Exploring the Sacred Valley: A Cultural Odyssey with Family

Cosmic Musings and Candlelit Dreams

Today was a beautiful blend of earthly delights and celestial explorations. From savoring local flavors to reaching for the stars, Liam and I experienced a day that truly captured the essence of the Sacred Valley. It's days like these that remind me why we traded the familiar comforts of Kelowna for the adventure of travel, and why I started this blog in the first place – to share these incredible experiences with you all.



Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Qanela Bistro in Urubamba. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the promise of traditional Peruvian dishes filled the air. The bistro exuded a cozy ambiance, with its traditional furniture and views overlooking a small garden. We settled in, eager to fuel up for the day's adventures. I opted for the *pan con palta* (avocado toast), a simple yet satisfying staple, while Liam, ever the adventurous one, chose the *lomo saltado*, a stir-fry dish with alpaca that he had been looking forward to trying. The alpaca was tender, and the dish had a lovely earthy flavor. It was the perfect start to our day.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences come from the simplest moments, like sharing a meal in a faraway land.

After breakfast, we took a leisurely stroll through Urubamba, soaking in the local atmosphere. Our main shopping destination was the Sacred Candle Co. I had read about this place and was eager to experience it firsthand. As we stepped inside, we were greeted by the warm glow of flickering candles and the enchanting aroma of natural fragrances. It was more than just a candle store; it was a sensory experience that captured the essence of the Sacred Valley. I love supporting local artisans, and this shop was filled with handcrafted candles, each made with care and attention to detail. The scents were inspired by the surrounding landscapes, from the earthy aroma of the Andes to the sweet fragrance of local flowers. I picked up a few candles as souvenirs, hoping to bring a piece of the Sacred Valley back home with us. Liam wasn't quite as enthusiastic about the candles, but he did appreciate the artistry and the fact that we were supporting local businesses.


Discover handcrafted candles that capture the essence of the Sacred Valley at Urubamba's Sacred Candle Co., a treasure trove for tourists and locals alike.

For lunch, we decided to try Antojitos Urubamba. The restaurant had a charming ambiance, with both indoor and outdoor seating. We started with a refreshing *jarra de maracuyá* (passion fruit juice) before diving into our main courses. I chose the *pollo antojitos*, while Liam went for the *trucha inca* (Inca trout). Both dishes were delicious, bursting with local flavors. We couldn't resist trying one of their desserts, and we ended up sharing a *crema de lúcuma*. The service was friendly, and the prices were very reasonable. It's always a pleasure to find a place that offers great food without breaking the bank.



As the afternoon waned, we made our way to Rodadero. I had read about it being a unique spot, but honestly, I couldn't find much information about it or what to do there. Perhaps it was a local secret, or maybe the information I had was outdated. We decided to embrace the mystery and see what we could discover. We asked a local for directions, and he pointed us towards a path leading up a small hill. As we walked, we noticed the landscape changing, becoming more rugged and wild. The views of the valley were stunning, stretching out in all directions. When we reached the top, we found a small, unassuming clearing with a few rocks arranged in a circle. There wasn't much else there, but the energy of the place was palpable. We sat in silence for a few minutes, taking in the scenery and feeling the presence of the mountains. It was a simple, yet profound experience.


Explore Rodadero in Cusco, a perfect blend of archaeological wonder and breathtaking natural beauty, ideal for culture and adventure seekers.

Our evening culminated in a visit to the Cusco Planetarium. We drove from Urubamba to Cusco, arriving just in time for the show. The planetarium is located in the Laullipata Forest, a private eco-tourism area near the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site. The location was perfect for stargazing, far from the city lights. The experience began with a talk about Inca astronomy, with a virtual projection of the southern sky on the planetarium dome showing Inca constellations and those that we know today. It was fascinating to learn how the Incas viewed the cosmos and how it influenced their daily lives. We learned about the Inca constellations, such as the Llama, the Fox, and the Serpent, and how they were used for agricultural planning and religious ceremonies. The presenter explained how the Incas believed that the celestial world was closely connected to the earthly realm, and that the movements of the stars and planets had a direct impact on human affairs.


Explore the cosmos at the Cusco Planetarium, where ancient Incan astronomy meets modern stargazing experiences under the Andean skies.

After the presentation, we had the opportunity to look at the night sky through the planetarium's telescopes. Despite some haze, we were able to see several stars, nebulae, and planets. The guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic, pointing out the different celestial objects and sharing interesting facts about them. Liam, who has always been fascinated by astronomy, was in his element. He peppered the guides with questions, eager to learn more about the cosmos. I, on the other hand, was content to simply gaze at the stars, feeling a sense of awe and wonder at the vastness of the universe.

We are all stardust, connected to the cosmos in ways we may never fully understand.

For dinner, we dined at Restaurant Don Kike in Yucay. The restaurant is known for its traditional Peruvian cuisine, and we were eager to try some of their specialties. I ordered the *pachamanca*, a traditional dish cooked in an earth oven, while Liam chose the *cuy al horno* (baked guinea pig), a local delicacy. The *pachamanca* was a delicious medley of meats, potatoes, and vegetables, all cooked to perfection. Liam enjoyed his *cuy*, although I must admit I couldn't bring myself to try it. The restaurant had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff were friendly and attentive. It was the perfect way to end our day of exploration.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at Restaurant Don Kike in Yucay - where every dish tells a story.

As we drove back to our accommodation, I reflected on the day's experiences. From the bustling markets to the tranquil mountaintops, the Sacred Valley had once again captivated us with its beauty and charm. I felt grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible region and to share our adventures with you all. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Museo de Arte Precolombino and the Statue of Christ in Cusco. I'm excited to delve deeper into the region's history and culture. I'm also hoping we can squeeze in a visit to TAIPÁ RESTOBAR for a nightcap. Until then, *hasta mañana*!



And a final note – I realized today that I forgot my portable power bank! It would have been so useful for keeping my camera and phone charged throughout the day. Lesson learned: always double-check the essentials before heading out on an adventure!