Ollanta Ruins, Moray, and Salineras

July 23 – Ollanta Ruins, Moray, and Salineras

Written by Marya Mayne, Sioux City, IA

Today was a very eventful day in and out of Ollantayambo. We started out the morning in the Ollanta ruins guided by Peter Frost, our National Geographic expert. We hiked up to the top of the ruins where we were awed by the view of the town on one side and beautiful mountains on the other. We learned from Peter that most of the stones from the site were from a quarry over four miles away and that some of the stones may have been used at other sites before coming to Ollantayambo. Though Peter knew a great deal about the site, it was also interesting to discover that there are still many unsolved mysteries about the history of the ruins.

After the tour of the ruins, Peter showed us around town and took us into a local home whose architecture has not changed since the Inca era. Inside, a woman had brewed chicha, a traditional fermented corn beverage that also hasn’t changed much since Inca times. Strictly for educational purposes, Peter indulged in a glass of the frothy drink.

After lunch we headed to Moray, where instead of building terraces on the side of a hill, terraces were built on the walls of a depression in a circular shape. Some speculate that the Inca may have experimented with different agriculture growing techniques due to the microclimates created by the unique terracing.

Next, we headed to Salineras, an ancient salt mine in the mountains. But before we reached our destination, we had the opportunity to take pictures and observe a local family herding sheep and cattle. We were all in awe of the beauty of the mountains and excited at the opportunity to take pictures so up close and personal with locals and their herd. We made it to the salt mines before sundown and got to explore – and in some cases taste – the awesomeness that was Salineras. After this long day we were all pretty tired so we headed to one of our favorite places in town to enjoy some great burritos and then back to the hostel for a well deserved night of sleep.

Taking in the view of the highlands above Ollantaytambo
Photo by Ridgely Gaier, Indian River Shores, FL

NG Expert Peter Frost taking the group through the mysterious Inca ruins above Ollanta

Photo by Ridgely Gaier, Indian River Shores, FL

Inca-era agricultural terraces of Moray

Photo by Ridgely Gaier, Indian River Shores, FL

The salt ponds of Salineras
Photo by Ridgely Gaier, Indian River Shores, FL

Another view of the highlands above Ollanta

Photo by Hannah Dunsirn from Menasha, WI

Chatting with locals workers from Salineras-- we gave them a ride
up the hill to the main road to save them an hour walk!
Photo by Expedition Leader Jordan Gantz

The group poses during a stop in the highlands
Photo by Expedition Leader Jordan Gantz