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Cusco Sacred Valley, Peru
The Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) was the agricultural heartland of the Inca Empire, and walking through its towns and ruins reveals the sophistication of this ancient civilization. Ollantaytambo, at the valley's western end, preserves massive Inca temple terraces and one of the only places where the Spanish were defeated in battle. The town below the ruins retains its original Inca street plan, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the Americas. Pisac combines spectacular hilltop ruins with one of the best markets in Peru, held in the town's colonial plaza. Moray features mysterious concentric circular terraces that the Incas may have used as an agricultural laboratory. Chinchero, known as the birthplace of the rainbow, offers traditional Quechua textile demonstrations. The valley sits at a lower elevation than Cusco, making it a more comfortable place to acclimatize before ascending to Machu Picchu.
explore by interest
The Sacred Valley ranges from 2,800 to 3,000 meters — lower than Cusco but still high. Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and use the valley as acclimatization time before heading higher.
May through September is the dry season with clear skies and the best conditions for hiking the ruins and attending the colorful markets.