The three of us—Dominique, Mikael, and I—lie motionless on the grass at Choquequirao, perched on the edge of a promontory overlooking the Inca terraces dedicated to llamas. Though sceptical, we remain silent at the request of Samuel C., an enthusiastic young guide from the village of Cachora, who is adamant that a condor will soon make an appearance.

Suddenly, Samuel gestures and whispers, "Here it comes!" To our astonishment, we hear the distinct whistling of the condor's wings overhead.

For Samuel, this morning's flight above the llama bas-reliefs symbolises the enduring respect for an ancestral pact between the Condor and the Llama, ensuring harmony on earth.