While we thought we got the Incan stuff down, after a deep dive on every rock formation in Cuzco vicinity, we had the largest one still ahead of us. The way to Machu Picchu was colorful, literally and figuratively.

We first stopped in Chinchero, a small village where local families survive mostly by weaving typical Peruvian textiles and clothes which we got to see first-hand. I was fascinated by the creativity in dying the clothes – every single dye was natural – leaves, bark, dirt, flower – they all lead to such bright colors, absolutely stunning.

We couldn’t escape the quintessential “dress up the tourists” picture. We also somehow got tangled up in Corpus Cristi celebration and huge parade with locals which was quite fun. Next stop were the Salt mines of Maras, another amazing hidden gem. With no expectations at all, this really wasn’t a mine but a 5,000 of small salt ponds in Sacred Valley that fill from mountain water, evaporate, collect salt and repeat. Mind you, it’s pretty hot in there so working in this heat, and salt, collecting and managing (ponds are privately owned) is hell of a work. The air itself just felt very dry.

Lunch was a treat. First, couldn’t fathom that there would be a place to eat – this was mountains, yet a desert really. We drove there through nothing since Chinchero, yet – a total oasis opened up literally out of nowhere. Enter Mountain View Experience. Not only was this 5 star lunch and service – the companions were quite unique. This glass all around restaurant and bar had alpacas, lamas and vicunas (we are experts now) all around, and they were welcomed inside. This meant that all of a sudden, a door opened by a nose and a few of them walked in right to a large basket for some corn husk, gave us a look and left. The kids – and everyone else – followed them out and enjoyed each other company.

This was a gorgeous place and such a pleasant experience. I could see myself in here with a book for a few days. Our last stop was a small town of Ollantaytambo where we were to stay overnight before our train to Machu Picchu. We would have never found our hotel El Albergue as it is literally on train tracks. Small from outside, it spreads to a farm and a gorgeous botanical garden, an absolute gem with wonderful service and restaurant. Rooms are little houses in the midst of orchids and various tropical flowers. It even had its own school for the community, coffee farm and a distillery for the pisco. Absolutely loved it!

Off to the big one tomorrow!