Day 15: Exploring Ollantay

I started my morning with breakfast and then my guide was 15 minutes early so I was able to meet her ASAP. Carmen took me to the entrance of the Parque Archaeologico de Ollantaytambo. The name Ollantay is a famous Inca who lived in the 1500s. “Tambo” means small places of respite for pilgrims who traveled the Inca trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The journey was arduous but probably very rewarding.

The Incas believed in Pacha Mama or Mother Earth and their native language is Quechua. Carmen’s first language is Quechua and she learned Spanish in school. She told me about the Hornacinas and how they were temples built by the Incas. They used the symbols of the serpent to represent the underworld, the puma for the world we live in, and the condor for the afterlife/upperworld. Incas believed in reincarnation so they mummified their leaders in a seated position. Common folk were mummified in fetal positions. When the missionaries came, they did away with many of the Inca’s ways, including destroying the facades of their temples that depicted the animals aforementioned.

Carmen took a million pictures of me, some poses included: “llamita and foto loca” or llama hand and arms up. After the tour of the archeological site, we went to check out the fiestas patrimoniales or the Independence Day Parade. A variety of school groups marched and played instruments in the celebration. I was shocked that even the laborers, doctors, and sanitation workers marched in the parade too. Peruvians respect their people and what they all do for the community.

After the parade, Carmen said she would meet me on Sunday for the trip to Moray and Chinchero. I went to Korichanca, a touristy restaurant on the second floor in front of the Plaza de Armas where the parade took place. I ordered an Alpaca steak with elderberry sauce. Down in the plaza, people were drinking “chicha de jora,” or corn booze in giant glasses. They were lit! The owner let me have a llama keychain for free, which was super nice.

I took a long hike up Pinkuylluma where the granaries were located. The altitude kicked my butt, once again. 😮‍💨 Going up those stairs and trying to breathe is no joke. Thank god for my Diamox and coca leaves! 😝 I made it huffing and puffing up to the two levels of the granary and saw a wonderful view of the town below. Because I am crazy, I went back into the Archaeological Park of Ollantaytambo and hiked up Inka Watana. I thought this was just a nice little walk, but it turned out to be a lot more intense than the hike I had just done earlier. People coming down were super nice and encouraged me to keep going. I am no quitter, just needed to catch my breath

As I sat down pretty close to the summit, an American man zoomed past me and asked me if I was okay. I told him, “I am good, it’s my first day here.” He seemed pretty acclimatized compared to me! I made to the top and was super proud of not dying or giving up. I saw across the valley where I had hiked to the opposite mountain.

With all the trekking, I ended up in the sauna of my hotel before showering and heading out to dinner. I went to Apu Veronica which had the most delicious trout, served nice and hot on a volcanic stone accompanied by Andean fried potatoes and salad. I mopped it all up and washed it down with a local Sumac Warmi Purple Ale.Read more