Highlights of Cusco and the Sacred Valley

By Amanda Massello

*For most, a trip to Peru without a visit to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, qualifies as social suicide. The two are undoubtedly the most popular attractions of South America.  Despite one´s familiarity with the image and legend of Machu Picchu, an hour (or days) spent pondering the Incan civilization, does nothing to demystify one of the seven man-made travel wonders of the world.  Suspended high above the Río Urubamba, the clouds which often sweep in to cover the ruins only add to its enigma. 

*Bear witness to the accomplishments of the Incan Empire in Cuzco. At an altitude of 11, 500 feet, Cusco may well seem an unlikely location for the ancient seat of Incan power.  However, set amidst a valley of mysterious cities in the clouds, Cusco provides a good initiation into the Incan way of life. Check out the mixed Spanish-Incan architecture, some great museums dedicated to Incan culture, as well as the Sacsayhuamán ruins.

*Wander through the only fully preserved, not to mention still inhabited, Incan town in Perú.  Scale Ollantaytambo´s sixteen stepped terraces, testament to the Inca´s mastery of stonework and agricultural planning. The Baño de la Ñusta (Bath of the Princess), and Temple of the Sun are spectacular examples of Incan architecture.  The rose-colored granite walls of Ollantaytambo are a source of wonder in itself. Some guides state that the stone was mined in another valley, while others say it is a blanket of tangerine lichen which gives them their unusual color.

*Check out excellent examples of Inca stonework without even leaving the limits of Cusco. It´s just a thirty minute walk up hill along Pumacurco from the Plaza de las Nazarenas to the ruins of Cusco´s temple to the Sun, the Sacsayhuamán Ruins, laid waste by Pizarro and his troops in 1536 after three years of unsuccessful attempts to invade Cusco. All that remains today are the outer walls of the religious complex. Llama sightings are common both on  the ruins itself at the base of the steep stone stair leading back down to Cusco from the far end of the ruins, so keep your eyes peeled.

*Both bigger and less frequented than Machu Picchu, exploring the ruins of Choquequirau carries the same mystique that Machu Picchu must have around ninety years ago before Hiram Bingham rediscovered the site and National Geographic turned Machu Picchu into a household name and well-studied wonder of human civilization. Perched atop a canyon ridge that conjoins three valleys, at 1, 600 meters, the newly discovered Choquequirau is accesible only by foot. Treks to the top initiate in the small village of Cachora, and include a journey through dense cloud forest. 

*Shop Peruvian style in Pisac and load up on souvenirs such as weavings and ceramics, at the famous Pisac market, held three times a week. Drop in on a Sunday, and you will be rewarded with more than just foods and wares, as costumed Pisqueños march across the main plaza after the 11am church service given in Quechua at Iglesia San Pedro Apóstolo. Most organized tours only allow for a very brief visit to the market, which is a shame as Pisac has a lot to offer, including some extensive Inca ruins.