Pisac/Pisaq
Ollantaytambo
Chinchero
Maras
Moray
Urubamba
Machu Picchu
Picture this: the verdant Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Urubamba River Valley, nestled deep within the magnificent Andes. This fertile cradle served as the birthplace of the Incan civilization, offering a benevolent climate and rich soil that remained bountiful even when the rest of present-day Peru faced droughts.
The valley was so abundant that by the 11th century, it could sustain the Incan tribe, allowing some members to move away from farming. This shift led to the tribe's expansion and the creation of the Great Empire of Tawantinsuyu - meaning 'the four parts of the world joined together' in the Quechua language.
Standing amidst the breathtaking views of the Andes, you can feel the centuries of history, culture, and spirituality encapsulated within this valley. It's not just a destination but a vibrant tapestry of nature, history, and spirituality woven over thousands of years. Each thread tells a story, whispering the echoes of an ancient civilization.
From the mesmerizing landscapes to the intriguing historic sites and peaceful spiritual sanctuaries dating back centuries, the Sacred Valley is an immersive experience, not just a trip. Visiting this unique location offers a chance to witness the remarkable legacy of the Incas, making the Sacred Valley an essential part of any Peruvian adventure.
Imagine this stunning scene: perched atop the Vilcabamba ridge just 20.5 miles (33 kilometers) from Cusco, lies the magnificent city of Pisac. It's not just any ordinary city - this fascinating wonder of the Incan civilization takes the form of a sacred partridge, showcasing a unique architectural tradition of the Incas where cities are designed to resemble sacred animals or birds.
As you explore Pisac, you'll discover that it's a tale of two halves. One part of the city resonates with the hustle and bustle of daily life, while the other - a harmony of temples and agricultural terraces - exudes tranquility. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Andes, terraces spill down the mountainside like a cascade of green steps, a testament to Incan ingenuity.
But that's not all. Pisac is also a gateway to the cosmos, housing a renowned astronomical observatory. Gaze up at the sky and follow in the footsteps of ancient astronomers who once mapped the stars and wove tales of celestial lore.
Finally, prepare yourself for a humbling encounter with the past at Pisac's burial site. Here, mummies were discovered nestled in the rocks in a fetal position, symbolizing rebirth into another life. This poignant tradition serves as a stark reminder of the Incan culture's rich tapestry of beliefs.
Pisac is not just a mere place; it's a journey through time, a step into a world steeped in tradition, spirituality, and innovation. It is a must-see destination for any explorer seeking to discover Peru's Sacred Valley.
Beyond the Incan heart of Pisac, there lies a different tale - the story of the colonial era. Nestled in the Vilcanota River valley, also known as the lower course of the Urubamba River, a section of Pisac echoes the footsteps of the Spanish conquistadors.
Crafted with purpose, this colonial outpost was more than just a settlement. It was a strategic chess move by the Spaniards to exercise control and conversion over the indigenous people, drawing them into this new way of life. As you wander these charming, narrow streets, it's hard not to feel the whisper of history on the wind, carrying stories of clash and adaptation, of old worlds meeting new.
This unique fusion of Incan and Spanish influences makes Pisac an undeniably captivating destination. Here, in this corner of Peru's Sacred Valley, you can witness the meeting of two epochs, brought to life through stunning architecture and enduring traditions. It's an essential stop on any Peruvian adventure, a place that unearths the many layers of Peru's rich and diverse history.
Imagine being 56 miles (90 kilometers) away from the bustling city of Cusco, in a city that is both ancient and alive - Ollantaytambo. This place is a timeless testament to the grandeur of the Inca Empire, where visionary Inca Pachacutec reshaped the old metropolis by replacing its original structures with a ceremonial center and new housing, bearing the distinctive marks of Inca architecture. As you wander through the streets, you'll feel the echoes of ancient life mixed with the hum of modernity.
Ollantaytambo's geographical placement is significant, serving as a gateway to the jungle and a refuge for the Inca resistance leader, Manco Inca Yupanqui. From here, he embarked on a legendary journey to the mythical city of Vilcabamba. This journey was laden with treasures and the mummies of his ancestors, and even to this day, the city remains shrouded in mystery.
Ollantaytambo still exudes the essence of Incan culture, with buildings dating back to the late 15th century and a layout that mirrors the four longitudinal streets intersecting with seven shorter parallel ones. The structures resemble dormitories, with four one-room "apartments" sharing a patio or inner courtyard, reminiscent of communal living areas of the past. The city's water system, a marvel from the Pachacutec era, still functions today.
Outside the city, the landscape transforms into terraced fields cascading down mountain slopes, with grain stores standing sentinel at high altitudes. The ancient Incas harnessed the power of wind and lower temperatures to preserve their precious grains, offering a natural solution to the problem of decay. In Ollantaytambo, every corner and stone holds a story, waiting to be discovered. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in a living piece of history and experience the pulse of an empire that still resonates throughout the unforgettable city.
