We were filthy and exhausted, but thrilled to drive through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Because it is truly one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in the world! We spilled out of our teeny tiny taxi into the arms of Winn, friend and owner of Casa de Wow, the hostal where we stayed for 6 days. We had intended to stay for 2-3 days, but Winn, Casa de Wow and Ollantaytambo drew us in and we had a hard time packing our bags to leave!
The town looks just as it would have in the 13th century...minus a few signs, tourist crap being sold from store fronts and motor vehicles. The local people were sweet and friendly. The town was adorable and the vistas breathtaking.
We visited one of many local Incan ruins with Wither, a local Quechua guide and friend of Wow, who is also a local Quechua man and part owner of Casa de Wow and boyfriend of Winn. That was an extraordinary trip! We also celebrated Wow's birthday with his friends, known locally as The Pirates. Pisco shots were shared and there are other stories to tell that I'll save for another time!
While there Reyn was sick, again! But, as has been the case throughout, he was a trooper and never complained once. We connected with a really sweet couple from California and another great guy from North Carolina. We took a taxi to the "big town," in the sacred valley, Urabamba, to visit a couple of the local, weekly markets....that was quite an experience. Once again, walking around with the boys was like being in the entourage of some famous Hollywood movie stars...the stares, gasps and pointing from the locals had become commonplace!
Casa de Wow is a wonderful hostal in Ollantaytambo, which is the last stop before Machu Pichu. Winn has done a great job making the place beautiful and welcoming. She and her partner, Wow, built it from nothing. It gets rave reviews on Trip Advisor and will be recommended in the next Lonely Planet, a pretty amazing accomplishment for having only opened 3 years ago. Winn took a 3 week vacation 3 years ago and never left, finding the place so enchanting. However, it's time for her to move on to another adventure so she's looking to sell the business. So if you or anyone you know is looking for a new adventure for yourself, check out Casa de Wow on the Internet and read the crazy good reviews on Trip Advisor!
So after that wonderful stay, we headed to Cusco (spelled with an S here and a Z in The states, not sure if that's an English/Spanish thing or just regional differences.) I'm going to try to post a bunch today and tomorrow to get caught up to where we are now, Arequipa!
Great photos, Charlene! Miss you! XO - Patti
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