Written by:
peru.travel
Monday, September 7, 2020
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There is no doubt that Machu Picchu is the main tourist destination in Cusco. Thousands of visitors arrive every year to the "Ombligo del Mundo" ("Navel of the World") to appreciate the majesty of one of the most imposing Inca citadels. However, the trip to the sanctuary has a series of tourist attractions that also deserve all the attention by those who tour the Sacred Valley.
Amazing archaeological sites, small towns full of tradition and color, dreamy waterfalls and hot springs with high temperatures; the road to Machu Picchu has everything for you to live great experiences while you get closer to one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Discover more about these places and visit them on your next adventure in Cusco.
Pisac
Very famous for its picturesque market, Pisac is becoming one of the main destinations near Machu Picchu. Its impressive archaeological park that is distinguished by its large number of platforms and high towers, and its colorful fair that captivates with its magic atmosphere, make this place a must-see in the Sacred Valley. Here you can also visit the Inkariy Museum that shows pieces, sculptures and clothing from the pre-Hispanic and Inca cultures.
Famous for its picturesque handicraft market, Pisac is becoming one of the main destinations near Machu Picchu. Crédito: Gihan Tubbeh / PromPerú.
Ollantaytambo
Once a military, religious and agricultural center of the Incas, this place dazzles with its platforms and its perfect stone carvings. A site that is believed to have been a refuge area for the Inca royalty. When visiting Ollantaytambo, you are amazed at its imposing buildings of more than four meters high, so it is inevitable to wonder how the Incas managed to transport and lift huge rocks from areas not so close; a sample of the engineering masterpiece that characterized this civilization.
From Cusco you can get there in two ways: by taxi and by train, with approximately one hour of travel time. The schedule is from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and there are guided tours that can be purchased at the entrance of the archaeological site.
Pinkuylluna
When visiting Ollantaytambo, it is possible to see from the top some vestiges that lie on the mountain located right in front of the archaeological complex. These are the Pinkuylluna Qolqas, which would have served as agricultural warehouses. Its location on the slopes of the mountain is because in this place supplies were better sown.
On the top you can see the city of Ollantaytambo, so if you are a fan of photography, you cannot miss this place. The path is easily accessible, because from the square the climb is signposted, and the best of all is that the entry is free.
Arín Falls
Also known as the Cataratas de la Sirena" ("Mermaid Falls"), this natural wonder is another spectacle that you can enjoy for free. They are located in the town of Calca and to get there you must walk for 30 minutes, which is undoubtedly worth it. Since from the viewpoint you can enjoy an incredible view of the Sacred Valley. It is a very nice and quiet little tourist town whose center is full of fruit trees and rustic houses.
Thermal baths in Aguas Calientes
Just one kilometer from the town of Aguas Calientes you can find this set of hot springs with high temperatures and medicinal properties, recommended for treating different ailments. It is an ideal place to rest and relax after the intense walk through the citadel of Machu Picchu.
All the tourists who go to the Inca wonder necessarily pass through the town of Aguas Calientes. That is why, in addition to its extraordinary hot springs, it has restaurants, bars and hotels.
Moray y Maras
Located very close to each other, both towns are home to two of the most visited attractions in the Sacred Valley: the Salineras de Maras and the Moray Archaeological Center. The first is a wide area full of natural salt wells that are more than one hundred million years old and that were born after the formation of the Andes Mountains.
Nowadays, Maras salt is exported for its high quality and benefits, thanks to its low sodium concentration. On the other hand, Moray houses circular terraces that, in Inca times, were agricultural research laboratories.
Sources: El Comercio / Boleto Machu Picchu / RPP / Gutnius.com / Cuscoperu.com
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