Welsh David's South America: 20 and 21 February 2017

We left the Cusco hotel in small buses to be driven to the truck in Dragoman’s yard. This was because there are numerous restrictions on driving in Cusco with large vehicles and narrow streets. Once on the truck we set off for Raqchi but first stopping at Rumiqolqa, one of the old main gates into Cusco city. Rumiqolqa was the name of the major stone quarry used by the Inca Empire to construct its buildings, roads, plazas and towers. Located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) southeast of the Inca capital of Cusco, the quarry is on the Inca road leading from Cusco to Qullasuyu. Its elevation is 3,330 meters (11,000 feet), which is slightly below Cusco, at 3,400 m (11,200 ft). Many of the buildings in the royal district of Cusco were constructed of finely cut stone from Rumiqolqa.

Views of the city walls

A further two hours travelling had us arriving at the village of Raqchi, an Inca archaeological site which is 3480 meters above sea level. The Temple of Wiracocha is part of the site which was a primary control point on a road system that originated in Cusco and expanded as the Inca empire grew.

Views of the Raqchi ruins

A store house

The village church

Inside the church

At the village we were met by the local people who would be our hosts for an overnight stop in their homes. I, and three others were put with Maria and Agipita and their family. During the time there Tabia played with the children and Nicha helped prepare the meals, the family being very accommodating to us.

Having lunch in the kitchen

The family

There was to be a special ceremony in the evening but because it rained heavily this was cancelled. We all had to dress up in the morning of leaving the village, walking from our hosts houses to the village square.