Friday 20th September 2024

Our tour started at Carmen Alton, a viewpoint in a former colonial suburb, Yanahuara. The terrace commanded views over the whole city, always with El Misti as a backdrop.

At another viewpoint we saw the pre-Inca terraces and irrigation schemes that are still in use. The production of market garden produce was in full swing and again with a 180 degree panorama of volcanoes.

Driving back into the city we came across a farmer and his cows on the busy main road!

In the old city we visited the ancient complex of the Jesuit Cloister built for religious purposes as well as accommodation, as this was a tambo on the trade routes.

Adjacent was the Santa Catalina Convent, a citadel within the city. For 400 years as a cloister it was home to nuns and a school for girls. It is now open to the public and provides an insight to the changes in the religious life of devout Christians. It is still a convent but away from public view. 

By noon it was time for a relaxing beer, some shade and a rest as we are at 2,272m. Lower altitudes will be experienced on Sunday in Lima before higher altitudes by aeroplane.

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