We flew by plane from Lima to Cusco, and immediately took a car to Urubamba to stay for 3 nights. The altitude in the area is much higher than in Lima and you have to acclimate to try to avoid altitude sickness. We drank coca leaf tea at the hotel which helped.
The drive from the Cusco airport to Urubamba took about 45 minutes and was inspiring. We drove through the Sacred Valley and the mountains shot up on both sides of the road.
We made a stop at a weaving co-operative, which is run by 10 weaving families. The weavers were there in traditional dress. They showed us the process of cleaning and spinning alpaca, as well as natural dying and weaving.
Driving in Peru is very different from driving in the US or Europe. The rules seem loose and everyone honks and slips into small spaces. It is amazing that we did not see any accidents with so many close calls.
Off to the plane to Cusco
On our approach to Cusco
One of the weavers at the cooperative showing us natural dyes including cochineal.
The Sacred Valley