Saqsayhuaman and Q'engo
5/12/2018 Noteworthy Incan Sites
Saqsayhuaman factoids:
- this Inka archaeological site consists of 3 large terraced walls set on the hilltop overlooking Cusco
- its name means "satisfied falcon"
- it is designed in the shape of a puma
- its construction took over 70 years
- it involved the work of approximately 20,000 men
- the construction of the huge rocks with absolute accuracy
- this Inkan military construction is the greatest example of the Empire's ability to shape the rocks, move them by hand and assemble them to withstand earthquakes
Two panoramic photos of Cusco from Saqsayhuaman...
We made a quick stop at a shop where Maria explained the different qualities of alpaca wool fibers. What she showed us, and almost everything in the store, was not only expensive but something that could not be worn in Florida.
Our second Inka site was Q'engo, the ceremonial center where sacrifices and mummification took place. It is one of the largest holy places in the Cusco region.
After all this hiking we visited 3 delightful sisters and 3 of their children for a home-hosted lunch of traditional Peruvian food. We enjoyed some potato tortillas, delicious sauces, cheese, vegetable soup, corn, quinoa, rice and a traditional drink.
And, just in case we hadn't eaten enough for the day, dinner was at Valentino's. I loved the hostess' costume so much I had to get a photo.
Edgar treated us to an Algarrobina cocktail (evaporated or unsweetened condensed milk, ice cubes, carob syrup, eggs, sugar and Pisco). I was full after eating my potato appetizer. And I saw my first roasted guinea pig - that sucker was at least a foot long!
Saqsayhuaman factoids:
- this Inka archaeological site consists of 3 large terraced walls set on the hilltop overlooking Cusco
- its name means "satisfied falcon"
- it is designed in the shape of a puma
- its construction took over 70 years
- it involved the work of approximately 20,000 men
- the construction of the huge rocks with absolute accuracy
- this Inkan military construction is the greatest example of the Empire's ability to shape the rocks, move them by hand and assemble them to withstand earthquakes
Two panoramic photos of Cusco from Saqsayhuaman...
We made a quick stop at a shop where Maria explained the different qualities of alpaca wool fibers. What she showed us, and almost everything in the store, was not only expensive but something that could not be worn in Florida.
Our second Inka site was Q'engo, the ceremonial center where sacrifices and mummification took place. It is one of the largest holy places in the Cusco region.
After all this hiking we visited 3 delightful sisters and 3 of their children for a home-hosted lunch of traditional Peruvian food. We enjoyed some potato tortillas, delicious sauces, cheese, vegetable soup, corn, quinoa, rice and a traditional drink.
And, just in case we hadn't eaten enough for the day, dinner was at Valentino's. I loved the hostess' costume so much I had to get a photo.
Edgar treated us to an Algarrobina cocktail (evaporated or unsweetened condensed milk, ice cubes, carob syrup, eggs, sugar and Pisco). I was full after eating my potato appetizer. And I saw my first roasted guinea pig - that sucker was at least a foot long!
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