Panacea on the Road to Peru, Day 5

We began the day with asana and meditation, enjoying the city views from our rooftop studio.  Had some yummy banana pancakes for breakfast – thanks to Jacky for all the love she put into our food.

We had our morning discussion on the spirituality of the Incan culture and ways in which this is similar to yoga philosophy.  We then went on a great tour of the significant Incan ruins in the Cusco area.  We started at Qorikancha, which was originally the Incan Temple of the Sun.  When the Spaniards invaded, they tried to remove or cover over these places, so it became a Catholic convent.  Our next stop was the Cathedral of Cusco, which in Incan times was the palace of Miracocha.  There is so much history we found fascinating!

We then drove to Sacsayhuaman (known as “sexy woman” to the locals), the large ruins right above Cusco.  These ruins were constructed in the shape of thunderbolts, as the Incas honored thunder and lightening, which brought the rain for their crops.  Next stop was the Temple of Q’enqo, the womb of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).  This is where they mummified manco capac and mama ocllo, the head Incan and his wife.  As we passed through the womb cave we all placed our hands on the altar and asked Pacha Mama to help our spiritual wishes come true.

We stopped briefly at one of the gates (check points) the Incas used to allow or prohibit entry to Cusco, then ended the tour at the water temple, Tambomachay.  This is where those coming from Machu Picchu would use the spring water to purify themselves before entering the city.

 We were treated to a parade of traditional dancers as we entered Cusco to bring a wonderful ending to this great day!