SACRED VALLEY TOURIST SIGHTS
Nestled in the Peruvian Andes, the Sacred Valley is one of the country's most fascinating travel destinations, thanks to its mysterious Inca ruins, breathtaking scenery and charming colonial towns and villages. Relics of Peru's Inca heritage are scattered throughout the cup-shaped landscape of the Sacred Valley, and proximity to both the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and the ruined citadel of Machu Picchu make it one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.Fortunately, the popularity of the Sacred Valley has not diminished its natural beauty or encroached on pockets of untouched Inca culture.Here, you can get lost in the winding streets of Ollantaytambo, where typical Inca streets are still walked by locals dressed in traditional fashion, or ride a quad bike across the valley to the curious Maras salt mines or the Moray terraces, the result of some very clever experiments by the original Inca inhabitants of the valley. Spend a few days in the Sacred Valley and you will soon be enthralled by the traditional local culture, landscapes and living history of this magical place. A trip to the Sacred Valley is a great option for adrenaline junkies who love bungee jumping, rock climbing and rafting on the Urubamba River in this beautiful part of Peru.
Things to see in the Sacred Valley
There are simply so many things to see in the Sacred Valley that it can be difficult to get your mind around planning a route. Above the Urubamba River, on top of a mountain are the magnificent Pisac ruins. A 2-hour hiking trail connects the ruins to the colonial town of Pisac, and although the hike can be a bit strenuous at this altitude, you'll be well-rewarded by a well-preserved selection of Inca ruins that easily rival Machu Picchu in size and the complexity. Probably built as a defense system, the sweeping stone terraces, buildings and circular surfaces will take your breath away, as will the stunning views of the Sacred Valley. Even higher in altitude than Cusco is the charming little town of Chinchero, home to Inca architecture and a lively local market. Chinchero is known as the center of Peruvian textiles. The local weaving center offers demonstrations and workshops to visitors, who can purchase the finished products at bargain prices. The salt mines of Maras are perhaps the most curious attraction of the Sacred Valley. These salt mines, in use since pre-Inca times, are a clever invention, as well as incredibly photogenic. Every family in the local communities owns one of the salt ponds and collects salt once the sun evaporates the spring water from the pond. You can even buy Maras salt in the local souvenir shops! If you are traveling to the Sacred Valley in the hope of meeting locals, you cannot miss visiting Ollantaytambo, called "the only living city of the Incas". Dating back to the 15th century and once an important royal estate of a powerful Inca emperor, today it entices travelers to explore its archaeological sites and meet the locals, many of whom wear traditional clothing and live in ancient Incan dwellings. A fortress, terraces and plaza, dating back to the Inca era, are also located in Ollantaytambo.

After breakfast at the hotel we start for another interesting day. We will go by private bus to Tipon and Pisac, two archaeological palaces of the pre-Inca (unidentified) constructions. Later we will go to a large market (Picaq Market) where you will be able to buy many things at very low prices. Finally, a tour of the Sacred Valley would be incomplete without visiting the Pisac Market, the best place in the valley to experience the vibrant Quechua culture. If you visit the Pisac market on a Sunday, you will see local communities from around the Andes gather to sell their products and buy supplies. You'll also find plenty of stalls selling Andean textiles and souvenirs, such as warm ponchos, essential for keeping warm at altitude.
B. L.

Later we will arrive in Ollantaytambo where we will stay the night. Hotel Sol Natura or similar
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