Ruins by Horseback

Laurie asked if anyone would be interested in visiting the ruins on horseback? Thinking it might be fun, four of us booked the tour for Monday afternoon. The guide for the afternoon picked us up at our hotel at 1 pm and we were on our way.

First things first, we needed to pick our horse for the afternoon. Randy and Ryan both said they had little riding experience so would like a gentle horse. Laurie stated she was very expereinced so wanted a horse with a little spunk. I didn;t comment on my experience and just said I would take a gentle horse, knowing that I probably have the most experience riding of the group, but lets face it, it has been a few years.

Mounted up, we were off for a leisurely ride across the mountain to the Temple of the Water at the start of the Inca trail. The horses knew the trail well and followed behind our guide, Gabriel, with little direction from the riders. Except for Ryan's horse, who alwats wanted to take a short cut. Of course Ryan has only been on a horse 3 times in his whole life, so he wasn't overly confident in showing the horse who was the boss.

After about 1 1/2 hours of riding we reached the start of the Inca trail. Horses aren't allowed on the trail so we all dismounted and left the horses tied to trees. Gabriel led us along the path and then down into the Temple of the Water. An underground river that emerges deep below the trial running through a long cave. Did we want to trek through the cave or climb back up the hill the way we came? Before I knew it we were desending down into the cave, just as it was starting to rain. This wasn't an easy desent and Laurie and I slid down the initial steep part on our butts as Gabriel guided our feet placements until we reached level ground. I was scared at first and then so very proud of myself. The rest of the trip through the cave was much easier as we simply had to walk over the rocks sticking out of the water not to get our feet soaked. It did take some carefull placement of our feet, a few long stretches and of course holding onto the sides of the cave where possible. We all made it through with out getting wet. So much fun!!

Then it was the climb back up hill to where the horses waited. Normally not a problem but remember we are at 3800 meters above sea level. Any climb takes your breathe away. Slow and steady we were back on the trail and ready to mount the horses for the ride back. Because it was raining Gabriel said we would ride back the same way we came. The other route would be to slippery.

Our next stop was at the Temple of the Moon. Another cave, that once inside revealed a sacrificial round table made of solid rock, several meters into the cave. A small opening at the top of the cave provides light for the ceremonies. Still today on every full moon a ceremony is held, facilitated by different religious leaders from around the world. The difference is today they offer fruit, food and spices rather that virgins or llamas. The site is a fairly new find and there is still lots of excavation taking place.

Back on our horese it was time to finish the ride. What an amazing afternoon. A bit cold, we headed back to our hotel for warm showers before heading out for dinner. I am thinking we will all have sore butts in the morning...lol