January 29 - Not Machu Picchu (maybe better)

Royal Caribbean really rallied and found us plenty to do and see. After breakfast we headed off to do some sightseeing. Our first stop was Sacsayhuaman. The complex was built by the Incas in the 15th century, particularly under Sapa Inca Pachacuti and his successors. Dry stone walls constructed of huge stones were built on the site, with the workers carefully cutting the boulders to fit them together tightly without cement or mortar.

 

The first picture was believed to be the largest stone in the complex, weighing in at 105 tons. However, they have now determined the one I'm standing next to is truly the largest, weighing in at 125 tons

 

This a rendering of what the fortress once looked like.

Then we saw some of the locals at the site.

Here is typical Inca lady and her alpaca. The second picture is for perspective of how small the Incas are.

 

A view of Cusco from the fortress. 

Christ the Redeemer is here too, however I didn't see it until we were driving away.

We then headed off to the Sacred Valley. They called the area the Sacred Valley because it was of significant importance to them. The valley's fertile soils were a major food source for the highland cities. The valley is also dotted with many sacred Inca sites. The scenery was absolutely beautiful.

At times I felt I was on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai.

A view of the Amazon. 

Some typical residential neighborhoods. 

And a local resident.

Stay tuned for Part II.