Day 5 Wayna Picchu and Ollantaytambo

June 28

Today was probably the favorite day of the trip for most of the students. We woke up a bit earlier to get back on the bus to Machu Picchu and then make our way to Wayna Picchu. Wayna Picchu sits right behind Machu Picchu and is around 9,000 ft in in elevation. The Incas used this site to protect the citadel they had built as they could have a 360 degree look at everything around them.  It took us about an 1 or so to hike up the mountain and it took the kids breath a way from the view they had from the peak!

 One student said ¨ This is the best day of my life´´ . Another student responded to me after hearing an American tourist complain about how long we were taking with our pictures said ´´How could you be in a rush or angry up here? Just enjoy it¨

After our hike down, we said good bye to Machu Picchu and went back on the Peru Rail where we had some entertainment, dancing and modeling of the alpaca clothing that the train was selling. It was quite entertaining. We then got off at Ollaytantambo where we say a fortress built from the Incas to protect himself in the 1500s.  Ollantay was a general for the Incas but he fell in love with the Incas daughter. When asked to marry her, the Inca told Ollantay no and so, he began a feud with the Inca. The Inca never did attack him though!

What is always fascinating with those that lived in the Cusco area is that they were so incredibly advanced in technology. Because there is only 4 months of rain each year, they need to grow a large amount of food in a short time. They created a house that was built on the mountain which protected the food against the animals and they used their geography (shade and wind) to keep the food from getting spoiled!

This evening, we at at the restaurant Don Antonio's and many of them took advantage of trying cuy (guinea pig) this evening. In addition to the music and food, there was dancing that represented all of the regions of Peru. Some of the kids were even invited to dance with the cast!

Tomorrow we are off to the Sacred Valley!