Introduction
Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s also one of the most challenging to visit, with wait times that can stretch into days and temperatures that can dip below freezing in the winter months. But if you’re looking for an alternative to Machu Picchu, Peru’s Sacred Valley could be just what you’re looking for! Located just an hour north of Cusco City, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features stunning vistas and ancient ruins that are sure to take your breath away and make it worth your while getting there.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan city located in the Cusco region of Peru. It’s situated 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The site can be reached by train from Cusco or on foot from Aguas Calientes via Salkantay Pass.
The ruins sit at the edge of a hillside overlooking Sacred Valley with views across to Machu Picchu’s sister site Huayna Picchu looming on the other side of its valley below. If you want to see both sites in one day then head out early as they close at 4 pm every day except Sunday when they open until 7 pm due to religious holidays like Corpus Christi Day etc.
Maras Moray Salt Flats
- Location: The Maras Moray Salt Flats are located in the Sacred Valley, at an altitude of 3,650m (11,000ft).
- What makes this area unique? The Maras Moray Salt Flats are one of Peru’s most famous natural attractions and attract millions of tourists every year. They are located on flat land surrounded by mountains that reach up to 50000 feet above sea level. This makes them an ideal place for hiking or camping as you can enjoy stunning views while feeling safe from any wild animals or extreme weather conditions such as snow storms or hurricanes!
- How long do I need to stay here? It depends on how much time you want to spend exploring this beautiful place, but if you’re planning on visiting during peak season, expect crowds, so make sure not too many people know about your plans before arriving there! You should also prepare yourself mentally beforehand because once you arrive there will be no turning back once start exploring its beauty beyond words…
Pisac
Pisac is a village in the Sacred Valley of Peru. It’s known for its market, which offers many different items for sale that can be found nowhere else. The market also has a lot of souvenirs and crafts made by local artists.
Chinchero
Chinchero is a small town in the southern Sacred Valley of Peru. The town is known for its traditional weaving, which has been revived by artisans who come from all over the country to sell their wares here. The best time to visit is during artisan fairs when you can watch local women weave intricately patterned pieces of colorful cloth on ancient looms.
Ollantaytambo
The town of Ollantaytambo is the starting point for many tours in the Sacred Valley, and it’s an ideal place to base yourself if you’re looking to explore this region. With a population of 2,000 people, Ollantaytambo has a lot going for it: it’s not overly crowded, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to choose from, and it offers some beautiful views from its hilltop location.
Ollantaytambo is also home to several Inca ruins that have been preserved well over time and these sites are great places to visit on their merit (especially since they’re not far apart).
Urubamba
The Urubamba region is the largest city in the Sacred Valley, with a population of approximately 80,000 people. It is also the capital of Urubamba Province, the Department of Cusco Region, and Peru as a whole. The city was founded by Spanish colonists in 1572 on top of an ancient Inca road that ran from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
Saksaywaman
Saksaywaman is a walled complex in the shape of a trapezoid. It was built by Inca Pachacuti and is located in Peru’s Sacred Valley, one of the most important Inca sites. Saksaywaman was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 and has been listed as one of the best places to visit by CNN Travel.
Pumahuanca Valley
Pumahuanca Valley is a beautiful place to visit. It is a place of great historical significance and one of Peru’s main destinations for those looking for relaxation and nature. It has many different things to offer visitors, including learning about the culture of its people, enjoying food and drink at local restaurants or bars, and relaxing by lakes or rivers.
The Pumahuanca Valley has many different attractions that make it one of the best destinations in Peru!
Huaypo Lagoon
Huaypo Lagoon is located in the Sacred Valley, a region of Peru known for its rich culture and scenic beauty. It’s also home to some of the country’s most important archaeological sites, including Machu Picchu. The lagoon itself is a beautiful body of water with lush vegetation and plenty of fish swimming around it.
The lagoon can be accessed by boat from several points along its shoreline including Punta Quillabamba (located on Lake Titicaca), Tintaya River Mouth, or Río Urubamba.
Cusco City
Cusco is the capital of Peru and the gateway to the Inca Trail. Cusco is also a starting point for some of Peru’s most popular treks including:
- The Salkantay Trek (2 days) – The Salkantay is an easy day hike that will take you up to an altitude of 2,800 meters. This trek offers magnificent views from above Lake Titicaca and down into other valleys like Lares or Vilcanota.
- The Lares Trek (4 days) – This path leads through three different regions: Huaraz Province; Abancay Province; and Puno Province. It passes through many small villages inhabited by people who speak Quechua as their native language but is characterized by their European features such as blond hair coloration or blue eyes.
