I have a list

Having made the decision to abandon Cusco for lower altitudes and less chaos, I sorted belongings so that only a minimal amount need be schlepped around for the next week. Left a bag at the hostal (under lock & key) and headed out for a morning coffee before catching a combi. Walked the short distance to the main plaza and was disconcerted to find it brimming over with thousands of people there to celebrate the “happiness of the baby” day. After spending some time trying to decode the multitude of waving signs it became apparent that it was in fact an anti-abortion rally.

With armies of school children still arriving in front of the Cathederal to join more nuns than I have ever seen, a quick exit was made and coffee procured. On to the combi station and a fairly uneventful 2 hour ride to the Incan town of Ollytaytambo.

This is one of the jewels of the area known as the Sacred Valley, and is one of the few remaining functional Incan cities. I have never visited this area, but had passed through briefly two years ago on the way to the starting point of the Inca Trail.

Walking through the old alleyways and up to the hostal was a delight. There were stone walls and stairways, stone streets and swiftly flowing water in ancient water channels. The hostal is located at the end of one such street, and through the low wooden doorway I found yet another gem. Family owned and operated, kids running around, laundry fluttering in the breeze… and a room that has a doorway opening on to a magnificent view of the ancient abandoned ruins and fabulous Incan terracing. Wow.

From here will be based all my wanderings. I have a list.

Chinchero

Local ruins

Moray and Salinas

Pisac

Urubamba

Local Caves

Peruvian Paso Horseback riding

Machu Picchu

I also have much Robaxicet. Will be needed. Good thing my hiking boots are broken in.