Photo and caption by A. Paul Gill

Located in the Alto Plano Region of Peru between Cusco and Arequipa one can find traces of Europe's hunger for gold that drove the Spanish deep into the Inca highlands. Located 4000 metres above sea level, the Spanish relied on local converts and domestication of llamas to transport gold from local oxide-rich gold veins to the Mission where it was held for transport to the coast under heavily armed guards.

Location: Uchacarco, Cusco Province, Peru