Cusco has so much to offer, having once been the ancient capital of Peru. This region, which stands high in the Andean mountains, is home to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
On route we asked our driver to stop so that we can see this field of Quinoa.
If you travel for about an hour and a half towards the Miras salt mines and the Moray archaeological site, you come across the Misminay people (also known as Mullakas Misminay), a traditional, Quechua-speaking indigenous farming community. They are located at 3,700 meters above sea level and are famous for their experiential, community-based tourism, which preserves ancestral Inca agricultural, textile, and cultural traditions.
We were greeted warmly by one of the families in traditional dress, who placed flower necklaces over our heads before the procession moved on, playing flutes that accompanied a traditional song.
The Misminay uphold traditions that have been handed down and still speak the ancient Quechua language which our guide translated.
We asked questions of each other as the children ran around and then lunch was served in their home.
After the meal, we took part in an ancient ceremony thanking the land for what it provides, and then I helped pick potatoes in the field.
These people are delightful, but in such a modern world they face the challenge of keeping their traditions passed on to the younger generation. Whilst the money from tourism is a help it also makes the youngsters want more and inevitably many leave for the cities.
It was wonderful to meet them, eat their food in their home and see their traditions.
I was sad that our time with them was so short.
