Peru - G-Adventures, Sacred Valley Tour - Pisaq and Parwa Restaurant

Back into the van and we continued on the tour. Next stop was the Inca site, Pisaq.

Our group at a lookout over the Sacred Valley.
Jason, Chris, me, Graham (who did the Lares Trek), Ryan, Danny, Casey, Fiona

The entrance to Pisaq, which is named after a small bird.

Looking down at the lower part of Pisaq.

Daniel, our guide, described how the Inca grew their crops (for food, medicine and religious ceremonies)
on the terraces. Each terrace is a micro climate and they experimented with growing crops at gradually
higher elevations.

At this, and subsequent Inca sites, the water systems were still operating.

The Inca were excellent hydraulic engineers, bringing running water to where they needed it for crops, residences and temples. Another common factor is the trapezoid niches, windows and doors that hold up well to earthquakes and have helped preserve the Inca architecture.

Trapezoid niches.

Mummified remains, in the fetal position, were found in the cliff caves above the site.

Daniel spoke about the site and then gave us free time to explore on our own. We climbed up to the top and then enjoyed the views over the valley.

Back into the van and our next stop was another project assisted by the Planterra Foundation, the Parwa Restaurant.

The people working here walk miles from their village in the mountains and have learned how
to use modern kitchen equipment  to produce delicious meals from local foods, for tourists.

Lovely grounds

Delicious food: salad, soup, appetizers ......

roast potatoes, stuffed peppers and a quinoa salad,

a little poached pear and cake. We could also pay for a beer or soft drink.

We were full but the food had all been light and well prepared.

On the walls, information and myths about the ingredients and recipes

After the meal we played "Frog" which involved tossing metal discs towards this "chair"
trying to get them into the frogs mouth or one of the holes in the seat.

David later told us it could be a drinking game. The loser buying the drinks.