LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk | Epic Journey called it, "sexy women." This complex is our first look at the type of Incan construction that we will see throughout our trip. It consists of large polished dry stone walls with each boulder carefully cut to fit together tightly without the aid of any mortar. I am impressed each time I see this ingenious construction throughout parts of Peru. After some coca tea to help reduce the effects of high altitude, we sit down for the first of many delicious meals together with great conversation about our exciting first day. Our group of 12, mostly unknown to each other, is starting to open up and share a bit about who they are and why they chose Peru as their adventure destination. This is one of my favorite aspects of being a guide, watching and being a part of a group of strangers who come together to form a strong team and often lasting Colpa Lodge friendships. It's recommended that people spend two days acclimatizing in the Cusco area before starting off on a trek, so we are spending another day exploring the region. The Sacred Valley encompasses the heartland of the Inca Empire and was formed by the Urubamba River or as speakers of the Quechua Indian language call it, the Sacred River. The valley holds special geographical and climatic qualities that played a vital role in how the Peruvians farmed and still do. They employed terracing and elaborate irrigation systems, also incorporating astronomy as part of the design. When these fields are lush and green they resemble a colorful patchwork quilt and can be appreciated for the science, hard work, and dedication that went into its patterns. We visited a Chinchero to learn about the tradition and art of weaving. From a young age, girls learn to spin the wool and then weave. Weaving plays an important part of courtship, marriage, and child birth, as well as other ceremonies that mark important stages in people's lives. We enjoyed watching a demonstration of the whole process; the sheep who A llama looks over Machu Picchu contributed the wool was sitting there, as well as a finished blanket. The steps in between are like magic; the colors, rich and alluring, are created from natural products such as flower petals, leaves and other natural elements. The end result is something to cherish and respect. Our group had fun finding and buying just the right thing. Adding to the enjoyment was the fact that we were able to buy it directly from the hands that made it. Ollantaytambo, a town inside the Sacred Valley was once the royal estate of the emperor who conquered the region. He built the town LOCALadk Magazine Spring 2013 41

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