Callao, Peru – 07:00 to 23:59

This is a continuation of the Lima Tour and covers the visit to Pachacamac Ruins and the almost adjacent Hacienda Mamacona. After the quick, but definitely exceptional visit to the museum we were wondering if any of the final two stops could equal or beat the museum. Well, in Judi’s eyes the horses will always be number 1.

Pachacamac Archaeological Site

Located about 24 miles south east of Lima, in the Lurin River valley. Most of the temples and buildings are pre-Inca Empire, dating from 800 to 1450 AD, with some structure from 200 to 600 AD. It is believe the Huari people started the city sometime between 600 and 800 AD, with the temples and major building being constructed after 800 AD.

Our first stop, which is the ruins of one of the 17 temples found on the site.

Remains of a temple, which was constructed between 900AD and 1470 AD

Pathway leading between adjacent temples.

Wider angle view of the first temple

Area next to our first stop, which contains another 4 temples.

Construction of the walls with stone on the outside and adobe construction on the inside.

Looking down on the palace with a town in the background. It is believed the town was built on more ruins, but the town residents refused to move to permit an archaeological dig.

Palace of Taurichumpi with only the courtyards unearthed. They believe that 2/3 is still waiting to be unearthed.

Painted temple that contains paintings of fish. It also has a cemetery down the side of the temple.

Inca Palace

Andy with Inca Palace in background

Judi at the cactus garden above the Inca Palace.

 

Hacienda Mamacona

Departing the archaeological dig site, it was a short 5 to 10 minute drive to Hacienda Mamacona for the Peruvian horse show and lunch.

Hacienda logo on the entrance gate.

The Hacienda is a popular attraction for both tourists and locals, especially on weekends. Their organisation is excellent, with the long side of the ring allocated to the numerous buses from Sea Princess and the short side for locals visiting the ranch for the show and lunch. The area for the ship’s buses was even allocated by bus number, so on disembarking the bus we were led to the area for bus #3. Once sitting, they delivered trays of drinks, with the special being a Pisco Sour, containing a local alcohol and juices. It had a fairly good kick. They also provided coke and the local pop. In addition to drinks they had trays of fried potato wedges and a corn dipping sauce.

The show was opened by one of the owner’s family, who entered on horseback. This chap performed as the MC for the entire show.

In addition to horses, local dancing is also an important component of Peruvian culture, so the horse show included a number of local dances. This is the first dance.

The six riders and horses entering the ring, with the horses performing their particular gait. They move each foot individually and when raising their front feet, the hoof swings outboard before returning to the ground. This is something ingrained in the DNA over the centuries, as the MC advised it is nothing that they could teach.

Single horse trotting passed our seats.

Riders lined up for a pass down the ring riding in a single row.

Riding down our side of the ring passing close to our seats.

Each horse wears a coloured rosette, which indicates the awards won by the horse at competitions. However, he did not explain what awards were assigned to each colour.

Dancers returning for the 2nd dance.

Next in the ring were some young horses, with the baby in the above photograph about 12 months old. The horses are trained and exercised by rope until at least 3 years old, as they do not ride any horse until at least that age. In addition to their particular gait, the Peruvian horses are also known for their strong necks and holding the head up.

Even this baby holds his head up proudly.

Next into the ring were three 3-year olds, which they walked around and then exercised. Again this was all completed on a rope as these horses were not yet ready to ride.

The 3-year old horses running in circles.

I captured a classic pose with the neck extended and head held high.

Young horse in fluid motion heading out of the ring.

Dancers returned for the 3rd dance.

One of the dancers performing a dance with one of the riders.

The riders entering the ring and lining up for their finale.

The riders taking their final pass along the grandstand.

With the camera set to continuous focus and continuous shooting I captured many shots of their final pass. I particularly liked this one with the horse heads in a row.

After the horse show we were led to the above garden gazebo, which housed all the passengers from Sea Princess. They had 4 buffet sections, which resulted in speedy service. The meal included – salad, quiche, corn bread, cuscus, spaghetti, chicken, beef and a selection of deserts. It was well cooked and more importantly it was still hot when we sat down. A most enjoyable meal in excellent surroundings.