According to local lore Cusco city is said to be laid out in the shape of a puma crouched over the Saphi river. And its streets denote its body parts. For example: Pumakurko street stands for the “Puma’s Spinal Column”, and the head is supposed to be located in Sacsayhuaman or “speckled head”!
Furthering that myth, (rather shiny) brass plaques embedded on the pavements indicate one’s location and orientation in reference to the Puma.
Standing in the Plaza de Armas we were at the belly of the Puma, and the arrows pointed ‘Chincaysuyo‘ (Northwest), ‘Qollasuyo‘ (Southeast), ‘Kuntisuyo‘ (southwest) and ‘Antisuyo‘ (Northeast)!
For the directionally challenged, the ruins of Sacsayhuaman would be ‘Chincaysuyo‘ of the plaza:)
Until next time……..happy travels, no matter where life takes you!
One of the most interesting signs I have ever seen :). I love the banner of Cusco too!
The banner is the Korikancha Sun Temple in Cusco. Just noticed your new B&W Gravatar! Cool 🙂
Ah that one was here before ;). Thank you Madhu. I don’t think this B&W thing is permanent on my blog, but it has been fun. I have two more pics that you missed this weekend due to your backlog 😉 – but no rush 😀
hi Madhu,
I would not like to meet a Puma crossing my path …
Neither would I Frizz, but that’s quite unlikely here in this beautiful town 🙂
Cool signs !
I remember this post :D. Loving the header 🙂