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 the familiarity you think you have with the image and legend of Machu Picchu, an hour (or days) spent pondering the Incan civilization will never reveal all the mysteries of this, 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. At least a visit will let you bear witness to the accomplishments of the Incan Empire in Cusco. At an altitude of 11, 500 feet, set amidst a valley of mysterious cities in the clouds, Cusco provides a good initiation into the Incan way of life. On site check out the mixed Spanish-Incan architecture, some great museums dedicated to Incan culture, as well as the Sacsayhuamán ruins.

Machu Picchu is the only fully preserved, not to mention still inhabited, Incan town in Perú. Ollantaytambo’s sixteen stepped terraces remain a 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 will tell you that the stone was mined in another valley, while others say it is a blanket of tangerine lichen which gives them their unusual color.

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, the ruins of Choquequirao are veiled in the same mystique that Machu Picchu had before Hiram Bingham rediscovered the site some 90 years ago and National Geographic turned Machu Picchu into a household name. Perched atop a canyon ridge that conjoins three valleys, at 1, 600 meters, the newly discovered Choquequirao is accessible only by foot. Treks to the top start in the small village of Cachora, and include a journey through dense cloud forest.

You can 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 following the 11am Quechua church service 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.