Family Adventure in the Heart of Cusco

Whispers of the Past, Flavors of the Present

Today was a day of contrasts, a journey through time and taste that left me breathless. From the dizzying heights of Moray's agricultural marvels to the sparkling expanse of the Salt Mines of Maras, Cusco continued to unveil its secrets, one breathtaking vista at a time. And of course, no day is complete without savoring the local flavors, which we did with gusto!

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at La Huerta Del Tata. Fuelled up with delicious Peruvian coffee and fresh bread, we set off towards Moray, an archaeological site that has always intrigued me. The drive itself was a feast for the eyes, with the Andes mountains looming in the distance, their peaks dusted with snow. Thandi was particularly excited, pointing out every llama and sheep we passed along the way. David, ever the pragmatist, was fascinated by the engineering of the roads, marveling at how they were built to withstand the rugged terrain.

Arriving at Moray, I was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the place. These colossal terraces, carved into the earth in concentric circles, are a testament to the ingenuity of the Incas. As a Community Outreach Coordinator, I am always impressed by how ancient civilizations utilized their resources and lived in harmony with nature. It was easy to imagine the Incas experimenting with different crops at various altitudes, creating microclimates that allowed them to cultivate a wide variety of plants. Thandi, with her boundless energy, ran down the terraces, her laughter echoing through the site. It was a joy to watch her explore, her curiosity mirroring my own.

After spending a couple of hours wandering through Moray, soaking in the history and the stunning views, we headed towards our next destination: the Salt Mines of Maras. This site was completely different, yet equally captivating. As we approached, the landscape transformed into a dazzling patchwork of white and ochre, a visual spectacle that took my breath away. The Salt Mines consist of thousands of individual salt pans, each owned by a local family, that have been harvested since Incan times. The process is simple yet ingenious: saltwater from a nearby spring is channeled into the pans, where it evaporates under the sun, leaving behind the precious salt crystals.

We spent a long time wandering through the mines, watching the workers as they carefully tended to their pans. The air was thick with the salty tang, and the sun beat down on our faces. Thandi was fascinated by the process, asking endless questions about where the salt came from and how it was harvested. David, always keen to support local communities, bought several bags of the pink salt, a unique variety found only in Maras. As we left the Salt Mines, I felt a deep sense of respect for the people who continue to work this land, preserving a tradition that has lasted for centuries.

Sometimes, the most beautiful journeys are not about reaching a destination, but about discovering the hidden wonders along the way.

By this time, our stomachs were rumbling, so we headed to The Point Peruvian Cuisine for lunch. I decided to try the lomo saltado, a classic Peruvian dish of stir-fried beef, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. David opted for the causa, a layered potato dish with avocado and chicken. Thandi, predictably, ordered the chicken nuggets, but she did try a bite of my lomo saltado and declared it “yummy.” The restaurant had a lively atmosphere, filled with locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the delicious food and friendly service.

After lunch, we returned to Cusco, feeling tired but exhilarated. We took a short break at the Hotel Polo Corporativo, before venturing out again for dinner. Tonight, we had reservations at Republica Del Pisco, a restaurant known for its creative cocktails and modern Peruvian cuisine. I was eager to try their pisco sour, a national drink made with pisco, lime juice, egg white, and bitters. David, being a beer enthusiast, decided to sample some of the local craft brews.

The restaurant had a sophisticated ambiance, with dim lighting and live music. The pisco sour was indeed delicious, a perfect blend of sweet and sour. For dinner, I ordered the alpaca steak, a local delicacy that I had been wanting to try. David chose the ceviche, a seafood dish marinated in lime juice and chili peppers. Both dishes were beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Thandi, who was starting to get a little tired, was content with her plate of pasta. After dinner, we decided to stop by the Black Cat Bar Cusco for a nightcap. The bar had a cozy, bohemian vibe, with walls adorned with local art. I opted for a Chilcano, another pisco-based cocktail, while David enjoyed a local IPA. We sat and chatted, reflecting on the day’s adventures, before heading back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences of today. Cusco continues to surprise and delight me, revealing its ancient wonders and vibrant culture. Tomorrow, we plan to explore Qorikancha and the Museo de Arte Precolombino, delving deeper into the city’s rich history. I am also looking forward to visiting ARTESANIAS LLANCAQMAKI to pick up some souvenirs for our friends back home. But for now, it’s time to close my eyes and dream of salt mines and Incan terraces.

These past few days have been an incredible journey, and I am so glad that I get to share this with my family. It reminds me of growing up in Chilumba, Malawi, where every day was an adventure. I cherish these moments, creating memories that will last a lifetime. I am also reminded of the importance of giving back to the community, which is why I am so passionate about my work with the local charity in Bristol. Travel, for me, is not just about seeing new places, but about connecting with people and cultures, and learning from their experiences.

And as always, I am learning so much about myself on this trip. Being away from my usual routine allows me to reflect on my life and my goals. I am reminded of the importance of living in the present moment and appreciating the simple things in life. It’s these moments of reflection that make travel so meaningful to me. I am excited to see what the rest of our trip holds, and I look forward to sharing more of our adventures with you.

Goodnight from Cusco!