Family Adventure in the Heart of the Inca Empire

Whispers of the Past, Flavors of the Present

Today was a day of connecting with the ingenuity of the Incas and experiencing the vibrant culture of the Cusco region. From the fascinating agricultural terraces of Moray,


Explore the breathtaking circular terraces of Moray, an Incan agricultural marvel nestled in the Sacred Valley of Peru, rich in history and stunning views.
to the charming alpacas of Awana Kancha,


Discover the vibrant culture and artisanal crafts of the Andes at Awana Kancha, a unique cultural destination in the Sacred Valley of Peru.
and the delightful culinary scene of Cusco, it was a day filled with wonder and appreciation.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Nuna Raymi.


Experience the authentic flavors of Peru at Nuna Raymi in Cusco - where tradition meets taste in every dish.
Isabella and Sofia were excited to try some local Peruvian flavors, and I was eager to start the day with a good meal. Nuna Raymi, meaning 'party of the soul', was indeed a fiesta for our taste buds. The restaurant had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I opted for the traditional Peruvian breakfast, which included scrambled eggs with Andean herbs and a side of fresh bread. Isabella chose the quinoa pancakes, and Sofia, as always, went for the familiar option of toast with jam. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our explorations.

After breakfast, we set off for Moray. The drive itself was stunning, with panoramic views of the Andes mountains and the Sacred Valley. As we approached Moray, the landscape transformed into a series of rolling hills and patchwork fields. When we arrived, the sight of the circular terraces was simply breathtaking.

These terraces, designed by the Incas, are a marvel of ancient engineering. They descend into the earth in concentric circles, creating a series of microclimates that were used for agricultural experimentation. It's believed that the Incas used Moray as a laboratory to study the effects of altitude, temperature, and sun absorption on crop growth. Each level of the terraces experiences different temperatures, allowing them to grow a wide variety of crops. It was fascinating to imagine the Incas carefully cultivating different plants on each level, adapting to the unique conditions of each microclimate.

We spent a couple of hours exploring the terraces, walking along the edges and marveling at the intricate stonework. Sofia was particularly intrigued by the different levels and kept asking how the Incas managed to build such a complex structure. I tried my best to explain the ingenuity of Inca engineering, highlighting their understanding of water distribution and soil conservation.

The Incas' ingenuity in agriculture mirrors their profound connection to the land, a testament to their ability to thrive in harmony with nature.

After Moray, we drove to Awana Kancha, an alpaca farm and cultural center. This was an experience that Sofia had been particularly looking forward to, as she loves animals. As we entered the farm, we were greeted by a herd of fluffy alpacas and llamas. Sofia's eyes lit up, and she immediately ran over to pet them. The animals were friendly and used to human interaction, happily munching on the grass we offered them.

Awana Kancha is more than just an alpaca farm; it's a living museum of Andean culture. We learned about the different types of Andean camelids, including alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Each animal has unique characteristics and plays a vital role in the local economy and culture. We also watched a demonstration of traditional weaving techniques, where local artisans showed us how they transform alpaca wool into beautiful textiles. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors were truly impressive, and it was inspiring to see how these ancient traditions are still alive today. Isabella was particularly interested in the weaving process, given her artistic side, and engaged in a conversation with one of the weavers about the symbolism behind the different designs.

For lunch, we headed to DEVA - Cocina Andina,


Experience authentic Peruvian flavors at DEVA - Cocina Andina in the heart of Cusco's historic district.
a restaurant in Cusco known for its authentic Peruvian flavors. The restaurant had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with traditional Andean decor. We started with the causa rellena, a layered potato dish with avocado and chicken, which was a refreshing and flavorful appetizer. For our main courses, I chose the lomo saltado, a classic Peruvian stir-fry with beef, onions, and tomatoes, while Isabella opted for the aji de gallina, a creamy chicken stew with aji amarillo peppers. Sofia, being a bit less adventurous, went for the grilled chicken with potatoes. The food was delicious, and we savored every bite, appreciating the rich culinary heritage of Peru.

After lunch, we took a stroll through the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco. The square was bustling with activity, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the sunny afternoon. We admired the beautiful colonial architecture, including the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. Sofia was fascinated by the street performers and insisted on getting her picture taken with a traditionally dressed Peruvian woman holding a baby alpaca. It's amazing how much energy she has!

As the day drew to a close, we decided to have dinner at Marcelo Batata Restaurante.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Marcelo Batata Restaurante in Cusco's historic center – where tradition meets innovation.
This restaurant is known for its creative take on traditional Peruvian cuisine and its stylish presentation. The ambiance was lovely, and the service was excellent. I started with a Pisco Sour, the classic Peruvian cocktail, while Isabella chose a glass of local wine. For our main courses, I decided to try the alpaca steak, while Isabella went for the pachamanca, a traditional Andean dish cooked in an underground oven. Sofia, of course, stuck with her usual, a simple pasta dish. The food was delicious, and the presentation was truly artistic.

To cap off the evening, I decided to check out Paddy's Irish Pub.


Discover the vibrant blend of Irish and Peruvian culture at Paddy's Irish Pub in the heart of Cusco, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
I was curious to see what an Irish pub in the heart of Cusco would be like. As it turns out, Paddy's claims to be the highest Irish-owned pub in the world. The pub was cozy and lively, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying drinks and conversation. I ordered a Guinness and chatted with some fellow travelers, sharing stories and experiences. It was a fun and unexpected way to end the day, a little piece of Ireland in the Andes.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Pisac Market and Tambomachay. I am looking forward to another day of discovery and adventure with my family. The blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in this region is truly captivating, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with Isabella and Sofia. I am also glad I didn't forget the sunscreen today!

As I reflect on today's adventures, I'm reminded of the importance of embracing new experiences and appreciating the rich cultural heritage of the places we visit. It's moments like these that create lasting memories and deepen our connection to the world around us. And who knows, maybe I'll even try my hand at playing Tejo again when we get back to Toronto, though I doubt I'll find a cancha quite like the ones back home in Colombia.