The ugliest town we have ever seen. The reason why all the buildings are unfinished is to avoid paying tax. This is what you see on your way to the airport.
There she is again… This time with her camera crew.
John, can we call the police? I think we have a stalker and her name is Cameron Diaz 🙂
The Lost City of Inca: Machu Pichhu is one of the most spectacular ancient cities in the world. Despite being located close to the Inca capitol of Cusco, the site was never discovered by the Spanish during their conquest, consequently it was not destroyed and remained relatively intact. Machu Picchu (meaning ‘Old Peak’ in the Quechua language) refers to the mountain that overlooks the city.
Spread over approximately 5 square miles, Machu Picchu housed a population of around 750 to 1200 people. The consists of a number of Sectors or Districts. These sectors or districts are Agricultural Sector, Urban Sector and Sacred District.
The Agricultural Sector which consists of terraces constructed by the Inca. These enabled crops to be grown but also provided stability to the mountain. The Industrial sector provided the facilities to produce and maintain the implements required by the population.
The Urban District provided the living accommodation for the people and the nobility.
The Sacred District contains the religious buildings. The most famous buildings are the Intihuatana, also known as the “The Hitching Post of the Sun” as it was ceremonially used to tie the Sun to the earth each year. The Temple of the Sun, with its semicircular facade built to tie in with the natural rock which allows the sun to cast a shadow through its windows along a stone altar on the winter and summer solstice. Also in this sector are the Temple of the Three Windows and the Main Temple, which show structural damage from movement.
Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. When we were there, they asked us to sign a petition to nominate it for one of the seven wonders of the world.
Aguas Calientes; your one and only stop before you visit Machu Pichhu.
We arrived in Aguas Calientes after a funny train trip from Ollentaytambo. The funny thing about it was that staff on the train put up this fashion show to sell jumpers. Well, only in Peru, I guess:) Aguas Calientes is the town at the base of the famous ancient city; Machu Picchu (see the last photo at the end of this post). We arrived midday and it gave us the opportunity to eat at Govinda’s twice.
Is your rubbish organico or inorganico?
Govinda Vegetarian Restaurant is loacated on a side road leading into the Plaza de Armas, not far from the Hot Springs.
Like most Govindas, they mostly serve Indian food and is vegan-friendly. However, because they are catering for tourists, it is possible to see some Peruvian and international dishes on the menu. Mock meat made of soy is commonly used. Peruvian dishes that are made with quinoa are ever so interesting. They also do breakfast.
We ate at Govinda’s twice while we were there. After having Lomo Saltado Montado in Lima, we thought it would be worth trying their version. Their version had rice, soy meat, fried potatoes, tomatoes and spinach served with fried bananas (20 soles).
The other dish we tried there was called Segundo de Verduras Especial (15 soles) which is rice with potatoes, soy meat and vegetables. This was recommended by our waiter; Anthony. I also remember trying sautéed vegetables and fresh herbs which was a light and vibrant dish.
Must warn you, the service is very slow as the food is prepared fresh -by the owner, appearently using Ayurvedic principles. Anyway, it is worth waiting for.
Govinda Vegetarian Restaurant
Av. Pachacutek No: 20
Aguas Calientes
