Waking up at the Inkaterra Urubamba was like stepping into a postcard. The morning light spilling over the Andes was absolutely breathtaking, and the serene atmosphere set the perfect tone for the day. Over a delicious breakfast—complete with fresh local ingredients and stunning views—we saw the rest of our crew and prepped for our day. It was our first morning in Peru’s Sacred Valley, and we couldn’t wait to see what the day had in store.
After breakfast, we set out to explore the mountains. We stopped at several scenic spots as we climbed up the mountain road, spotting everything from roadside fruit and textile stands, a large airport being built, and stray dogs happily wandering the roads. Francis told us this was custom in Peru for household dogs – they are let out in the morning to roam and come back at the end of the day for mealtime, so they weren’t stray at all. Along the way, we even passed some handgliders soaring through the skies and a zip-line park tucked into the mountainside. The landscape was endlessly captivating, full of people, farms, and mountains. At one of the stops I picked up a woven toboggan for the winter.
Our first big stop was the picturesque town of Chinchero. Known for its rich culture and history, the town immediately drew us in with its charm. We made our way to the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, where we were introduced to the fascinating world of Andean textiles. These ladies handspin Alpaca yarn and make beautiful tapestries and clothing. We also learned about the vicuña, a relative of the llama prized for its incredibly soft wool, and watched artisans demonstrate the process of creating traditional textiles. They showed us how they use natural dyes from fruits and flowers to create vibrant colors—a true art form tied deeply to their heritage. They also were fabulous guests, offering us food and drink (and some blankets to keep us warm). The drink was Muna Tea, which they said helped with altitude. And the main course was guinea pig, slow roasted on a spit. Amy thought it was disgusting, Charlie tried it quickly before spitting it out, but I couldn’t be rude, so I had a whole leg of it. Being fresh from the spit, it was very boney, but quite tasty.
As we walked through the rest of Chinchero, we noticed poles with red bags hanging from them. Curious, we asked our guide, Francis, who explained that these signaled local brewers offering chicha, a traditional corn-based drink. This was just one of the many cultural details that made Chinchero so unique. We even visited a home preparing for a party, complete with a nativity scene, as the locals celebrated election season. We also saw a lot of Crosses with Bulls on roofs, which Francis explained as a tradition to respect both the strong Incan and Catholic traditions.
But the highlight—and most unexpected part—of the day happened when we came into the city center on top of the town. We went into a church, which at first seemed calm and ordinary, but as we looked closer, we realized something special was happening. People were being sworn in after winning a local election, with the crowd dressed in their finest. A downpour of rain started and then intensified outside, and suddenly a mob of people began pushing into the church for shelter. Shoulder to shoulder with strangers, we found ourselves caught in the chaos. Amy, understandably, started freaking out as the surge of people pushed us farther inside. Disconnected from our group, I summoned my best Spanish and yelled, “¡Queremos salir, por favor!” Somehow, we managed to squeeze our way out into the pouring rain. Amy found Willie, who kindly offered her an umbrella, and soon Charlie and I made it out too, soaked but relieved. As we waited for the driver, we ducked into a nearby textile museum to catch our breath. It was a wild moment we wouldn’t soon forget.
Once we were back in the car, Willie treated us to a snack of oversized Peruvian corn, or choclo. We drove to the base of the towering 17ers for lunch. Under a tent, we dined on avocado, chicken cordon bleu, and wine, all while soaking in incredible views of the Chocón Mountain. The Andes, ever-rising, seemed to stretch endlessly around us. It felt like a dream. Francis explained to us that the Andes Range is still rising due to tectonic plates, unlike most other ranges.
After lunch, on our drive back, we stopped to watch a farmer using bulls to plow his field. Francis paid him a small fee, and we took the opportunity to chat and snap a few photos. It was a humbling reminder of the timeless traditions that coexist with the area’s natural beauty.
Returning to Inkaterra, we spent some time exploring nearby Incan terraces. Charlie picked flowers as we wandered, later crafting them into a bouquet for Amy—a sweet gesture to close out the afternoon. After a bit of downtime, we retreated to our room, since it had a TV, to watch the University of Michigan semifinal game in Spanish. The announcer’s enthusiastic calls of “Miiiiichigan Wolverines!” and “Jiiimmmm Harbaugh!” made it a hilarious yet memorable experience. Watching Michigan beat Alabama, even in another language, was a highlight for all of us.
To celebrate the victory, we ended the night with a late dinner at the hotel restaurant. The alpaca steak was the perfect combination of tender and flavorful—just one more reminder of the culinary delights Peru had to offer. Sipping on cocktails and reflecting on the day’s adventures, we felt a deep appreciation for the Sacred Valley’s unique blend of culture, history, and nature.
As we headed back to our rooms, tired but fulfilled, we couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the trip would bring.
