Visiting the Cusco and Sacred Valley archaeological sites independently
The 10-day ticket lets you visit 10 archaeological sites in the Cusco area and the Sacred Valley, which you can do quite easily independently, as explained next.
The 10 Inca sites:
1. Sacsayhuaman; 2. Qenko; 3. Pukapukara; 4. Tambomachay; 5. Chinchero; 6. Moray and Salinas de Maras; 7. Ollantaytambo; 8. Pisac; 9. Pikillacta and Portada de Rumiqolqa; 10. Tipon.
1. Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman is an ancient Inca fortress located just outside of the city of Cusco. The stone walls of the fortress are made from massive boulders that were cut to fit together without the use of mortar. The largest of these boulders is estimated to weigh over 300 tons. The construction of Sacsayhuaman is a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Inca people. It is believed that the fortress was built in the 15th century and was used to defend the city of Cusco against invading forces. Today, Sacsayhuaman is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Qenko
Qenko, meaning "zigzag" in the Quechua language, is an archaeological site located near the city of Cusco. It is believed to have been a sacred site for the Incas and may have been used for ceremonial purposes. The site consists of a large limestone rock outcrop that has been carved with intricate channels and seats. The channels may have been used to conduct water or for astronomical observations, while the seats may have been used for sacrifices or other rituals. The site also contains an underground chamber that was likely used for mummification or other ceremonial purposes. Qenko is considered to be one of the more mysterious Inca sites due to the uncertainty surrounding its exact purpose.
3. Pukapukara
Pukapukara is a historic site located near the city of Cusco. The site consists of a stone fortress, which was constructed by the Inca civilization. It is believed that Pukapukara served as a military fortress to defend the city of Cusco against invaders, due to its strategic location and its impressive defensive walls. The name "Pukapukara" in the Quechua language means "Red Fortress," likely named for the reddish color of the rocks used in its construction. While smaller and less famous than some of the other Inca archaeological sites in the area, Pukapukara is still a fascinating and historically significant site to visit for those interested in Inca history and architecture.
4. Tambomachay
Tambomachay is an ancient archaeological site located just outside of the city of Cusco. It is believed to have been a center for the worship of water, fertility, and the Earth in the Inca civilization. The site contains a system of aqueducts, canals, and fountains that were used to control the flow of water. The fountains at Tambomachay are especially impressive, as the water spouts from the rock with precision and clarity. The site may have also served as a resting place for the Inca ruler during their travels. Today, visitors to Tambomachay can explore the intricate water systems that were ingeniously engineered by the Inca people and view the impressive fountains that still flow with water to this day.
5. Chinchero
Chinchero is a small town located in the Sacred Valley region of Peru, near the city of Cusco. It is primarily known for its historic Inca ruins. They include an impressive Inca wall and the remains of an Inca palace, now topped by a colonial church. It is believed that Chinchero was originally built as a royal estate for the Inca emperor, and was also an important agricultural center.
6. Moray
Moray is an archaeological site located near the town of Maras in the Sacred Valley of Peru. It is believed to have been an agricultural laboratory or experimental site for the Inca civilization. The site contains several large circular terraces that are arranged in a series of concentric circles. It is thought that the Inca people used the terraces to experiment with crop cultivation. The temperature difference between the highest and lowest terraces can be as much as 27°F, enabling the Inca to study and selectively breed different crops for different temperatures. The precision and advanced understanding of agriculture that the Inca exhibited at Moray were well ahead of their time.
6a. Salinas de Maras
Salinas de Maras, also known as the Maras Salt Ponds, is a cluster of thousands of small salt pools located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, near the town of Maras. The salt ponds have been in use since Inca times and are still actively harvested by local families today. The saltwater that fills the ponds comes from a natural spring that emerges from a nearby hillside. The salty water from the spring is carefully channeled into the ponds, where it is left to evaporate in the sun. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a layer of crystallized salt, which is then harvested by hand using traditional techniques. The salt produced at Salinas de Maras is considered to be of high quality and is used in local cuisine and for medicinal purposes.
7. Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is a town in the Sacred Valley of Peru that is known for its impressively preserved Inca ruins. The town features large stone structures that were built by the Inca civilization, including an impressive fortress and temple complex that sit on a high hill overlooking the town. It is believed that this site was both a ceremonial center and a strategic military stronghold. The town is also notable for its well-preserved Inca street grid, which is still in use today. The narrow cobblestone streets are lined with adobe houses that date back to the colonial era, giving the town a charming and historic feel. Ollantaytambo is also a starting point for many visitors who plan to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
8. Pisac
Pisac is a small town located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, known for its Inca ruins and bustling market. The town contains an impressive Inca fortress that sits atop a hill overlooking the town and the surrounding valley. The site was likely both a military stronghold and a religious center, as it contains temples, plazas, and dwellings, and it was bigger than Machu Picchu. Most visitors to Pisac arrive at the top entrance and explore only this area. However, there is a path down to town with many more ruins and stunning panoramic views of the valleys below.
9. Pikillacta and Portada de Rumiqolqa
Pikillacta is an archaeological site located in the Cusco region. It is believed to have been a pre-Inca city that was later incorporated into the Inca Empire. The site contains impressive stone structures, including a massive walled complex that covers over 2,000 acres. The city was laid out in a grid pattern, and the buildings are constructed from finely cut stone, demonstrating a high level of engineering and architectural skill.
Portada de Rumiqolqa, also known as the Rumiqolqa Arch, is a famous Inca archeological site located just next to Pikillacta. It is an ancient gateway that was constructed from massive stones using advanced engineering and architectural techniques. The archway is believed to have been a ceremonial entrance to a nearby temple or palace. The stones used in the construction of the archway are intricately carved and fit together perfectly, without the use of mortar.
10. Tipon
Tipon, which I didn't visit, is an Inca archaeological site located in the Cusco region. The site is known for its extensive system of agricultural terraces, canals, and fountains. The terraces at Tipon were ingeniously designed to enable water to flow through them in a controlled way, providing irrigation for crops and orchards. The canals and fountains at Tipon are also impressive, with water flowing with precision and clarity. The site also offers stunning views of the surrounding Andean mountains and is a peaceful and tranquil setting for a relaxing day trip or hike.
Inca maize, potato and bean varieties and spices
