Update: The Sacred Valley, July 19th

After a long day at Machu PIcchu yesterday, both for the hikers & the train riders, we were able to make a relaxed later start today for our exploration of the Sacred Valley.
Our first stop was just a few hundred years from our hotel, the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.  Here we divided into 2 groups - all the 'kids' & Eric with Jimmy & the adults with Johann!

The 'kids' climb the terraces of Ollantaytambo.

Johann introduces the site's history

Ollantaytambo viewed from the terraces of the 'fortress'

Jimmy leading the kids

Taking in the view

After our visit to the archaeological site we passed through the local market before rebounding our bus to begin our journey towards Cusco.

Shopping in the colorful market

The colors of Peru

En-route we stopped at a local 'chiceria' to learn about the making & drinking of 'chichi', the local Peruvian homebrew.

Playing a traditional game is also part of the chicheria experience

Assessing the scores.. did you really get all those in the frog's mouth!?!

Lunch was in a great restaurant along our route, named Inkalicious

Our final stop of the day was in Pisac's famous market, a great spot for shopping for textiles, souvenirs, etc.

Group photo overlooking the Sacred Valley

Back in Cusco we checked in to our overnight hotel before heading out for our final dinner in the Andes.  Tomorrow morning it will be a very easily start for our flight to the jungle!

Heading out for dinner, dressed in some of the day's purchases.