Photos

The village of Pisac, in the Sacred Valley of southern Peru, holds a large open air market every Sunday. The market has come to attract many tourists because of the buzz of activity and the noteable colorful attire worn by the residents of this area.

As with any attraction that draws so many tourists, it can be hard to determine what is authentic and what is for show. But some assurance of authenticity can possibly be gleaned from the fact that the Pisac market seems somewhat divided into two parts.

One that is distinctly for the tourists displays the usual tchotskies such as ceramics, reed pipes, alpaca sweaters and hats, and necklaces. The other part is without a doubt for the locals. It's mostly a market for food and household sundries, things a tourist wouldn't likely buy.

In either part, it's a fascinating experience and you come across endless photographic opportunities, such as this young mother and her bundled up baby.

I stood there for half a minute or so and the baby wouldn't take its gaze off of me. I fully expected when I raised my camera the woman would either shy away or ask for a tip, a propina as they call it. But neither was the case and I got this colorful photo that makes me smile every time I see it.