Valley of Urubamba

• Location: Peruvian Andes, Cusco Province
• The main attractions: Machu Picchu, Pisac, Olntaytambo, Cusco

The variety of historical monuments and secrets of ancient civilizations - these two factors primarily attract tourists to Peru . Despite such a flow of travelers, this country still maintained its level of development at the level when it is possible to meet in the real Indian markets, the local color sometimes captures and surprises, and the ancient ruins are still carefully preserved, and no one has requested this area is under construction with modern skyscrapers. With a relatively undeveloped economy, this country is a real paradise for a tourist. Well, a very special and probably the most significant place in Peru is the Sacred Valley of the Incas - the Valley of Urubamba.

The Cradle of Ancient Civilization

Perhaps one of the keys to unraveling the mysteries of the ancient Incas is the Urubamba River. Like Egypt and the River Nile, the valley along the Urubamba was rich in fertility and a good climate, while all the other regions of Peru experienced a grueling drought. This fact enabled the Inca civilization to concentrate its forces and capabilities not only on agriculture and livestock production, but also to devote some time to conquering the surrounding territories, as well as exploring the surrounding world. What is characteristic, even in the agriculture of the Incas took a step forward - it is believed that it was in the valley of the Urubamba River that potatoes were first grown.

Located in the Andes Sacred Valley, between Machu Picchu and Cusco , along the Urubamba River. It covers and includes all the important monuments of ancient civilization. Salt and agricultural terraces, picturesque towns, majestic temples, fortresses and ceremonial complexes can all be found in the Urubamba Valley in Peru. Each captured landscape, every frame made in this area, looks like a postcard - so colorful and picturesque here.

Sights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas

1. Machu Picchu . Probably, even the most notorious homebody who does not want to expand his knowledge of the outside world, at least once heard about this city. This is the main attraction not only of the valley, but of the whole country. An ancient city is located on a rock in such a way that it is practically not noticeable at the foot of the mountain. Its construction dates back to the 15th century. Today, Machu Picchu is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
2. Pisak . This is an archaeological complex, which is one of the most important monuments of ancient civilization in the entire Valley of Urubamba. Originally it was thought of as a fortress, but eventually it became a ceremonial center. Among other things, Pisac is famous for its astronomical observatory.
3. Ollantaytambo . This city is best preserved until our times. Some of the buildings residents even converted to modern housing. But the main highlight, and at the same time and the mystery of this place is the Temple of the Sun, the wall of which is made up of huge monolithic blocks. Ollantaytambo at one time was an important religious, administrative, military and agricultural center of the Inca Empire.
4. Cuzco . The ancient capital of the Incas and one of the richest cities of ancient civilization. Before conquest by conquistadors, the city was drowned in luxury, and the Temple of the Sun was decorated with pure gold. Today it is the second most popular city in Peru after Lima .
5. Moray . This place is an archaeological complex, among which there are unique agricultural terraces. They have a circular shape, gradually tapering from level to level. There is a suggestion that Morai served as a laboratory for the Incas, in which they observed the growth of various varieties of various cultures.
6. Maras . This is also a terrace, but already salt . Having equipped a unique water supply system, the water from the bowels of the earth fell into a multitude of grooves, where it dried, leaving salt crystals. What is characteristic, the extraction of salt here occurs in our time.
7. Chinchero . Once there was the main residence of Inka Tupac Manko Jupanki. However, after the conquest of these lands by the Spaniards, everything was turned into a Catholic way, and a Catholic cross was erected above the Temple of the Sun. However, this is still an interesting and colorful place. Among other things, Chinchero is famous for its fair, where many handicrafts are sold.
8. The Inca trail . This is a kind of path, designed for walking. In general, the name "Inca Trail" is associated with such a path near Machu Picchu, but to think that this building here in a single copy is fundamentally wrong. Such trails can be found in different parts of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
9. City of Urumamba . This small town attracts those who want to touch the ancient riddle, but it does not tolerate lifts and altitude because it is located in the lowland. In addition, here is the residence of the High Inca Wine-Capac, for the construction of which had to change the course of the river Urubamba.
10. Tambomachay . This amazing place is associated in some way with the resort. There is a whole water complex, including baths, various canals and aqueducts. By the way, the water is pouring in our days.
11. Pikiyakt and Rumikolk . These are two different structures, but they are the same. The ancient city of Pikiyakt was a kind of checkpoint, and the ancient gate of the Inca Rumikolka only underlines its customs destination.

How to get there?

Start your journey through the Valley of Urubamba from Cusco. Get here the most comfortable way you can with the help of air services, landing at a local airport. There is regular public transport from the city and tours of the Sacred Valley of the Incas are organized.