Exploring Pisco, amasing irrigation systems
Sowell Family's Travels on Gijima
Skipper: Tim Sowell Admiral Tracy Crew Sean & Alex
Sat 26 Jun 2010 22:55
headed 28km to Pisco in the bottom of the Sacred valley, up we climbed,
passing a number of ruins on the way. And then descended into this steep,
dramatic valley, with tiers set into the mountain, and the mixture of brown
and green, with red rock faces. The road hung off the cliff as we wound
down, a lot of the road has been washed away, so we dodged often only a
quarter of the road left, we got to the bottom, and then went up the other
side to see the ruins which nest high up in the mountain side. The Tiers the
Incas built into the side of the mountain and huge height provide different
levels for vegetation and plantations, with irrigation running down in a
controlled manner. The rocks are smaller than yesterday, nut the complex is
significant and well preserved. With little towns villages on different
points (see photos). The area that struck us was the irrigation system, how
well it was built and managed the side creek was dry for a portion where the
water had been diverted into the aqua duct system, (see photos). This was a
major part of Sean's field trip he followed it up to the source and ran down
working out the different paths the water can go, and be controlled, he was
fascinated.
We hit the markets in the main square as well, enjoying the mountain people,
and we found a nice café off to the side for a great lunch and to watch the
start of USA vs Ghana match which we finished in a pub in Cusco with many
Americans.
The mountains just rise we are 3000+ m and they rise to 6000 M in majestic
views of the valley on both sides, with the air so clear, steep yet these
agriculture tiers go up the mountains, I have not seen the extent of this
since the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, but this is more extensive and
certainly well established.
Just wandering the markets and cobbled streets you soak up the culture and
atmosphere of the people, and simple ways of life, not complicated with many
tasks and items as ours use to be.
Stay tuned.
