We know that the first scenarios that come to mind for people who dream of traveling to Peru are the famous citadel of Machu Picchu and the charming city of Cusco. And this is right since we are talking about one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and a destination that is, practically, our postcard.
But have you ever wondered how many more things are possible to do and how many destinations you can explore in this region during your trip through Peru? For example, we can highlight the charms of the Inca Trail and its historical and natural landscapes, but in case you are still not very clear, don’t worry, because here we will tell you much more about the subject.
In this article, we will address as the main recommendation the attractions located in Urubamba Valley, full of stories and natural wonders, near Cusco and that you need to know: the Valle Sagrado de los Incas.
This destination is made up of several villages that were formed along the banks of the Urubamba River. It is possible to consider that the Sacred Valley is, practically, an open-air museum, since there are numerous archaeological sites in this area that tell and show how the ways of life were in the Inca period.
In addition, there is a unique mix between the past and the present, as the influences of the ancestral peoples who inhabited these lands and paved the way for so many civilizations for thousands of years, still resist the traditions and culture of the residents of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The region receives its name both for its prosperous land that allowed great crops and for being similar to the Milky Way, according to propositions of the Inca priests. If you are visiting Cusco, it is very simple to organize your tour of this sacred valley, this could be the perfect route if you are on your way to Machu Picchu.
Did you like to understand a little more about this incredible destination near Cusco? And we like to give you the best tips and recommendations about Peru, so don’t stop reading here, as below we will introduce you to some of the most fascinating destinations within the Sacred Valley of the Incas!
Pisac Ruins
Located about 30 kilometers from Cusco is a small village called Pisac, it can be said that this is one of the most representative places of the Inca Empire, in cultural terms, in the entire Sacred Valley of the Incas, since these lands are marked by ancestral traditions, great mysticism, in addition to historical marks, as one of the main archaeological sites in the region.
Pisac is a destination that delights its visitors by providing a much more intense and close contact with the reality of life and the residents, in addition to having much more empty scenarios than what is found in the main tourist attractions of the Imperial City of the Incas.
Among what is possible to discover in this village is the Artisan Market of Pisac, where people from numerous regions and belonging to different Andean cultures meet to sell their products, from handicrafts to food, it is possible to find everything, especially if your visit is on a Sunday.
In addition, for those interested in archaeology, a tour of the Pisac Archaeological Site is a must, an Inca structure built under the order of Inca Pachacutec that has the shape of a partridge that exists only in this region. According to some researchers, this is believed to have been a royal precinct of this Inca ruler who is so famous in history.
And, if you’re the type who likes legends and mysticism, know here that this was the scene of a legend of love, in which an Inca princess, named Inkill Chumpi, was turned to stone after failing to fulfill her end of an agreement. made with the gods to marry the love of his life. To learn more, explore our guide to Pisac in the Sacred Valley of the Incas!
Ollantaytambo
Without a doubt, these Inca ruins may even be a small town in the Sacred Valley region, but what it represents historically is huge. According to some researchers, Ollantaytambo would have been the last Inca refuge during the colonization period, where this civilization hid, defeated Spanish troops, and then fled for protection in the jungle.
Its structure has maintained, until today, some original characteristics, such as, for example, its distribution. In addition, it is very interesting to be able to visit, in addition to the city, other places that had relevance in Inca history, which are the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site and the Pinkuylluna Warehouse.
In these attractions it is possible to understand a little about the administrative understanding of the Inca people, in addition to visiting the ceremonial center, both within the archaeological site that you can visit using the Cusco Tourist Ticket; and see up close an example of the intelligence of this civilization that built a warehouse in the cold vicinity of a mountain to conserve its food.
Moray Ruins
This is an impressive sight, as much for its engineering and structuring as for its purpose. It is a group of circular structures, called different ways: “the Agricultural Laboratory”, “Agricultural Terraces” or “ Agricultural terracing of Moray”. Built by the Inca people who, realizing the need to expand their access to nutritional elements, that is, wishing to grow new foods, designed them to achieve this goal.
This relationship worked as follows: these structures had different levels of “steps”, in this way, it was possible to create in each of them a kind of microclimate that allowed other vegetables to be cultivated according to their climatic needs.
It is believed that about 250 species of plants have been cultivated in this place, however, there is information that remains a little uncertain, such as the number of people fed by this production, since it is estimated that it would be enough for, at most, 45 people, or if the place was in operation when the Spanish invasion took place. Either way, it’s worth getting to know this other side of Inca history.
Salineras de Maras
Maras is a perfect combo, as it combines a fascinating setting with a history and tradition that lives on and endures for centuries. We are talking about the Salineras de Maras, which are a group of salt pits extracted from mines that are scattered along a cliff on Qaqahuiñay Mountain.
This set of mines totals about 3000 wells, which were built between the years of 500 BC and 1100 BC for one culture before Inca times, the Huari culture. These salt pans are still in operation today and are managed by local families, who receive around 5 wells to manage and sell the extracted salt.
Numerous studies indicate the benefits of consuming Maras Salt, these being: being the best option among individuals with high blood pressure, being a salt with several minerals in its composition, in addition to being a remedy to treat swelling and skin problems. On top of that, you can visit the Salinas de Maras on a conventional tour or an ATV tour!
Chinchero
Chinchero is one of the cities in the Sacred Valley of the Incas with great appreciation for its secular traditions, being one of the few that has maintained its ancestral customs over time, even though the place has gone through a history of invasions and a mixture of cultural influences.
The visit is valid for those who like to travel back in time and imagine what life was like many years ago when civilizations that preceded the Incas inhabited the region. de Chinchero and the Artesanal Market, where the best fabrics are sold.
Haven’t you ever visited Machu Picchu yet? , but now you are ready to make your perfect itinerary through the region, knowing the best attractions to visit. For even more inspiration, we recommend that you discover other packages to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and other destinations in Peru!
But if you still have doubts, don’t worry, because our team is always available to assist you in the best way and make your dream trip through the ancient country of the Incas come true, with tailor-made itineraries, so contact us now for more information!