hills surrounding the Ollantaytambo. Their high altitude with more wind and lower temperature helped to prevent food decay.
I walked around admiring this extraordinary place and also visited the rows of shops outside the entrance to the ruins.I lamented that Machu Picchu has probably overshadowed other equally amazing places to visit in Peru. [I am one who assume Peru = Machu Picchu? 😔]
Machu Picchu Town
We arrived at the Ollantaytambo Station to take the 15:37 train to Machu Picchu Station.
After a slight confusion about the seat allocation, we settled into the PeruRail Vistadome train.
The carriage offered a panoramic view as it travelled towards Machu Picchu Station. I was not only impressed with the mountainous landscape but also the Urubamba River that flows alongside the rail line.
We arrived at Machu Picchu Staion after about 1 1/2 hours, and checked into the hotel (El Mapi). The hotel and room were comfortable and clean.
I had my dinner and went to bed early. Our Machu Picchu reservation time was 7am, and we still had to take a bus there.
D2 - Machu Picchu - Urubamba
The sky was overcast and it started to rain as the local shuttle bus made its way to Machu Picchu.
It was already crowded when we arrived at the entrance. We gathered as a group, and started our walk and climb towards the main archaeological site. It was slow progress with the drizzle and many people on the path. When we reached the viewing point, Machu Picchu, the most familar icon of the Inca Empire was totally shrouded in the fog.
[Hmmm 😐…okay la … at least we put in the best effort to book and visit it. The fog/mist should clear before I leave? 😑😟 ]
Very gradually the mist and clouds shifted to reveal the contours of the iconic site. What a relief and delight 😀😙.
As I watched the ever-shifting clouds, Machu Picchu eventually revealed itself as the fog cleared! The landscape of the Inca ruins against the hill with the river winding around was mesmerising and majestic. [😀😍😚].
[I 'paused' to enjoy the view and with gratitude in my heart that I could visit Peru 😌😊]
The designated path continued onto the plateau and the ruins. I walked through the main ruins, admiring the design and grandeur of the place.
The other site of significance is the Temple of the Sun; the semicircular structure believed to have been used for astronomical and religious ceremonies purposes. The two smaller windows on the east are orientated to the winter and the summer solistice. I was also equally impressed with the hundreds of splendour man-made terraces that came into view as we made our way to the exit. It was supposed to be used for farming in Inca Empire. Machu Pichhu is truly a wonder of the world 😍😚😊💕
Ollantaytambo Station to Urubamba
We took the 16:22 train for Ollantaytambo Station.
I stood at the end of the carriage so that I could have the view of both sides of the landscape. The land was scenic and yet striking with the mountains and the flowing river.
[ I managed to take photos of an Anaconda statue that I briefly saw when the train travelled to Machu Picchu 😌]
After arrival, we headed to a folklore dinner show at a restaurant before heading to the hotel (Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado).
D3 Urubamba - Cusco - Lima - Callao
The hotel and its breakfast was enjoyable. [There were llamas for photos taking 😊]
Cusco
The coach drove through delightful landscapes and several towns. As the coach approached Cusco, the town could be seen stretched out before the mountains. The birdeye view of the city was exquisite and delightful.
The city was the capital of the Inca Empire from 13th - 16th century until the Spanish Conquest. It was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site - "City of Cusco" in 1972
[UNESCO link - https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/273/ ]
Saqsaywaman(Sacayhuaman) Ruins
The complex was built by the Incas Empires in the 15th century. Dry stone walls were constructed with huge stones cutting the boulders with precision to fit them tightly without using mortar. [I have very limited know-how about building, but to construct it without mortar is undoubtedly remarkable]
After Saqsaywaman, we continued on to the Temple of the Sun.
Temple of the Sun (Coricancha)
It was one of the most important and sacred temples of the Inca Empire.
Coricancha is formed from the Quechua language - 'Quri' meaning 'Gold' and 'Kancha' meaning 'Temple'. This translated roughly to "Walls of Gold". However, when the Spanish arrived in Cusco, they destroyed most of Coricancha, and built the Santo Domingo Church on its site, preserving only a small part of the Coricancha [😞]
[I was wondering why we were shown the stones exhibits 👆. Sigh, now (after googling) I know there are the remains of the Temple of the Sun 😔 . ]
We had a buffet lunch, walked around Santo Domingo Plaza and proceeded to the Twelve-Angled Stone.
Twelve-Angled Stone
The stone is an archeological artifact as part of a stone wall of an Inca palace. It is recognised for its twelve-angled borders with fine finishing, and also an example of Incan architecture.
We then headed to the the airport for the 4:40pm flight to Lima. I lookled forward to heading back to the boat [it started to feel like I am heading back home?! 😆😉]
Thoughts and Others
Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic historical sites in Peru, and the world. However, in the short three days tour, I realised Peru had so much more to offer.
I was glad I did not suffer from altitude sickness after taking 2 altitude sickness pills the day before, and 2 panadols on the flight to Cusco. [Cusco is at 3400 metres with possibility of getting altitude sickness]
-------- End of 3D2N Mach Pichu and the Scared Valley Tour -----------
Lima
We grouped at Vista Lounge to start the Lima tour at 12:15pm.
The city was crowded as the bus drove by the main square. We toured the historic centre, the Francisco Church and the Cathedral.
We stopped by the craft market before going back to the boat.
Departure from Callao
After three days at Callao, the boat sailed off for its next port.
As the lights from Callao’s harbour diminished into the distance, I bid farewell to Peru, and was thankful that I got to know it better.
Thoughts
The Inca Empire, at its most powerful was the largest empire in the Americas, if not the world. Their mastery of finely-constructed buildings and outstanding adpatation of natural terrains with terracing, roads and settlements is truly impressive. However, it only lasted about one hundred years.
I got to know Angela 😊 who introduced the term 'throw water' (Cantonese term for complain), and Cat 😊 whom I mistaken as Pat (Family's friend of friend to say 'Hello').
In Callao, one of the passengers was apparently threatened at gunpoint, another four lost their belongings [It was definitely important to understand the city's safety conditions, and take the necessary precautions]
Other Information
Machu Picchi and Sacred Valley Tour
What's next? Chile!