While having lunch we were entertained by this group who played pan pipes as well as string instruments

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Al tried playing this 10 string quarango.

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We drove high above the city of Cuzco for this incredible panoramic view.

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This area is perhaps best know for its Incan ruins known as Inca Pisac. They lie atop a hill at the entrance to the valley and are separated along the ridge into four groups. The angles of the base suggest that it served some astronomical function. There are also agricultural terraces on the steep hillside which are still in use today.

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Driving through the narrow streets of the village of Pizac, made us wonder if our bus was actually going to fit!

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The market in Pizac sold not only fruits, veggies, flowers and textiles but also natural dyes for use in making wool.

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It was here at the market that we had an opportunity to mingle and photograph (for 1 sol which is about 35 cents) the local Quechua people.

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There were family groups...

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...and friends just sitting and chatting while waiting for someone to come and buy their textiles.

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This evening we witnessed an "Offering to the Earth" ceremony with the local shaman. Peruvians believe that while Mother Earth gives birth and takes care of the living, there is also a time for her to receive and call for sacrifice.

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There are many different variations of the ceremony but in each case the shaman prepares gifts and offers traditional prayers of thanksgiving. After the package was carefully tied, it was passed to each participant to make a wish or say a private blessing.

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