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Wiracocha Temple- Wiracocha was believed to be the creator god, and said to have established all animals, humans, and the earth itself. Incan/Native Peruvian religious beliefs tie heavily into nature and the success of their crops. This can be seen through their beliefs in the sun god, Inti, as well as their rain god, Apu Illapu.

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This region contains terraced salt ponds that are used to harvest salt, and have been used since ancient times. They are called “up-slope” evaporation ponds. The salt has medicinal properties for treating hypertension as well as calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium.

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Textile production is a major part of Peruvian culture. The native women create dye from local plants, flowers, and fruit, and then dye the fur of alpacas to create the colored yarn. Wool of the alpaca is worn by those in high society. The president of this Chahuaytire community wore a colorful alpaca hat.

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In Pisac, I visited an animal sanctuary where I captured this picture of a Condor. Condors hold great significance in native Peruvian religion. The native Peruvians believe in three levels of life: the heavens, earth, and the underworld. The condor represents the heavens, and was believed to bring those who enter the afterlife into heaven. The puma represents life on earth, and it is believed that the Peruvian people tend to replicate the puma's strength and power. While many associate the underworld with hell, the snake in Peruvian culture actually represents the start of new life and knowledge.

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Cusco is a major city in the Andean mountain region with an elevation of 11,152 feet. It is a major cultural hub with markets, entertainment, and historical significance. A notorious early Incan emperor, Pachacuti, is known for turning Cusco into an empire and transforming their religion, political scene, and socialist economy. He claimed to be a direct descendent of Inti, the sun god. All Peruvian customs, traditions, and beliefs stem from the concept of divinity.

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Machu Picchu is one of the most notorious ruins in Peru, located just outside of Cusco in the jungle area. In this region, the coca leaf grows naturally. Coca leaf comes from a native plant species that is consumed by all native people for a multitude of purposes, including natural energy, religious ceremonies, marriages, and social gatherings. Travelers who wish to have a safe journey would bury 3 coca leaves, each representing a different level of life.

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The third peak, Pumasillo, means “pumas claw” and is also believed to bring fertile livestock and crops. It plays an important role in the Incas religious calendar. Pumasillo is part of a mountain range, with this peak being the largest one on the left side.

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The mountain, Veronica, also goes by the name of “Waqay Willka” which is said to mean “crying peak." This is likely due to the streams that run down this mountain. Veronica is believed to bring good health and crop/livestock fertility.

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The snow covered peaks of Peru are believed to be gods by the native Peruvians. Salcantay, is said to be the “father” of each of the other peaks. Native Peruvians go to this peak to ask for a cure to illnesses as well as “spiritual empowerment." It stands at 20,581 feet.

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Ollantaytambo is home to ancient farming terraced ruins in the Sacred Valley region. Ollantaytambo ruins are no longer used for farming but for local festivities, such as the Ollantay Raymi festival to celebrate their sun god, Inti. A play is performed on the terraced ruins that describes the tale of Ollantay and his forbidden lover.

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The Sacred Valley region is located between Cusco and Machu Picchu. This region was formed by the Urubamba River and contains ancient ruins, villages, and fields of fertile land. In modern day, crops are still grown in this region and ancient farming practices continue to be used to harvest grain, avocados, and peaches.