Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Peru
At an elevation of over 10,900 feet, friendly faces and chilly morning air greet us on the streets of Cuzco. |
Started in 1551, young Cuzco men prepare for the "Warachikuy" ceremony in the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. After these tests or exams, they are granted badges or WARA, and are declared males with the rights of a citizen. Without WARA, no male could exercise the most minimum of natural rights; those who do not complete the ceremony dishonor their relatives and their community. |
In the shadows, a foundation of ancient 11th century Inca walls (Originally the Temple of the Sun - Koricancha) supports the Santo Domingo Church built on top by the Spanish in 1542. The sun, shadowing the Spanish arches, pours into an area the Incas once dedicated to sacrificing llamas to the sun god. |
Energetic dancers and musicians bring to life their cultural heritage in downtown Cuzco's "Centro QosQo de Arte Nativo." |
About 20 miles northeast of Cuzco in the Urubamba Valley, the town of Pisac hosts a large Sunday market. Above the colonial town rises an Incan stone fortress as well as some of the valleys finest terraces. |
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