ollantaytambo

Our first night in Ollantaytambo didn't produce many photographs: we were too busy strolling the cobbled streets and trying to work out what was night sky and what was mountain. Our hotel room balcony opened on to a river and some ancient ruins. We ate alpaca steak. Casual. I'd been prepared for the best seafood of my life on the Peruvian coast, but the Highland food was unexpectedly good too: juicy aji de gallina, fresh trout dressed in simple sauces, quinoa and the occasional Chifa place. 

After admiring this view while eating breakfast we decided to climb the ruins of one of the few forts the Spanish didn't manage to conquer. 

G enjoyed his sun hat.  

Gotta love those anti-seismic doorways... AND those trendy rain ponchos.

We spent a good while wandering around the craft market, listening to the sound of wind-chimes and a blind harp player. I found a few gems, including a turquoise necklace for my Gran and a couple of gold llamas (specifically requested by my parents). 

It wouldn't be a day in the Highlands without another procession!

Ollantaytambo, or 'Ollanta' as the Peruvians say, was really quite special. It felt so remote and cut off, with the mountains looming around... could really understand how the Incas and their ancestors once worshipped them: they must have played such a huge part in their lives and really do feel like giant beings after a while, watching and listening to the activities of mortals! 

The tiny cobbled streets were, again, frequented by women in amazing clothes and a fair few llamas. Some houses' foundations were Incan, and the streets did feel medieval in the prettiest way. 

BUT it was onwards and upwards (downwards, really) to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu!