Ollantaytambo.
After lunch we went to the ruins of Ollantaytambo, where we climbed the stairs to the level of the temple with several stops for us to catch our breath. Ruben emphasized that as a sacred site, the terraces were there only to prevent landslides and were not cultivated – there was no irrigation system present. This site was under construction at the time of the Spanish conquest and was not completed when it was thrown down by the Spaniards.
The next stop was our hotel, Sol y Luna where our room was a round free-standing structure with a second floor/loft with a pair of beds in addition to the one downstairs. When we arrived, there was a note from Melissa and Steve Wilson providing their room (casita) number. So before we headed off to the bar for our evening Pisco Sours, we went over to visit and trade notes. Steve had several insect bites which looked similar to ones I had noticed on my right hand in the morning. Steve’s were swollen, so he took me up on the offer of some Benadryl caplets, and the chance to check out our casita – theirs was rectangular and had a fireplace.
So as they headed back to their casita, we hit the bar for Pisco Sours and journaling.
The Pisco Sours were fine, but dinner didn’t really hit the spot except for an appetizer of quinoa falafel. We slept poorly again and suspect altitude is the culprit.
Ollantaytambo.
Qantu (Cantua buxifolia) - the national flower of Perú.
Ruben leading us up the steps.
Steps the Inca built into the terraces - very glad I didn't have to climb them!
A couple of sets of steps.
Looking across to the ruins and trails on the opposite side of the valley.
Walk this way.
The town of Ollantaytambo (or just Ollanta) looking upstream.
This narrow piece of stone was placed to take the brunt of earthquakes, protecting the large slabs on either side.
Looking down the terraces, with some other tourists to provide scale.
Jonathan takes a snap of the doorway shown above.
Working our way back down the stairs.
Another wildflower.
In the crafts market outside the ruins, a weaver in action.
The cat blanket was available in the square of town where we waited for Romulo to pick us up.
Relaxing in our casita at Sol y Luna.
The casita was free standing - we thought of it as a hobbit-house. All it needed was round windows and doors.
Journaling over Pisco sours. That's my journal sitting on the bar, a wedding gift from June Viescas & husband.
Our table was by the fireplace.
The amuse-bouche. I don't recall what it was, I think it was seviche.
Quinoa falafel with comfit of ollucos with panca-chili vinaigrete, hummus, coriander sprouts and chili.
Evidence, entrée: Local lamb loin corn chicha sauce, served with new potatoes wrapped in clay and baby spinach.
Jonathan's entrée: Puff pastry filled with marinated pork cooked with local corn & onions. Looks like a pork pot pie.
Evidence, dessert: panna cotta with poached tree tomato and cocoa crumble.
