Peru 🇵🇪 Ollantaytambo

October 9 th continued 

We continued our journey in Ollantaytambo to the Inca temple there

Below is the terraces of Pumatallis - the ceremonial center. Because of the impressive character of these terraces, Temple Hill is commonly known as a fortress, but this is a misnomer, as the main functions of this site was religious. 

This left side (to the south) is concerned the Temple sector and to the right side (to the north) is the Funerary sector 


The bath of the Princess
Every Equinox the sun shines directly in the middle of this fountain 


In the mountain across from the temple you can see lighter color structures.  These were the grain storages - perfectly positioned as to the conditions (wind, sun, water etc) to store the grains

The unfinished structures at Temple Hill and stone blocks that litter the site indicate that it was still undergoing construction at the time of its abandonment. 

Then we got on our luxury bus to a surprise…. A picnic in a beautiful field surrounded by the majestic Andes 

Priscilla - no she did not set the table Ha Ha



These chefs made us a fabulous meal that I lost count as to how many courses they served - the delicious food just kept on coming!!





We were serenaded by traditional Andes music and instruments…..Zampona, Charango, and Quena.    It was truly a magical lunch!!!


After lunch the musicians had all the materials ready for us to make our own ‘Malta Flute”.   Then they “tried” to teach us to play it.   None of us got it down but I am still trying!!!

I asked the one teaching us how old was he when he learned to play and how long it took him….he was 3 and it took a day!!!!!

My Malta Flute

The melody of Paul Simon’s song “I’d rather be a hammer than a nail” is actually an Andes folk song and this is the melody they were trying to teach us!!

After lunch we headed to the train station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes which is one of the 2 ways to get to Machu Picchu.    The other way is to climb the Inca Trail which is a 26 mile hike.    The train was our mode of transportation!!!

My biggest (and actually only) worry of this entire trip was the “11 pound luggage allotment” for the train and overnight and next day Machu Picchu part of our trip. 

Here is my 11ish pounds!!   No need to worry at all.  Ha ha! Nobody paid attention to what you brought!!  Phew!

It was a beautiful train ride with spectacular scenery 



Phil and Priscilla on the train


Aguas Callientes



Phil and Priscilla by our hotel. We spent the night at the Sumaq hotel where we had a delicious dinner.   I even tasted Llama there (truth be told- a very small bite).  I was not a fan - it kind of has texture of pork but very gamey 

Tomorrow off to Machu Picchu!!!!!!!