Its market and its ruins

In the Cusco region, Pisac is considered the textile capital of Peru. Alpaca products and colorful backpacks are sold in the Plaza de Armas market. Every Sunday, street vendors will offer you to taste traditional dishes. Behind the mountains hide the ruins of Pisac, a veritable labyrinth of Inca constructions. The site is huge and it will take you 2 or 3 hours to go through everything. To get there, the easiest way is to take a taxi from the city.

The Inca capital

Cusco (or Cuzco), former capital of the Inca Empire, is located 3,400 meters above sea level. Listed as a World Heritage Site, visiting Cusco is a must in Peru. The city was steeped in Spanish influence from the 16th century. It is today an astonishing mixture of Inca remains and Baroque and neoclassical architecture. A local agency can organize a guided tour of the city. From Cusco you can organize different activities such as the discovery of the mountain of the 7 colors.

The lost city of the Incas

One of the essentials of your trip to Peru, Machu Picchu is an archaeological site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every year, the famous Inca city attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world. If you have time in front of you, I recommend that you take the Inca Trail accompanied by a local guide who will explain all the history of this incredible place. This very popular excursion has a limited number of visitors per day, remember to book in advance with one of the local agencies in Cusco.

Vinicunca, the rainbow of Peru

Nature lovers, the mountain of seven colors will not leave you indifferent. On horseback or on foot, the composition of the Rainbow Mountain is such that you will have the impression of exploring a rainbow. It's not every day that you find yourself at an altitude of almost 5000 meters! Local agencies offer day trips from Cusco.

A magnificent panorama

Located on one of the plateaus of the Sacred Valley and in the middle of snow-capped mountains, Laguna Huyapo is an off-the-beaten-path destination. You can enjoy the tranquility of the place and practice leisure activities such as kayaking, paddle or mountain biking.

One of the most beautiful landscapes in Peru

50 km from Cusco is the small village of Maras known for its salt exploitation. The main attraction of this region is the visit to the salineras de Maras, a surprising landscape of white terraces. The salineras are still exploited today and the workers will be happy to explain to you the ancestral mechanism of the site. Take the time to check what the price includes, some agencies offer formulas without entry to sites or without the presence of a local guide.

The ancient Inca agricultural laboratory

Located 7 km from Maras, Moray was an Inca agricultural research laboratory. The site resembles an amphitheater where the terraces are arranged concentrically. This configuration made it possible to create microclimates and to cultivate some 250 species of plants. Once a year, you will have the opportunity to participate in a cultural reenactment organized by the inhabitants of the neighboring communities who celebrate the Festival of the Sun.

Symbol of an Inca victory

Gateway to the Inca Trail, the ruins of Ollantaytambo are a must on your visit to the Sacred Valley. The most common starting point for hikers embarking on the quest for Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo is the only inhabited city from the Inca period and it was here that the Spaniards lost their only battle. If the city was the residence of the Inca nobility, the fortress served to repel the attack of the invaders. To get to Ollantaytambo, take the bus from Cusco.

And traditional textile manufacturing

Chinchero is a pretty little village that features cobbled lanes, a main square and the Church of Our Lady of Montserrat built in the 17th century from Inca ruins. Chinchero is best known for the production of traditional Peruvian textiles. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to discover the art of weaving, color design and different manufacturing techniques. The Chinchero Handicraft Market will allow you to buy authentic souvenirs such as colorful and handmade clothes.

The small Machu Picchu

In Queshua, Choquequirao means "cradle of Inca gold". This ancient city culminates at nearly 3,000 meters above sea level and it strangely resembles the famous Machu Picchu. This archaeological site is less frequented and for good reason, it is only accessible on foot! To visit it, you will have to hike for at least 4 days. For this adventure, I advise you to book the excursion with a local agency which will offer you the services of an English-speaking guide and the necessary equipment for camping.

The Fortress of the Horns

Waqrapukara is an impressive and mysterious archaeological site. It bears the name of "horned fortress" because of its particular construction. Scholars agree that Waqrapukara served as an astrological observatory and a symbol of power. You can reach this archaeological site on horseback or on foot with a local guide. In both cases, this hike will allow you to travel pre-Hispanic paths and meet peasant communities.

Witness of Inca engineering

Queswachaca is a suspension bridge that crosses the canyon of the Apurimac River. Here, years of erosion have literally shaped the landscape. One might think that the rocks were cut cleanly with a knife. But the particularity of Queswachaca is not limited to this sublime natural setting because this bridge is a real historical site: it was made from plant fibers by the Incas. Every year in June, locals come together to restore Queswachaca. Everyone is busy harvesting plant fibers and weaving them to give the bridge a second life.

The Three Colored Mountains

Palcoyo is a set of three colored mountains. They are ocher and red, striped with green, blue and white. Despite its resemblance to the Mountain of Seven Colors, Palcoyo is much less crowded. You are guaranteed to be alone in the world in this magnificent landscape. To get there, you will only have to walk an hour. This hike without elevation is accessible to all and its access is possible between the months of April and November only due to weather conditions.

Sleep in a capsule

Along with Yucay, Urubamba was one of the most important Inca agricultural centers. These two villages are not important centers of interest during your stay in the Sacred Valley. But in Urubamba, you can have an extraordinary experience: sleeping in a transparent capsule attached to a rock! You will spend the night in height in this unusual accommodation composed of a bedroom and a bathroom. When you wake up, you will have the luxury of having a breathtaking view of the surroundings.