minimunchkin: Sacred Valley

From the Amazon we flew to Cuzco as we continued on our journey through Peru. However we didn't spend much time here, stopping quickly to grab a bite to eat then driving on to Sacred Valley where we would be spending the next three days acclimatising to the high altitude. Cuzco sits at around 3,400m while Sacred Valley is 2,900m.

First stop, to visit the locals.

Meet Mr Llama. Llamas have long shaggy hair.

Alpacas have shorter hair.

Driving through Sacred Valley was quite a sight, the landscape was stunning. Rolling hills, lush green pastures against a rocky mountainside, ancient terraces cut into the hills, all cradling a flowing river in the middle. Shad couldn't stop taking photos, and I couldn't stop thinking how beautiful this place is.

As we were driving to Pisac market, our guide Miguel was describing the main attractions in the market area and one of the things he told us was be aware of the women with little animals who try to get you to take photos with them. For every photo you take with them, you're expected to give them some money. All of us nodded and said ok remember no photos. So what happened the minute we got out of the car? One of these ladies zoomed over to Mia, grabbed her hand to pet her little goat and then just shoved the animal into Mia's arms! It happened so quickly, poor kid didn't even get the chance to say anything, she was stunned. So $2 later, we now have a very cute photo of Mia with her little pet kid 😆!

These empanadas hot out of this giant hundred year old communal wood fire oven were delicious.

These fluffy things aren't pets, they're dinner waiting to be roasted 😞.

Around lanes of the market square

We loved the hotel we stayed at here, Sonesta Posada del Inca. The hotel used to be a monastery and while much of the place has been refurbished, they have kept the main features. The rooms in the main courtyard even have the names of the nuns who used to live there written on a wooden plaque by the room door.

The Chapel

The courtyard with two different restaurants.

Our room on the second floor.

One of the many little courtyards.

We spent a lot of time relaxing in the front just soaking up the breathtaking views.

Little Miss enjoying her peace and quiet (to quote her!).

Local Huilloc women taking a break from manning their stalls.

Market stalls in the back courtyard.

Break time in the coffee shop. We spent quite a lot of time here reading, listening to music, writing our journals over many cups of coffee, hot chocolate and mango juice.