Cusco

The ancient center of the Incan empire, Cusco, is located in the south-eastern Andes. Its name in Quechua meaning "navel of the world". According to legend the city was founded by the first Incas who were born in the mysterious waters of Lake Titicaca; Manco Capac, known as the Prince of the Sun, and Mama Occllo.

The Incan architecture in Cusco is thought to date back to the 15th century, and is mostly attributed to the Inca Pachacutec, who built the city’s most remarkable structures. Incan architecture is known for its incredible stone carvings; walls constructed of huge stones which have been fit together perfectly without the use of mortar or cement. For a civilization that did not yet have the wheel, this was an amazing feat of engineering. In Cusco, some of these constructions include the complex of Sacsayhuaman; Korikancha (The Temple of the Sun); and Calle Hatun Rumiyoc, the incredible diorite wall which includes the famous stone of 12 angles. Cusco is known as the archaeological capital of the Americas, and was de clared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

The Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a one hour drive from Cusco and a landscape of stunning scenery, picturesque communities, impressive terraces, archaological sites, and majestic mountain ranges. The valley includes the area between the Inca communities of Písac and Ollantaytambo. Its mild weather and particular geography make it ideal for outdoor sports enthusiasts to participate in rafting, mountain bike-riding, hang-gliding, paragliding, horseback riding and trekking.

Pisac

The picturesque vibrant market town of Pisac is the site of the magnificent Inca Sun Temple. Divided into four sections: Pisaqa, Qallaqasa, Kinchiracay and Intihuatana, the Sun Temple is located in the Intihuatana section. It is said to contain a hitching post to which the sun can be tied during its journey across the sky. One theory also suggests that the temple served astronomical purposes for the Inca priests. Pisac's artisan market attracts thousands of visitors and people from remote communities, dressed in colorful, traditional attire.

Chinchero

Chinchero's main attraction is its Sunday market, originally dedicated to the bartering of products between the people of the valley and the upper areas, bartering continues to be the accepted form of commerce. Chinchero is also a weaving community; the indigenous people harvest their own wool and create plant dyes to dye and weave a wide variety of intricate textiles that are unique to the area.

Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo was named in honor of the Inca Chief Ollanta, famous for his courtship with an Inca princess, daughter of Pachacutec. Featuring an extensive archaeological site that presides majestically over the town - the site contains structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Mañacaray or Royal Hall, the Incahuatana and the Baños de la Princesa.

Moray

This community is famous for its embedded amphitheater-like structure, formed by four circular terraces that seem to disappear into the interior of the puna, or artificial crater. These Inca terraces were constructed for testing various agricultural methods. Built on retaining walls, the terraces were filled with fertile soil and watered by a complex irrigation system, sustaining more than 250 different types of vegetables and cereals, such as corn, quinoa and kiwicha.

Attractions and activities