The Sacred Valley is a stunningly beautiful valley located in the Cusco region of Peru. Once the heart of the Incan Empire, the valley is home to a number of important archaeological sites, charming villages, and breathtaking scenery.
Here are some of the top sites to visit in the Sacred Valley:
Pisac:
- A picturesque town with a lively market and impressive Inca ruins.
- The market is a great place to buy souvenirs, such as textiles, jewelry, and pottery.
- The ruins include a large complex of temples, fortifications, and agricultural terraces.
Ollantaytambo:
- A charming village with a well-preserved Inca fortress.
- The fortress is situated on a hilltop overlooking the village and the Urubamba River.
- The village is also home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Chinchero:
- A small village with a beautiful church and a Sunday market.
- The church is built on the foundations of an Inca temple.
- The market is a great place to buy traditional textiles and handicrafts.
Moray:
- A series of concentric terraces built by the Incas for agricultural experiments.
- The terraces are believed to have been used to study the effects of different altitudes and climates on crops.
- The site is also home to a number of other Inca ruins, including a temple and a water system.
Maras:
- A village famous for its salt mines.
- The salt mines have been in operation since the Inca era.
- Visitors can take a tour of the mines and learn about the salt production process.
Tipón:
- An Inca site with impressive water features and agricultural terraces.
- The water features include a series of canals, fountains, and aqueducts.
- The terraces are believed to have been used to irrigate crops and provide a source of water for the Incas.
The Sacred Valley is a fascinating and beautiful place to visit. By visiting the sites listed above, you can learn about the history of the Incas and appreciate the stunning scenery of the valley.
Here are some additional tips for visiting the Sacred Valley:
- Acclimatize to the altitude: The Sacred Valley is located at a high altitude, so it’s important to acclimatize to the altitude before visiting.
- Bring sunscreen: The sun can be strong in the Sacred Valley, so be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking in the Sacred Valley, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Be respectful of the local culture: The Sacred Valley is home to a number of indigenous communities. Be respectful of their culture and customs.
With its stunning scenery, fascinating history, and friendly people, the Sacred Valley is a place you’ll never forget.