This HDR photo of the Incan ruins Saqsaywaman (pronounced Sexy Woman) was taken while I was in Peru. That’s Cuzco sprawling out in the valley below. Saqsaywaman is Quechua for “satisfied falcon.” The lights and darks in Peru’s mountains completely lend themselves to HDR photography.
Nowhere is the line from Incans to modern Andeans more clear than here at the Salineras, vast salt mines near Tarabamba.
I have to admit, I was underwhelmed at the prospect of going to salt mines after drifting through the Moray circles and taking in the mountain vistas a little while ago.
But as I stand in the middle of the salt mines, I’m astounded by the scale of the operation. About 3,000 squares of various sizes are terraced into the valley, and each family gets a maximum of nine. The plots are passed from generation to generation, and people have beeing mining salt here since Incan times.
As we watch several people working their squares, much as their ancestors did years ago, I make a mental note not to question Hernan when he’s laying out the day’s itinerary …
We arrive in Moray early, and the dividend we receive for our quick start to the day is an opportunity to wander the ruins in solitude, amazed by the circular Incan stonework that likely was some sort of agricultural test grounds. The views of the Urubamba and Vilcabamba mountain ranges in the distance are astounding, some of the most beautiful vistas I’ve seen send Machu Picchu.
As we arrive, a flock of caracara (vultures) hop around on the ground and soar in vast wings.
What an amazing way to start a day …
