Eat local: Peruvian BBQ at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

In the Wayra Ranch entry, the colors of Peru mix and mingle, as the country’s culture and tradition are represented in works of popular art, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

After our traditional Andean Ritual to Mother Earth (Despacho), as described and illustrated in our previous blog post, we headed to a relatively new and authentically local ranch for a fabulous Peruvian BBQ luncheon, followed by a Peruvian Paso horse demonstration and a performance of the marinera dance. Wayra – a quechua word for wind — Ranch lies in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, at the foot of the Chicón and Pumahuanca glaciers, the two apus (mountain spirits) of Urubamba Province, on the road to Ollantaytambo, Peru. It sits at an elevation of 9,416 feet (2,870 meters) above sea level.

In the Wayra Ranch lounge, the colors of Peru mix and mingle, as the country’s culture and tradition are represented in works of popular art, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

“In our lounge, the colors of Peru mix and mingle, as the country’s culture and tradition are represented in works of popular art and in the ranch’s architecture.  The pieces of art have been made by Jaime Lievana, Federico Bauer and many anonymous artists and are nurtured by the spirit of the Andes, with their majestic mountains and endless skies, the birthplace of the wind.” — http://www.wayrasacredvalley.com

Home made empanadas for our family-style BBQ luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

Our luncheon was on the terrace, an informal but colorful environment where we were able to enjoy the mountains, popular art, mural paintings and an inspirational garden while being served a delicious series of courses, family-style. Of course, no luncheon would be proper in Peru without starting with a fresh made Pisco sour. Local South American wines accompanied our luncheon.

Home made breads for our family-style BBQ luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

Fresh salad from local gardens for our family-style BBQ luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

A mix of colorful local Peruvian potatoes for our family-style BBQ luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

Large kernel local Peruvian corn and tamales for our family-style BBQ luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

Grilled beef hearts (tasty!) for our family-style BBQ luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

Grilled salmon for our family-style BBQ luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

Grilled chicken with outstanding crispy skin for our family-style BBQ luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

Tasty BBQ local pork for our family-style BBQ luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

The first platter of home made Peruvian desserts (and local fruit) for our family-style BBQ luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

A platter of local fruit for dessert for our family-style BBQ luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

Sinful home made Peruvian “donuts” with local homey for dessert for our family-style BBQ luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

Peruvian Paso Horses (from the Wayra Ranch) demonstration after our luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

Peruvian Paso Horses, with their elegance and noble spirit, symbolize a centuries-old tradition of cultural fusion and folklore that defines and enriches Peru. In the Wayra Ranch presentation, Paso horses from their own stables demonstrated their flowing gait and graceful motion to the rhythm of ‘la marinera,’ the national dance of Peru, accompanied by two award-winning dancers and Peruvian music.

Peruvian Paso Horses (from the Wayra Ranch) demonstration and a performance of the marinera dance after our luncheon on the terrace at Wayra Ranch, Urubamba Province (Sacred Valley of the Incas), Peru

For more photographs and information about Wayra Ranch, visit: http://www.wayrasacredvalley.com/ENGLISH_wayra_ubicacion.html