Sucre is flanked by two mountains; Sica-Sica and Churuqella. They are quite a climb (about an hour) but we managed to conquer both. At the top there is no cafe or souvenir shop, but a chapel as summits are considered very special places. On the way we met several people who were about to make offerings. One of them gave us some coca leaves which people chew to defeat hunger, thirst, altitude sickness and fatigue. Coca leaves are also sacred to the earth mother, Pachamama. On this picture the boys are having a first chew.
Associated with the mountains is a special story, but I will hand over to Bonno for that:
"When the Spanish had almost completely conquered the Inca empire there were only general Tanga Tanga and his men left. The Spanish made a threat that if Tanga Tanga would not pass over a large quantity of gold, silver and precious gems then Atahuellpa, the great Inca leader, would be killed. After a period of time Tanga Tanga heard the news that Atahuellpa was already killed, so Tanga Tanga ordered his men to bury themselves, the treasure and him self at the foot of Sica-Sica and I am now searching for it"
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