Chinchero and the last day in Cusco

Trip Start Jan 10, 2009

Trip End Feb 20, 2009

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Flag of Peru Chinchero, Peru
Sunday, February 15, 2009

On our last full day in Cusco, we went to visit the town of Chinchero which is known for its Sunday markets and weaving communities. We took a little detour on our walk to the bus station to peruse a crowded market of seemingly useless junk, old shoes and used glass bottles. The non-touristy areas of Cusco have so far been the most interesting. There was a puppy market on the railroad tracks close to where the bus station was. We oohed and aahed over several of the cuties. Most of them cost around 15-30 soles. Most were mutts except a litter of cocker spaniels.

Finally we found the bus station and boarded it for the 45 minute ride to Chinchero. Being a non-market day it was completely dead, although the textile cooperative was open and we got to watch the artisans weave on their small looms. A lady tried to sell us a blanket that was marked $125. We only had 150 soles on us so had to decline. We visited a couple of smaller textile shops which sold typical Chinchero weavings along with the usual poor quality hats and scarves. At one place we were given a short demonstration of the wool processing and natural coloring process (vegetable and mineral dyes). We ended up spending nearly all of our money on one weaving with the typical Chinchero designs. With the rest of our money we were just able to afford lunch (trout and beers) and then a colectivo taxi back to Cusco.

It was about 3pm by the time we got back, with the equivalent of 50 cents in our pockets. Another ATM visit was in order before we headed home to try some our new coffee and pastries from one of the shops around the corner from our apartment. Our bags are pretty much packed for the jungle; well, the larger backpacks will stay here at the hotel while we bring only the minimum to the jungle. The Explorer's Inn does not have wireless access so the laptop will stay in Cusco. Perhaps the next update will be from New York. Hasta luego!

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