One of Cusco’s most visited places is the city of Quillabamba, better known as a city of eternal summer because of the climate that it possesses. To get there take 4 – 5 hours in minivan or car.
The route is very beautiful. It passes through a part of the Sacred Valley that includes Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. You can clearly see the set of terraces and sleeping stones while passing through these places, as well as other archeological centers up the Malaga pass. The path of ascent and descent by this peak is like a serpent full of curves. As you rise in altitude, you usually pass through a dense fog.
Many tourists take this route to Santa Maria to Santa Teresa as a different approach to Machu Picchu. The road is paved and has well-placed signage. in these last dates there have been no accidents.
But if we go back a few years ago the road to Quillabamba was steep and unpaved. The trip was made in buses and lasted about 14 hours. Landslides continually occurred when rain fell and they truncated the road with mud, logs and rocks.
Unfortunately, many people lost their lives due to the slipperiness of the road and the rain. Without signs only experienced drivers knew the way exactly and others got lost.
At the top of the road, to the side of the Málaga pass is a small church. Now many pass it by but at that time all drivers stopped and went in it to pray and ask for nothing to go wrong and have a quiet descent.
People also say that on many of the curves there were fords where cars and trucks crossed rivers and streams. One had to fight against the water that falls down in a strong current. People would pass slowly. Unfortunately, many vehicles were dragged into the ravine.
It is said that on one of these curves the drivers would leave flowers for a woman who could sometimes be seen sitting there before they continued their journey. It is said that those who did not leave this small offering were dragged away by the water.
Now a bridge has been built in this place and no one leaves flowers for this woman any more.
They just pass by to get to their destinations on time. The road is now lined by fruit trees such as orange, banana, papaya, mango as well as tea bushes and coffee. These welcome travelers warmly.
