Our Overseas Adventure Travel group caught a morning flight to the mountain-ringed city of Cuzco which is situated at an elevation of 10,909 feet. Upon arrival our local tour bus driver took us to the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River where the lower elevation eased our transition to the high altitudes of the Andes. We enjoyed a box lunch during the drive, and continued to the upper city of Pisac.
These mythic ruins are situated in a spectacular location atop a buttress ridge, with agricultural terraces—constructed by the ancient Inca people—curling around the hill in graceful curves and gorges on either side.
Upon arrival we took a short trek into the ancient city, where we explored its well-built stone dwellings and temples and enjoyed sweeping views, both up and downstream, in the Urubamba Valley.
On the way up to this area, our guide Salvador gave us an overview about the controversial topic of coca production in Peru, and the struggle to balance the plant’s traditional role in society with its high value on the black market as a key ingredient in cocain.
After we checked into the Villa Urubamba Hotel, and settling in a bit, we had a group dinner. This hotel has all the attributes of a quiet retreat center.
