ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

The sites surrounding Cusco, such as Machu Picchu, Saqsaywaman and Ollantaytambo are, due to their grandeur and perfection, archaeological jewels which reflect the greatness of the Inca empire.

Machu Picchu Located in the province of Urubamba, close to the Collpani valley, at an altitude of 2,330 masl, and surrounded by exuberant vegetation, decorated by the most varied and colorful orchids. In 1911 Machu Picchu was revealed by Hiram Bingham. Some scientists believe that Machu Picchu was a fortification; others, that it was a citadel or monastery. What is beyond doubt , is the skill of the Inca constructors. Machu Picchu has clearly different sectors, such as an agricultural area, living quarters, squares, watchtowers, observatories, and a religious sundial, amongst others.

The trapezoidal doors and windows stand out, as do the roofs, which have one or two sides, and which were covered with wood and "ichu" (a local straw) in Inca times. UNESCO has declared Machu Picchu Cultural Patrimony of Humanity because its unique archaeological value. To get to there, you must take a three hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, a small settlement at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu is located, and then a 30 minute bus ride up the mountain. If you are a trekking fan you can arrive at the citadel on a four-day trek along an ancient roadway, the Inca Trail.

SACSAYHUAMAN

Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park Sacsayhuaman has an area of 3,000 hectares, and is two kilometres north of Cusco. The site has singular architectural characteristics which make it unique in the world.

The builders of Sacsayhuaman, the Incas, used stone blocks of up to 9 meters high and 5 meters wide, each fitting perfectly with the other. The fortress has walls of approximately 360 meters, with doors, galleries and watchtowers at strategic points.

Apart from the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the archeological park also contains a labyrinth called Q'Enqo or Kenko, a center for ceremonies worshipping the mother earth (Pachamama); the Puca Pucara or "Red Fort" and Tambomachay or the Inca Bath, built to worship the Water.

OLLANTAYTAMBO

Ollantaytambo, was an administrative, social, religious and agricultural center in Inca times, located 97 kms. from Cusco.

The town and the site of the same name, is a must-see amongst the many places of interest along the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley is irrigated by the Urubamba or, in Quechua, "Wilcamayu" River.

It's astonishing natural beauty is further accentuated and embroidered by the many pre-Hispanic ruins found along its course.

In the Sacred Valley of the Incas the visitor will find the towns of Pisaq (32 kilometers from Cusco) where there is a pre-Colombian settlement and stepped terraces; Calca (50 kilometers from Cusco), famous for the thermal-medicinal springs of Machacancha ; Yucay, where the advanced agricultural engineering skills of the Incas can be appreciated; and Urubamba, the heart of the valley, and ideal place for adventure tourism.