Things to See in The Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru

Machu Picchu

The ruins of Machu Picchu are one of the most spectacular and sacred ancient archaeological sites in the world. The site is 5 square miles, located at 9060 feet, surrounded by verdant Andean Mountains and 2000 feet above the ferocious Urubamba River. It is believed to have been utilized by the Inca people as a secret ceremonial city. The structures are carved from granite rock and are remarkably well preserved. There are palaces, temples, baths and over 100 houses. Machu Picchu can be reached by train from Cuzco or by foot, hiking along the Inca Trail through the Sun Gate. 

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu means "Young Peak" and was built on one of the steep mountains that surround  Machu Picchu. The climb to the peak of Huayna Picchu is for the adventurous, and people who are not afraid of heights as some sections are steep and require big leaps of faith, hopping from one rock to the next. It takes approximately one hour to reach the peak, but the views are so worthwhile. There are two paths to descent Huayna Picchu, one is hiking back down the same path and the other is descending through moon temple. Venturing down moon temple is not for everyone since you have to descend using steep ladders, but it is definitely a memorable experience.

The Inca Trail 

The Inca Trail is one of the most  popular trek in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and due to strict government regulations you'll need to reserve space well in advance. Permits are on a first come first serve basis and sell out early, so we recommend reserving 6 months in advance to ensure space. There are 500 people allowed on the trail per day, including trekkers, porters, guides and cooks. The trek is a 4 day journey, and 42 kms long, the distance of a marathon. Altitudes range from 9,000 ft to 14,500 ft, making it a challenging trek. Expect to see ancient ruins carved into the Andean Mountains, villagers dressed in their colourful local dress and if you're lucky, condors soaring in the deep blue skies. 

Lares Trail

If you're looking for a trail that offers a similar experience without the crowds, try the Lares Trail. You'll pass glacial lakes, waterfalls,  snow peaked mountains and small villages, offering lots of interaction with the local people. Trekkers should be in good shape for this 4 day trek as well as days average 6 hours per day of trekking at high altitudes. 

When planning your next active adventure, keep Peru in mind as this amazing destination has so much to offer.  

Happy Travels,

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