Some days on the road call for adventure, and others for a slow start. Today, we embraced a bit of both. The morning was lazy and relaxed, with a leisurely breakfast and some much needed rest in our room before heading out at lunchtime.
For lunch, we ventured into town and stumbled upon a hidden gem a local restaurant with a stunning patio area and prices that seemed almost too good to be true (reoccurring theme here). The meal was fresh, flavorful, and a reminder of how incredible food can be when prepared simply but with care. Refueled and ready, we set off for the next part of our adventure.
On the way to Sillustani, we had the privilege of visiting a traditional Andean home, one that still operates as it did over 500 years ago. Life here is simple but deeply connected to the land. The house, made of adobe bricks with a thatched roof, had a central hearth for cooking, clay pots for storing food, and an unmistakable warmth that spoke of generations who had lived there before.
We watched as the family tended to their animals alpacas and guinea pigs, both integral to Andean life and demonstrated traditional weaving and cooking techniques passed down for centuries. It was humbling to see a way of life that has remained unchanged despite the march of time.
Our journey continued to Sillustani, an ancient archaeological site that pre dates the Incas but was later incorporated into their vast empire. The site, sitting at a dizzying 4,000 meters above sea level, was once a crucial settlement, used for ceremonial and agricultural purposes.
Sillustani features well preserved stone terraces, intricate water channels, and structures that align with the stars evidence of the advanced engineering and astronomical knowledge of its builders. Walking through the ruins, we could almost picture life as it once was farmers tending to the land, priests performing rituals to honor the sun and mountains, and the hum of daily life against the backdrop of the Andes.
As we explored, we couldn’t help but draw comparisons to the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The rugged cliffs and vast green open landscapes that felt familiar yet unique, infused with the spirit of the Andes. The air was noticeably thin at this altitude, but everyone handled it like champs, we too our time and soaking in the scenery took some amazing pictures then headed back to the bus.
By the time we left, we felt not only physically exhausted but also enriched by the experience we really enjoyed it. From the warmth of a traditional home to the grandeur of an ancient civilization, today was a reminder of why we travel it is not just to see new places, but to connect with the past, experience different ways of life, and appreciate the beauty that exists all around us.
Would we do today all over again? In a heartbeat.
