Walking along the Inca tracks in the Sacred Valley

SANTIAGO, Peru - Jan. 13, 2020 - PRLog -- The Sacred Valley of the Incas extends between Cuzco and the once-capital of the Inca Empire, the legendary Machu Picchu. Covering a fertile territory, today it is a transcendental area, also known as the Urubamba Valley, is a quiet part of the country with a rich history and Andean culture. Many travelers to Peru use the standard option: the route between Cuzco and Machu, with a basic tour of Machu Picchu. But after spending time studying the magnificent collection of small towns and villages, in the archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley, you get the opportunity to plunge into the daily life of the Peruvians and get a complete picture of the once great Inca empire.

Ollantaytambo

Here, modernity and centuries-old traditions are in balance, local residents respectfully preserved their past, customs and holidays. Travelers planning to climb Machu Picchu often book at least one night at the Aguas Calientes hotels, the closest town to the Sacred Valley. But trains will soon start from Machu with a stop in Ollantaytambo, in a quiet place, close to archaeological sites and the Andes village, which serves as a stop for those traveling along the route to Machu Picchu, and is also a common starting point for travelers on the short Inca trail (https://www.andeanpathtravel.com/tour/short-inca-trail-ma...) .

Moray

Ollantaytambo is the place where the Incas fought their last battles, resisting the violent expansion of the Spanish conquerors. Here, fortresses are still preserved, which are connected by their terraces throughout the city. Climbing to the top of the village, to the ceremonial circle where the Incas worshiped their gods, offers an amazing panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, Patakancha and the Urubamba River. Once the Incas made cobbled streets in this city built in the 1200s. The interweaving of waterways and branches from nearby rivers served as the irrigation system developed by the Incas.

Travelers must definitely get acquainted with at least one of the many Ollantaytambo holidays, for example, such as "Three Kings", a festival that begins on January 6. Around April, a four-day holiday called Santisima Cruz de Senor Choquekillca lasts, these days they honor the patron saint of the city, walking around the city with dances and fireworks. There are several cozy options for travelers, such as Hotel Sol and El Albergue.

Pisac

In addition to Ollantaytambo, there is the city of Pisak, located about 40 km southeast of Urubamba. The historic Inca city is now the subject of archaeological excavations. Agricultural steep terraces and a hill fortress allow travelers to make a steep but picturesque 4-kilometer climb to the terraces.