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Peering through my plane window, I looked out across the Andes Mountains and gave a big grin. I have been thinking about these mountains and climbing up to the ruins of Machu Picchu for the last six years. Ever since Bobby returned home from his travels in this region and planted the seed with his pictures and stories, it has been in the back of my mind. Arriving in Cusco, I walked through the cobblestone streets and soon realized that many other people had been thinking about the same thing. This heart of the once-powerful Inca Empire is a haven for tourists from all over the world; young and old. Now, I do realize that it was the cities most festive week of the year and people had traveled from a far to experience it; but I still was shocked at the number of tourists around the city. But, even harder for me to believe was that, without even planning it, I ended up arriving here two days before Inti Raymi; and just in time to catch the parades and various other Inca traditions.

Empire Under the Sun

Jeremy Curl
2006-08-28 12:13:15

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determine our deeds. The couple had just opened up their business four months ago and is working non-stop day and night (9am-11pm); rarely home. Despite their busy lives and crazy work schedule, they simply handed me the keys and said that their house was my house; not even charging me (which I offered). Oh yeah, and Dorthe is six months pregnant; if that's not enough. It sure is nice when you meet people who go out of their way to help a complete stranger and ask for nothing in return. I have come across this several times in my travels (the Rices and Abel’s family); and I will never forget their generosity.

Located at 3,399m (11,150ft) above sea level, Cusco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and is steeped in history and cultural tradition. Cusco (Qosqo in Quechua) means “navel of the world”, because it was the economic, cultural, and political center of the Inca Empire. Archaeological sites are located throughout the region surrounding the city. The most important cultural tradition for Cusco is Inti Raymi (The Festival of the Sun). Inti Raymi celebrates the winter solstice and is the greatest of all the Inca festivals. The streets were full of spectators all crowded to watch as floats were carried past, traditional dances were performed, and children trotted along carrying the Cusco flag (rainbow colors). Now, Saturday the 24th was the big day when the ancient Inca ceremony was re-enacted at the ruins of Sacsayhuamán. Hundreds of people from all over came together at the old ruins; just a 40 minute hike up into the hills over looking Cusco. In order to get a good spot on the stone ruins, I got there 5 hours early and hung out. The set up looked like that of a Dave Matthews concert and I was positioned front and center on the lawn section. Two medical students from California (Terra and Pauline) joined me on my rock to wait for the big show. After much talk and crowd watching, the festival of Inti Raymi began. During the reign ...