Sácale el Jugo: Adventures in Peru – August 2011
"Sácale el jugo," advised our guide - a wonderful Spanish expression that translates as "take the juice (out of it)." And we took his advice to heart, enjoying the many experiences that Peru offered us. A full week in the Sacred Valley and Cusco, followed by a five day trek across the Salkantay to Machu Picchu. What an adventure. Awe-inspiring scenery, hospitable people, great food and beautifully woven textiles. Plus ruins. Lots of ruins.
LEFT Lesson with weaver Margarita Sinche at Patachanca, near Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. RIGHT Bruno, a volunteer at the Awamaki store in Ollantaytambo. Awamaki is an NGO that helps Patachanca and 2 other villages market their work - and is sponsoring a weaving retreat October 2011.
Festival and street scenes in Cusco
LEFT Weaver in Mollepata, along the route to begin our trek. The NGO Yanapata helps with economic development, including weaving, of several villages in the Salkantay area. RIGHT an Incan aqueduct and footpath. We walked along this path as we began our trek.
LEFT Salkantay Peak - sacred to the Quecha RIGHT textiles along the trail - typical saddle and blanket
Yes, here it is - Machu Picchu. Magnificent.
And a resident llama of Machu Picchu, looking quite regal.
For more photos of Peru, visit my Highlands of Peru albums on Facebook!
