Sacred Valley

An invaluable gift from the old world bestowed upon Peru’s present character, the Sacred Valley is an ethereal realm of ancient ruins, artisan villages, and trekking routes that end in mystifying Inca citadels. Everywhere you look, you will see the wild affluence of nature. Hugged by rivers and hemmed in by the cliffs of the Andes, the winding valley was once home to one of the most glorious civilizations of Columbian America, the Inca Empire. Today, it is an open-air museum where pockets of history and human heritage linger amidst the mountains. It begins on the outskirts of Cusco and reaches the legendary Machu Picchu.

The cultural expressions of the Sacred Valley overflow in Pisac, a hillside village renowned for its fascinating artistic community and the crowning Inca ruins. It is a weaving town at heart, working the finest Peruvian textiles for ages. Stop by one of the artisan’s shops and seek out the fresh produce market to exchange a few words with the locals. You can also pay a visit to the Amaru people who have settled the land over centuries. In Pisac, the sun temple and several Inca tombs are not to miss. Another enthralling sight is Ollantaytambo, a ruin complex dominated by emerald terraces constituting a fortress so formidable that it will awe you into silence. Here, visitors can experience the closest to what an Inca town looked like five centuries ago.

For a slight change in the view, head to Maras—a salty and watery wonderland famous for its uncommon beauty. More than 5,000 salt ponds dot the hills of the town, most of them having been used since Inca times. A spring gushing with salty water complements the scene at the top.