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TravelTips24 : South America : Peru : Southern Sierra : Sacred Valley of the Incas

Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a valley in the Southern Sierra in Peru that contains many famous and beautiful Inca ruins.

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Travel to Sacred Valley of the Incas & Visa Requirements

Tours & Getting around Sacred Valley of the Incas

Sacred Valley of the Incas attractions and sightseeing

Inca Ruins

The sacred valley is dotted with Inca Ruins, with Machu Picchu being the absolute star attraction. If you are in a hurry try to visit at least Pisac and Sacsayhuaman.

Cuzco
Although most of the Inca buildings have been replaced by the Spaniards, there are still some Inca walls and foundations to be seen in the center of Cuzco.
Machu Picchu
The star attraction of the sacred valley. Also the endpoint of the Inca Trail
Pisac
The mountain overlooking the village of Pisac is covered with terraces and several ruins. Well worth a visit. Admission with boleto turistico.
Tambomachay
A small ruin which probably was a religious center, but could also be a military center. To get there take the bus to Pisac (2 soles) which passes along the site. Walk back and visit pucapucara, qenqo en sacsayhuamán on the way back. Admission with boleto turistico (See Cuzco).
Pucapucara
A small site. Which purpose it served is still unclear. Admission with boleto turistico.
Qénqo
This site is hewn out of a rock. It probably served as religious shrine. Admission with boleto turistico.
Sacsayhuamán
Cuzco was envisioned to represent a puma with Sacsayhuaman as head. Large parts of the site has been destroyed in the colonial era as the spainards used the stones of the sites to build their own houses. What remains is still impressive. Admission with boleto turistico.
Ollantaytambo
In the town of Ollantaytambo houses can be seen which date from Inca times. The nearby ruins features agricultural terraces as well as military, religious and administrative sections. Admission to the ruins with boleto turistico.
Tipón
A group of agricultural terraces and irrigation channels. It is believed to be dedicated to agricultural experimentation as well as religious activities. Admission with boleto turistico.
Pikillacta
One of the few pre-Inca sites. It has been built by the Wari-culture. Admission with boleto turistico.
Moray
Amphitheater shaped terraces. It probably served as an agricultural experiment.
Choquequirao
According to some this site is as impressive as Machu Picchu, but without the crowds. The only way in is a 4 day trek.

Sacred Valley of the Incas city tours

See the valley. Although the various ruins are the undeniable highlight, a 4-5 hour bus tour of the loop Cuzco-Chincherro-Urubamba-Pisac-Cuzco shows truly spectacular landscapes, especially on clear days during the winter (May-September). Tours can be booked with various agencies, although it is cheapest to just take buses between the various cities (and you can start in any of them).

Sacred Valley of the Incas souvenirs & shopping

Sacred Valley of the Incas Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Sacred Valley of the Incas nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Sacred Valley of the Incas cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

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This page was last edited at 00:53, on 18 May 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Ian Kirk, Todd VerBeek, Colin Jensen and Daniel Cowan, Wikitravel user(s) Cacahuate, Ronald and Huttite and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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