Moray and Salinas

About 40 km northwest of Peru is another Incan site called Moray.  The only reason this place is noteworthy is that there are three amphitheater-like ruins right next to each other. No one knows the true use for this area, though the main theory is the levels are for different crops to grow at different climates.  I have my doubts about this theory because the levels are only five feet deep, so it would seem quite improbable that agricultural techniques were that complex back then.

However, as I walked from the top of the main circle, it would seem more probable that it was a big stage in the center and the levels were for an audience. The first photo below shows the main area. The lowest circle is surrounded by multiple levels, with an additional area above it. The additional area, could be the vender´s area, with a possible BBQ pit at the base... maybe not, but that´s the way I see it.

 The steps in the above photo are just stones that jut out from the stone walls. Each step is about the size of a skateboard, and are usually just a bit farther apart than normal steps. At some points, I would have to hold on to the wall or kneel down to reach the lower step when going down.  If they did a version of The Price is Right at this place, it would be hell for someone in the top level to be called down to the center stage.

 I am in the center of this amphitheater. This one is set apart from the other two areas. The other levels in this area only surround half of the center circle.

 My roommate is almost done walking down to the center.

Below the center step - do you see a face?  Does he have a Hitler mustache?

Salinas

Located about 6 km away from Moras is a place called Salinas. Essentially it is just a salt mining area. A hot spring from above the area drops down some very, very salty water and it gets collected in various pools.  I dipped my hand in the running water and just licked a small area. It was like my hand was a salt lick for hamsters. Once the water dried, my hand was covered with white crystals of salt.  It is early in the season, so these photos are less dramatic than if I were to visit in a few months.

 this is the stream of salty water that drips down to the pools and eventually dries out.

this guy is shoveling salt into pans for refinement

There is an odd feeling of winter snow as I walked through the mines. The crystals easily break off.