18:53 | Cusco (Cusco region), Feb. 13.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas —located between Pisac and Ollantaytambo towns in the Andean Cusco region— attracts thousands of domestic and foreign visitors each year.
The outstanding beauty of its geography and its 350 archaeological sites make it one of the Inca country's tourist magnets.
It must be noted Nat Geo Travel recommended staying a while in the Sacred Valley when in Cusco in order to enjoy an unforgettable trip.
Some of the main attractions are listed below:
Pisac
Deemed as the entrance door to the Sacred Valley, Pisac complex is known for its handicraft market and impressive archaeological remains. The town was a sort of capital in the region back in Inca times.
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites in Peru and South America. It is located 97 km northeast of Cusco city.
Runkurakay
It is a sort of citadel located in the middle of the Inca Trail. Runkurakay has the peculiarity of being a construction with circular enclosures.
Chinchero
Located 28 km from Cusco city, Chinchero houses important archaeological sites such as an impressive colonial church built in the 17th century.
Moray
Moray —situated 74 km northeast of Cusco city— was used as an Inca agricultural laboratory to cultivate resistant varieties of plants high in the Andes.
Maras
Maras is known for its salt evaporation ponds, which have remained in use since pre-Inca times.
During the dry season, villagers collect salt from these ponds by evaporating the salty water that emerges from an underground spring.
Yucay
Located right in the middle of the Sacred Valley, Yucay was the major center of agricultural production during the Inca period. It also houses the Inca Palace of Manco Sayri Tupac Segundo.
(END) LZD/MAO/JAA/RMB
Published: 2/13/2018