Fresco Adventurers from around the United States joined together for a unique 2007 Thanksgiving 10-day experience in the Inca Land of Peru. The journey was initiated in Lima, the country’s capital as well as the main gateway into Peru. Once an important pre-Inca religious center, the city was founded in 1535 by Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro and remained the seat of Spain’s New World empire for three hundred years. Today, Lima is a sprawling coastal metropolis of eight million people offering top hotels, museums, restaurants, shopping and their bargaining skills. Our lunch stop at Casa Hacienda Orihuela offered a varied collection of popular and colonial art, ceramics, paintings, weapons, photography, ceremonial vessels and the ceramic bulls of Pucara. We spent a nice afternoon amongst the forest of eucalyptus trees and other native species.

On day three, we visited the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, which was our prelude to Machu Picchu. The site was built just as the Spaniards arrived and evidence of how it was constructed is still visible.

A stroll through the quaint streets of the town also led us into a private home where we saw first hand how the locals lived. Lots of guinea pigs hovered in the kitchen area getting fattened up for some later delicacies that a few of us would try.

The afternoon was spent horseback riding and mountain biking by our outdoorsy members.

On day four, we took the well-known and traveled train ride to Machu Picchu. Known “The Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu was discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Hiking Machu Picchu

What an awe-inspiring experience. We meandered through the ruins, taking us back into time to the Inca’s way of life, which included a glimpse into their ancient rituals.

roads to Machu Pichu

The next morning many of us explored the town of Machu Picchu by revisiting the site to hike a section of the Inca Trail; climb the peak of Huayna Picchu or just roam through the market-lined streets looking for some of the local delicacy of guinea pig. We returned to Cusco later in the afternoon.
Fresco gathered

Thanksgiving Day had arrived on day seven and we headed to Puno along the dramatic landscapes of the highland plateau with occasional views of tiny Andean villages and herds of llamas and vicunas. Our stops along the way included Andahuaylillas, where there is a beautiful baroque church built at the beginning of the XVIIth century.

Church in Lima

It is very well known thanks to its beautiful mural paintings. At Raqchi, there is an Inca temple built to worship Wiracocha, one of the most important Inca gods. Our last stop was at the archaeological site of Pukara (200BC-AD300).

Although there was no traditional turkey for our evening meal, our holiday gathering consisted of great local food and wonderful conversation.

On day eight we took a motorboat trip to some of the more unique islands outside of the Puno area into Lake Titicaca, starting with the utterly fascinating Uros Islands. These islands are completely man made, and its inhabitants continue to maintain them as they have since pre-Columbian times using Totora reeds from the lake. This is something that you have to see since a description cannot be properly imagined. We then traveled to Taquile Island, which is inhabited by quechua speaking natives who have developed both an efficient and original social system and a fine hand-weaving technique over several generations.

On day nine, we left Puno and en route visited the “Chullpas” of Sillustani where the ancient Aymaras used to bury their high priests in cylinder-shaped tombs.

Our last day took us back to the capital in Lima for our final walk along the coast and to eat the last of the delicious Peruvian edible delights of ceviché, quinoa, and to drink pisco sours. The warmth and friendliness of the people added to the hospitable feel that we received. The value of the U.S dollar was spent well as Peru is an affordable place to visit and another venture into other South American territories will be on the horizon soon.

Loraine and Paula

On our return from Peru many of us has visited Peruvian eateries to rekindle the memory of the adventure and the great food, but nothing can match the magical moments of being there.

About Marcia Fairweather:

Marcia Fairweather is the General Manager, and event coordinator for Fresco Enterprise. Fresco is a service organization that provides life-enriching programs, including event and outdoor program development. Fairweather’s programs provide education, outdoor adventure, recreation, and social retreats for all ages. The outdoor programs include hiking, canoeing, camping, rafting, weekend retreats. She has also served in various leadership roles with the Girl Scouts; is a board member for the Washington Women Outdoors; and founded the Snow Masters Ski club. Ms. Fairweather holds a Bachelor of Science Degree, and a Masters of Business Administration. She has training in various nutrition and natural health programs.