It’s been a great day. We hiked for 7 miles and climbed over 400 metres. We left the apartment at 10.30 heading for an archeological site Q’enqo where there are Inca ruins of a temple and some tunnels and a view of Cusco that we rarely get to see. It’s really breezy today but dry so we decided to walk further. We took a path that went through fields and lanes and we barely saw anyone, just farmers in the distance and another hiker lying on a huge rock. The birds were singing, flowers and butterflies everywhere and fluffy white clouds in the sky. In order to have a sense of purpose we walked to two more archaeological sites that were quite interesting to walk round. It’s hard to believe that so much has been preserved when you read about the Spanish conquest. We stopped along the way for water and snacks and just to enjoy the countryside. 

We flagged down a bus and for two soles each (about 40p each) we caught the bus home! There was a slight misunderstanding as we tried to get off the bus - the conductor thought we were getting off too soon- she thought we wanted to go into town, but she let us off in the end 😂

Beautiful wild orchids everywhere 

Tunnels at Q’enqo

Great view back over Cusco 

The lovely route we took 

Hiking up high

Enjoying the view (actually catching my breath)

Beans

Looking over a small farmstead with llamas, alpacas and various arable crops 

Puka Pukara. An Inca fort over looking Cusco

The view was something else. Stunning 😍 

Tambomachay. Possibly the site of worship of water. Certainly a key site for the water supply to Inca settlements further down the mountain. 

Being cool at 3800 metres above sea level.  This is the same height above sea level as Mt Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. (Factoid)

Mr C being silly at 3800 metres above sea level. Has the altitude got to him?

Last look before heading back down 

Caught ourselves in the mirror on the bus! 🚎