| Out and about in Cuzco
Apr 26, 2005 | (click to enlarge)
 |  | (click to enlarge)
 | | (click to enlarge)
 | | Here we are at Saqsaywaman | | The courtyard in the colonial house | | A picture of a church just outside Cuzco that was taken on our way back |
| We had a nice lazy morning today, as we didn't have to do anything until our city tour at 2pm.
The tour started in a colonial house which wasn't at all what we expected because inside there were Inca ruins! It seems that the Spanish just built over the top. It was called Qorikancha and it was really interesting how the Incas had built their buildings to be earthquake proof by using the trapezoid shape.
Then we went to the Cathedral of St. Catalina (yes, another one - I haven't made a mistake!) where we were taken around the many side chapels and altars. It was very beautiful, there was lots and lots of gold leaf and mirrors everywhere. We found out that all the past bishops are buried underneath the altar, and that the ashes of a very famous Inca/Spaniard who wrote a lot about the Inca lifestyle are in a seperate little crypt.
After this we went out of town a bit to Saqsaywaman (pronounced "Sexy Woman") which is lots and lots of ruins on the hillside, and then to Pukapukara which had a nice little cave where they sacrificed llamas. Finally we went to Tambomachay - a water temple where the Incas would have sacred washes. There were lots of children here, who came running over as soon as one of our American friends produced some sweets!
Off to Machu Picchu tomorrow! |
| |
| |
