Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru. It is located about 35 kilometers northeast of the city of Cusco, and stretches along the Urubamba River, also known as Vilcanota.
The valley was a place of great importance to the Inca empire, as it was one of their main agricultural production areas. It was also an important trade route, connecting the capital of the empire, Cusco, with the Amazon rainforest.
Today, the Sacred Valley is a place full of history and culture. It is home to numerous Inca ruins, as well as traditional villages that preserve their ancestral customs and traditions.
The main attractions of the Sacred Valley
Pisac Market & Inca Ruins
The Pisac Market and the Inca ruins are two must-visit tourist attractions in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru. The market is a vibrant and colorful place where you can find a wide variety of handicrafts, food, and agricultural products. The ruins, on the other hand, are a testament to the greatness of the Inca civilization.
The Pisac Market
The Pisac Market is located in the town of Pisac, about 33 kilometers from Cusco. The market is held every day, but it is especially lively on Sundays.
The market is full of stalls selling handicrafts, where you can find all sorts of handmade items, from textiles and ceramics to jewelry and musical instruments. There are also food stalls, where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as typical Peruvian dishes.
The Pisac Market is a great place to experience Peruvian culture and craftsmanship. It is a lively and colorful place where you can find everything from souvenirs to essentials.
The Inca Ruins
The Inca ruins of Pisac are located in the mountains that surround the town. The ruins include temples, agricultural terraces, and fortresses.
The most important temple in Pisac is the Temple of the Sun, which is located on top of a mountain. The temple is built with finely carved stones and has stunning views of the valley.
The agricultural terraces of Pisac are an impressive example of Inca engineering. The terraces were built to make the most of the mountainous terrain and to create fertile farmland.
The fortresses of Pisac were built to protect the town from invaders. The fortresses are located in strategic locations and have views of the valley.
The Inca ruins of Pisac are a must-see for anyone interested in Peruvian history and culture. The ruins are a testament to the greatness of the Inca civilization and offer a fascinating glimpse into their past.
Ollantaytambo ruins
Ollantaytambo is an Inca archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru. It is one of the most impressive archaeological complexes of the Inca Empire, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
The ruins of Ollantaytambo are located about 80 kilometers from the city of Cusco, and can be reached by bus, train, or car. The archaeological site is located at an altitude of 2,700 meters above sea level, so it is important to take the necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness.
The ruins of Ollantaytambo are composed of a series of stone structures, including temples, palaces, fortresses, and agricultural terraces. The structures are built with perfectly carved stone blocks, which fit together without the need for mortar.
One of the most impressive structures in Ollantaytambo is the Temple of the Sun. This temple is a monumental stone construction, located on top of a hill. The temple has a rectangular floor plan, and is flanked by two towers.
Another important structure in Ollantaytambo is the Fortress. This fortress is located in the lower part of the archaeological site, and was built to protect the city from invaders. The fortress has a series of walls and towers, which offer a panoramic view of the valley.
The ruins of Ollantaytambo are a testament to the power and sophistication of the Inca Empire. The archaeological site is a must-see for anyone interested in Peruvian history and culture.
Ollantaytambo as a tourist destination
Ollantaytambo is a popular tourist destination, and is a regular stop on tours of the Sacred Valley. The archaeological site is open to the public every day, and the entrance fee is 10 Peruvian soles.
There are a variety of accommodation options available in Ollantaytambo, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. There are also a variety of restaurants and bars in the town, which offer a variety of Peruvian and international cuisine.
Ollantaytambo is an ideal destination for lovers of history, culture, and nature. The archaeological site is an awe-inspiring place to learn about the Inca Empire, and the town offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors.
Maras & Moray
Maras and Moray are two must-visit tourist destinations in the Cusco region of Peru. Maras is known for its stunning salt terraces, which stretch over 2,500 hectares. Moray, on the other hand, is a unique archaeological site, where circular terraces can be seen that were used by the Incas to conduct agricultural experiments.
1. Maras: A unique landscape
The salt terraces of Maras are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cusco. These terraces were built by the Incas for the extraction of salt, and their stunning natural beauty has made them a must-visit destination.
The terraces are located in a high mountain valley, at an altitude of over 3,000 meters above sea level. The landscape is truly impressive, with the white terraces contrasting with the green of the valleys and the blue of the sky.
2. Moray: A unique archaeological site
Moray is an Inca archaeological site located about 50 kilometers from the city of Cusco. This site is known for its circular terraces, which were used by the Incas to conduct agricultural experiments.
The terraces of Moray are arranged in concentric rings, and each ring has a different climate. This allowed the Incas to experiment with different crops and agricultural techniques.
Chincheros
Chinchero, also known as the land of the rainbow, is one of the villages of passage and obligatory visit during your stay in Cusco, not only because of the strategic position in which it is located but also because of the beautiful attractions for which it has been taken as an indispensable part of most tourist routes that go to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and/or to Machupicchu.
The district is made up of 12 peasant communities, still governed by ancestral systems, whose main activity is the cultivation of tubers, livestock and finally tourism that has become an extremely important sustenance, all thanks to the initiative of local professionals.
