Trip to Peru -(19) Scarey Valley tour- on the way to Chinchero

During our tour of the Sacred Valley, we departed from Cusco and along the way, I couldn't help but notice that many of the houses on the roadside lacked a roof. Our guide explained to us that this was intentional, as there are tax advantages to leaving a house unfinished rather than completing it. As a result, many of the houses in the area remain unfinished.

Our next stop was in Chinchero, where we had the privilege of visiting a local textile factory. The skilled artisans there showed us how they crafted beautiful textiles using materials sourced from alpacas, sheep, and llamas. What was truly impressive was the use of natural plant dyes to color the fabrics, a process that has been passed down through generations. It was a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Andean people.

                                 

Trip to Peru-(18) Cusco Cathedral

 Located in the northeast section of Plaza de Armas in Cusco, this cathedral is a must-visit destination for those interested in history and architecture. 

Cusco Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin, is a colonial-era Roman Catholic church located in the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Peru. The construction of the cathedral began in 1559 and it took almost 100 years to complete.

The cathedral was built on the site of an Inca palace, which was destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors during their conquest of the region. The cathedral was constructed using stone taken from the nearby Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman and incorporates both Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.

Over the years, the cathedral has undergone several renovations and additions, including the addition of a new altar in the 18th century and the replacement of the original wooden choir stalls with new ones made of carved cedar. Today, the cathedral is considered to be one of the most important and impressive examples of colonial-era architecture in South Americ

During my visit, I was able to witness the locals engaging in a religious service and took some photos of the breathtaking interior.

Trip to Peru-(17) Sightseeing in and around Cusco City

At Plaza de Armas, you can find many tour companies offering sightseeing tours of Cusco and the surrounding areas. During one of these tours, I had the opportunity to take some photos from the upper deck of the tour bus. Here are a few of my favorite shots showcasing the beautiful sights of Cusco.

Trip to Peru- (16) Central Cusco- Plaza de Armas

Almost everyone who wants to visit Machu Picchu needs to first arrive in Cusco, from where they can be transported to Machu Picchu. However, Cusco itself provides tourists with many opportunities to see other parts of Peru besides Machu Picchu. The city center is the best place to get all the touring information you need, as well as for shopping and dining. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a beautiful and historic location featuring the Cathedral of Cusco in the middle, with La Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus (a church) on one side, and shops and restaurants on the other two sides. Here are some photos of what Plaza de Armas looks like.

Trip to Peru- (15) arriving Cusco

 Here are some pictures taken on our journey from the airport to our Airbnb in Cusco. We encountered road constructions just outside the airport which caused some inconvenience. As we entered the town, the streets became more vibrant and colorful, making it evident that it is a popular tourist destination. The narrow streets were crowded with cars, but we eventually arrived at our Airbnb located in the mountains that surround the central downtown of Cusco. The panoramic view from our Airbnb was breathtaking, offering us a stunning view of the city and the houses nestled behind us.

Trip to Peru- (14) Parque Olivar, Lima

Located in the bustling San Isidro district of Lima, this park is a serene oasis with a collection of ancient olive trees, providing a perfect spot for families and friends to enjoy a leisurely stroll and capture photographs amidst these hundred-year-old trees.