The Sacred Valley – Peru

The Sacred Valley of the Incas or Urubamba Valley is located below the Andes of Peru, close to the Inca capital of Cusco and below the ancient sacred city of Machu Picchu.The valley is generally understood to include everything between Písac and Ollantaytambo, parallel to the Urubamba River, or Vilcanota River or Wilcamayu, as this Sacred river is called when passing through the valley. It is fed by numerous rivers which descend through adjoining valleys and gorges, and contains numerous archaeological remains and villages. The valley was appreciated by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities. It was one of the empire’s main points for the extraction of natural wealth, and the best place for maize production in Peru. Watch the video at ===> http://www.vimeo.com/7460757 I was inspired to create this montage when I saw the people of this land and valley many years ago. It took a long time to put these memories to images. What is more powerful in my mind’s eye is not just the scenery but the beatiful people and their humble demeanor. They are the descendants of the proud Incas, a civilization that discovered star gazing, calendars, unique building methods, innovations in agriculture, irrigation, aquaculture, mining, smelting of metals, and beautiful colors/art. Unfortunately they decayed into poverty and descended as a civilization due to plague, brute force, war and dominance by the spanish conquistadors who together with the roman catholic/spanish church were in search of gold, riches, slaves and converts at all costs.  If anything, I had to shorten this piece, because there was so much to say and so little space/time. Used in this production: Aerial shots and rotations, photos from colleagues and friends, public domain, art and antiquities. Enjoy, and let me know what you really think… Leo Bar Pix In Motion – Creative Imagining