The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a popular destination known in Peru; it’s a group of small villages with attractions, culture, spots, and people you must know. This time, we’ll focus on three destinations you must visit when you come to Cusco. However, first, let’s briefly talk about the villages that make this valley, and what you can expect from them.
Pisac
Pisac is a small village about thirty kilometers from Cusco. Thanks to its ancient culture, this village is one of the most representative locations of the ancient Inca Empire in the entire region thanks to its marked traditions and history.
One thing in this area is Pisac’s Artisan Market, people from Pisac’s highland regions come together to sell their goods. You can find everything there, especially if you visit on a Sunday. You’ll see that their products range from food to handicrafts such as alpaca wool clothing.
A visit to the Pisac Archaeological Site is a must. It was built by Inca Pachacutec and is unique to this area, it has the shape of a partridge and is essential for anyone interested in archaeology. As per several researchers, this is thought to have been the royal domain of this renowned Inca monarch.
Ollantaytambo
Around 60 km to the northwest of Cusco, 2,792 meters above sea level, lies Ollantaytambo. This charming hamlet is a great place to start for those adapting to the high altitudes of the Andes Mountains. Ollantaytambo attests to the archaeological wonders of the Inca civilization.
An immersive sense of the region’s rich history can be had at the enormous Ollantaytambo archaeological site. Finding these ancient artifacts will take you back to a time when the Incas thrived in this region, and still, Ollantaytambo has deep ties to its past. The town’s rich cultural mix is clear in everything from lively parades to traditional clothing.
Chinchero
Despite a history of invasions and a diverse range of cultural influences, Chinchero is one of the cities in the Sacred Valley of the Incas that is highly valued for its religious traditions, which have preserved their ancestral practices over time.
The visit is good for people who enjoy going back in time to imagine what life was like in the past, during periods when civilizations other than the Incas lived in the area. Chinchero is popular for having the best fabrics found at the Chinchero Craftsman Market.
Maras and Moray
For whatever reason Moray was built, including its construction and structure, it has stunning views. The Incas built these agricultural terraces. They did this to expand their access to key ingredients and create new meals.
This relationship worked like this: each building had varying degrees of “steps.” These steps made it possible to create a microclimate inside each one. This microclimate lets people grow vegetables suited to their needs.
Maras’ salt mines are the ideal combination as they offer a captivating environment, together with a legacy and customs that have persisted for generations. This collection of salt pits was taken out of mines and arranged haphazardly along a cliff on Qaqahuiñay Mountain.
The Huari people, who lived before the Incas, built the roughly 3,000 wells that make up this network of mines between 500 and 1100 BC. Local families oversee these salt pans, which are still in use today. They are given about five wells to manage and market the salt that is produced.
Less-known but highly recommended places
Apakunaq Tianan
This complex opened its doors in 2018 and is currently a rising tourist destination, particularly with domestic travelers, while global travel is increasingly growing in popularity. During the pandemic, the sculptor and creator, Michael de Titan Monteagudo, and his helpers improved the sculptures and surrounding areas.
This tour takes you on a fantastical journey to the most emblematic figures and symbols of Inca civilization. The stone complex known as Apukunaq Tianan del Cusco, or abode of the gods has a large number of these sculptures that are between 4 and 8 meters tall. Here we’ll briefly give you some information about the huge statues you’ll see:
The Andean Man: According to the Inca worldview, the sun deity created man, and this sculpture represents that legend.
The Pachamama: For the Incas and the Andean world, the Pachamama refers to Mother Earth, who gives food and hence life to the flora and fauna, and for whom she is acknowledged through rites.
Jungle Man: Although there is no evidence that the Incas entered the deep of the rainforest, Inca mythology says that the Sun god Inti created men, so this statue is a representation of all men.
Three-dimensional Door: This sculpture depicts two worlds: the living and the dead. Before someone died, a ritual was held to prepare them for their journey to the other world.
Furthermore, you are free to travel alone, whether you drive or use public transportation. Don’t miss the restaurant next to Apakuaq Tianan, where you can have the best of Peruvian food in an Inca-themed restaurant. On the ATV Apakunaq Tianan full-day tour, you can ride an ATV, and our expert guides’ expertise will give you the right information about the significance of this place.
Huaypo Lake
The Huaypo Lake is a stunning lagoon with crystal-blue waters found in the middle of the Urubamba and Anta districts, this beautiful lake is just 40 minutes away from the city. This lovely lagoon is home to a wide variety of fish and birds, including trout and silverside, which the locals care for and rear as their primary source of economic subsistence. The greatest time to visit the lagoon is after the rainy season, which begins in April when the scenery is lush and the lagoon is vibrant blue.
An interesting fact is that there are some legends related to this lake: The sun deity Inti asked Manco Capac’s twin children to go with him as he fell. When he went to find them, they found that the son had transformed into Huaypo Lake and the daughter into Piuray Lake, another lake near Huaypo.
The second legend is about an elderly man who came to the area in search of food. Everyone was having a party, so no one paid attention to the old man; instead, they isolated him and declined his request to share a meal. This old man was looking for a kind-hearted person. Finally, he came across a woman who not only fed him but also sheltered him.
As an act of gratitude, the old man urged the mother and her child to leave town as soon as possible and never return. Both the mother and her child listened to the order and left the area. However, while they were going, the woman saw that everyone had disappeared, so she promptly turned into a stone watching the Huaypo Lake.
Activities in Huaypo Lake.
See the starry night: Believe us when we tell you that this area’s sky at night is truly gorgeous. Don’t miss it!
Navigate around the lake: The lake has pedal boats; ride them to explore the lagoon!
Fishing & Bird Watching: You can find river fish and trout in its crystal-clear waters, and from September to December you can watch birds.
On our ATV Apakunaq Tianan private tour, you can discover Huaypo Lake and its sister lake, Piuray.
Star Dome Sacred Valley
Have you ever heard about the “glamping” concept? This concept, which blends “glamour” and camping, is a trend among travelers around the world. Glamping is a sustainable yet luxurious way of lodging amid nature.
One of the best glamping options in Peru is Star Dome Sacred Valley, seeing the stars under a dome in the heart of this enigmatic location is one of the most unforgettable sensations you can have. The crystal dome in Ollantaytambo allows Star Dome Peru to provide this experience.
Stardome Lodge in Ollantaytambo, Peru, provides a magnificent refuge in the Sacred Valley thanks to its unique dome structure, known as a “geodesic dome”. In a magnificent accommodation, you will have a 360-degree view of the beautiful Andean sky.
Nestled at the foot of the gorgeous Andes, this resort is a haven for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and those seeking a calm escape. This destination is located in the heart of Peru’s wilderness, it provides an immersive experience surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, verdant valleys, and ancient ruins.
Each glass dome is designed to provide an enjoyable experience. You can relax on your bed while admiring the starry sky. The domes provide all the conveniences of a premium hotel, such as private bathrooms, heating, and Wi-Fi. Discover our glamping package tours and see other glamping options that we assure you’ll love!
The Sacred Valley is full of surprises, and Viagens Machu Picchu invites you to discover all of them with our assistance. We feel happy to have assisted more than 40,000 clients in realizing their dreams in Peru; why don’t you join us on the quest to find the very best of Peru?
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