Peru – Day 7 – Corcoro Village Cultural Experience

Laguna Piuray
Laguna Piuray, on our way to Corcoro

Corcoro
Corcoro Ladies

Wool Cleaning Demonstration
Process of Cleaning and Dying Wool

On Wednesday, Dennis and I joined the rest of our Intrepid Travel group on a cultural visit to a small mountain village called Corcoro. Dennis was still feeling under the weather, so I was hoping today’s activities weren’t too taxing.

On the schedule, was a trip to the mountain village where we would learn traditional field plowing methods, the art of weaving, experience a traditional country lunch, play some soccer, learn how to make Chicha (fermented corn drink!), and end the day in Ollyantaytambo.

Flower Leis Presented to Us
When we arrived in Corcoro, the village women presented us with flower lei’s as we stepped off the van! What a warm welcome!

Plowing a Field in Corcoro
After the meet and greet, the women walked us to a small field which was ready to be plowed. They demonstrated how to plow, using their rudimentary tools and then we got to finish the job! We all took turns working a row until it was done. The women stood watch, which I’m sure was entertaining to them as we Gringos and Gringas didn’t know what we were doing…eventually, the field was done and we all smiled with our accomplishment.

Ladies of Corcoro
The ladies led us back to their village center.

Corcoro Ladies

Peruvian Wool Dyes
We were then treated to a demonstration of cleaning and dying wool.

Corcoro Weavers
Master Weavers

After the weaving display, we were treated to an amazing traditional farmers lunch. The food was very filling, which was nice after working up such an appetite from plowing. The women held a market where we could buy some crafts and then we played soccer. The ladies were really awesome soccer players and even in sandals, their footwork was superior to ours!

Leaving the village, we then headed to the Sacred Valley, dropping several thousand feet of altitude.

Urubumba City
Going around a bend, I got this awesome shot of the town called Urubumba!

We stopped off at a local pub for a demonstration of Chicha production.

Uriel Explains the Chicha Production Process
Uriel explained how Chicha is a corn based fermented liquor which is served plain, or sometimes flavored with strawberries. Both Dennis and I preferred the strawberry flavor!

A Pretty Peruvian Garden
The local pub had a really pretty garden out back!

A Jumping Guinea Pig
They also raise Cuy, to sell to locals!

Nutritional Value of Cuy - Guinea Pig
Cuy Guinea Pig Nutritional Value Chart

After the Chicha demonstration and tasting, we went out to the bar patio and played a really fun bar game. It involved standing a distance away and trying to throw a coin into the mouth of a frog. Depending upon where the coin lands, you get different points. After tossing all 10 coins, you tally the score. After everybody plays the agreed upon number of rounds, whoever gets the highest points wins!

Dennis Tossing a Coin
Dennis tossing a coin.

Peruvian Bar Game
Fun Peruvian Bar Game – Close Up!

We got back in the van and continued our journey to Ollyantaytambo. We checked into a hotel and then went for a short hike.

Ollyantaytambo Inca Wall Foundations
Uriel explains the Inca Walls of the city.

Start of the Hike to Inca Storage Buildings
Andrew climbing the steps on our hike above Ollyantaytambo.

Hiking to the Inca Storage Buildings
Dennis and the rest of the group charge forward. Uriel, in the red Intrepid Travel shirt forges ahead.

Clare and Dennis Above Ollyantaytambo
Above Ollyantaytambo and enjoying the view!

Inca Agriculture Storage Buildings
Our next destination, the Inca Grain Storage buildings!

Jerusha Leading the Way
Looking back at Jerusha, walking the Inca Trails

Hiking to Inca Storage Houses
Getting close to the Grain Storage Buildings!

Ollyantaytambo
Ollyantaytambo, an ancient Inca City in the heart of the Sacred Valley

Taking a Rest From Hike Up to Grain Storage
Time for a rest after the exerting hike!

After the hike, we went back to town and then went out to dinner at a Peruvian Mexican restaurant. It was my least favorite restaurant of the whole trip. Unimpressed with the dinner, and both feeling under the weather, we tracked down some chicken ramen soups and ate those at our hotel.

Ollyantaytambo Street Volleyball
On the way back to our room, we passed a local night volleyball game.

The next morning was the start of the Inca Trail Hike. Which by now, we were probably going to bailed on, since Dennis was not getting better. Our hotel room was also on the busy street where people were walking by constantly through out the night, so I wondered if we would get any sleep that night!

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