Unveil the layers of history as you delve into the captivating world of Chinchero, once the royal estate of the Incan emperor, Tupac Inca Yupanqui. A spectacular sight awaits you here—the colonial church that proudly stands atop the ancient walls of the Incan Temple of the Sun.
This Catholic church is more than a mere place of worship. It's a mesmerizing fusion of Spanish colonial and Incan cultures. Inside, a collection of remarkable paintings await your gaze. Each artwork tells the story of Christian themes, all the while echoing the profound spirituality of Incan culture and religion.
Outside, the marriage of cultures continues with a stepped pedestal, a symbolic representation of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Crowning this symbol of earth reverence is a Christian cross, its details intricately adorned with Incan symbolism, representing a compelling intermingling of beliefs.
Your journey doesn't end here. Nestled beside the church is a bustling market, alive with color, texture, and the soft hum of haggling. This square offers a kaleidoscope of handcrafted goods, each one a masterpiece and a souvenir of your unforgettable journey to the heart of Chinchero.
Step into an enchanting landscape where the earth and sky merge into a shimmering mosaic of sparkling pools. You've arrived at the stunning salt pans of Maras, an awe-inspiring testament to the ancient art of salt extraction, which is still very much alive.
These countless pools, fed by a mineral-rich spring, tell a tale of nature's abundance and human ingenuity. As sunlight plays on the water's surface, each pool gracefully surrenders its contents, leaving behind crystals of pure, white salt.
Witnessing this transformation feels like joining a dance as old as time: the pools are filled, they bask in the sun until the water evaporates, and then they're refilled, each cycle yielding more precious salt.
There's something profoundly moving about this simple, yet effective system still humming with life today. It's a nod to the timeless wisdom of those who first recognized and harnessed this gift of nature.
The Maras salt pans are more than a sight to behold; they are a portal into the past, a living museum where the distinction between nature and culture blurs. Experience the magic and wonder of this unique spectacle firsthand—it's an opportunity not to be missed.
Get ready to be amazed by the spectacular sight of Moray, an amphitheater-like arrangement of terraces cascading down the Andean slopes at an altitude of 3,500 meters (11,482 feet) above sea level. This incredible site is a testament to the Incan innovation and agricultural ingenuity.
The terraces create a stunning concentric pattern, with each level having its own unique microclimate. The temperature and wind strength subtly vary from one level to the next, creating up to 20 different microclimates that provide a perfect environment for various crops.
Moray can be considered as the Incan version of a modern agricultural laboratory. The Incas conducted meticulous research on how different plants respond to varying altitude conditions. They sorted and identified the best seeds and tubers, which were then sent to regions where they would thrive the most.
This complex yet effective system of experimentation enabled the Inca civilization to significantly increase their crop yields, showcasing their deep understanding of nature and exceptional skills in manipulating it. Moray's breathtaking beauty serves as a testament to the ancient wisdom that still impresses us today.
Take a journey to the outskirts of Urubamba and you will discover the lush green expanse that was once home to the grand country estate of the Supreme Inca, Wayna Qhapaq. Here, you will experience a unique microclimate that is warm and sunny, in contrast to the cool weather of Cusco.
The Qhispiguanca residence was a magnificent feat of environmental engineering during its time. The workers were tasked with redirecting the course of the Urubamba River to the southern end of the valley, draining marshes, and flattening hills to create space for the residence and its thriving crop fields of corn, cotton, peanuts, and chili peppers. This impressive reshaping of the natural landscape showcases the advanced capabilities of the Inca civilization.
What's even more astounding is the vastness of the residence. Imagine a place so expansive that Wayna Qhapaq and his guests could hunt without ever leaving the property! Let yourself be overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the Qhispiguanca residence and allow its historical significance and ingenuity to leave you in awe.
Prepare to be swept off your feet by the allure of Machu Picchu, aptly named "Old Mountain" in the Quechua language. Constructed in the heart of the 15th century, this enigmatic Incan city nestles in the midst of the Andes Mountains, approximately 62 miles (100 km) from the Incan Empire's capital, Cusco.
Machu Picchu's isolation among the towering peaks is so profound that it eluded the discovery of Spanish colonizers. For centuries, it remained a secret closely guarded by locals, who were well aware of its existence but opted not to reveal this treasure to the outside world.
Our knowledge of this architectural marvel owes a great deal to Hiram Bingham, an American scholar from Yale University. His discovery in 1911 brought Machu Picchu into the limelight, although it's important to remember that this "lost city" was never really lost to the locals.
Join the ranks of those entranced by this enigmatic city, and understand why UNESCO deemed it a World Heritage site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was rightfully recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visit this timeless city hidden in the clouds and find yourself marvelling at the indomitable spirit of the Inca civilization.
Discover the enchanting beauty of Peru! Get in touch with our team of expert travel consultants today and let them create your ultimate adventure. Embark on your journey now!
Get in touch, and we’ll help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!
