Take a Journey through the Sacred Valley of Peru

​Nestled in the Andean highlands of Peru rests a place mentioned often in mythical terms —the Sacred Valley of the Incas. As the Spanish colonized this region stories of mysticism and treasure gave way to the sheer beauty of the land. Today, this region blends its ancient Incan roots, Spanish colonial heritage, and modern life into a beautiful tapestry of history and culture.

The Journey to the Scared Valley
 
I recently had the opportunity to visit Peru and the Sacred Valley as part of a 9-day guided adventure. Throughout the journey I saw amazing wonders, but more importantly connected with the Andean people.
 
Most adventures to the Sacred Valley require an initial stop in Lima, the capital of modern day Peru. This vibrant city is situated on the central coast overlooking the pacific and is a wonderful stopover coming to or from the Sacred Valley. In the historic district of Lima you will find breathtaking colonial architecture such as the centuries old churches and monasteries.
 
From Lima you will head southeast to Cusco in the heart of the Sacred Valley. As your plane approaches you have your first opportunity to take in the pure beauty of the region—high mountain peaks, deep valleys, flowing rivers, and an interconnectedness between the people and the land. As you get off the plane another item clearly jumps out that will impact your entire stay in the region—situated at over 11,000 feet above sea the air is clean, but very thin.
 
The city once stood as the epicenter of the Incan Empire and an important city in the Spanish colonial era. From the ancestors of nobility that remain to the street merchant, you get a sense that each person understands the historic importance of this town and is personally connected to centuries of heritage in a way we rarely feel back home. While the modern world has crept in, locals continue to wrap themselves in the comforts of their old ways.

​Historical Sites
 
The highlight of any visit to the Scared Valley is the ancient Incan architecture and sites that dot the landscape. None is more popular than Machu Pichu, an Incan citadel surrounded on three sides by the Urabamba River nearly 2,000 feet below.
 
To reach Machu Pichu your journey will begin from the town of Poroy, a short cab ride from Cusco, to Aguas Calientes on a scenic train ride through the Andean countryside. This three-and-a-half-hour train ride is a great opportunity to view the natural beauty of the region and many trains offer guides and unique experiences to expose you to local culture and history during the trip.
 
Once you arrive at the small town of Aguas Calientes the local culture seems to come to life. You can take the opportunity to experience local food and purchase handmade wares and art from those living in the area. When you’re ready to head up to Machu Pichu you can choose to hike up the mountain, about an hour-and-a-half strenuous hike, or grab one of the tour buses heading to the site for a short ride.
 
As you come around the bend and first see Machu Pichu you’re immediately transported to the time of the Incas. At first it is even hard to grasp how modern engineers, let alone those from centuries ago, could construct such a beautiful palace on such a lonely peak. The pictures you see in brochures do not do the vastness of the complex any justice.
 
Once inside you will have the opportunity to explore many parts of this “New Wonder of the World.” Each part of Machu Pichu blends into the mountain surroundings with walls, walkways, and terraces seeming to flow from the terrain itself. Views of the surrounding countryside are absolutely breathtaking and unlike any sites you will find elsewhere in the world—of course I could also have been out of breath from the high altitude!
 
While Machu Pichu may be the archeological highlight of the journey, many other sites help to tell the amazing story of the Incas. To the north of Cusco near the small town of Maras you will find the ancient Moray. The use of this large terrace structure still remains a mystery to modern historians, though it certainly is an amazing engineering achievement. The terraces descend nearly 500 feet down and were constructed in such a manner that there can be a nearly 30-degree difference in temperature from the top to the base of the Moray.
 
Nearby you will find the Salt Pans of Maras, a site where local inhabitants have been mining salt for more than 500 years. The site is fed by a natural stream and as the water evaporates salt is left behind. Locals still collect the salt by hand, bag it, and sell it in the local markets just as their ancestors have for centuries. As you tour the locals will even invite you to dip your finger in the stream to taste the salt as it runs down the mountain.
 
The Sacred Valley is also home to the archeological site of Ollantaytambo. The town and royal palace were built by the powerful Incan Emperor Pachacuti. The area is one of the longest consistently inhabited locations in all of the Western Hemisphere and at one time served as the center of the Incan resistance to Spanish Conquistadors. The ruins of the area include beautiful temples, fountains, and defensive structures.
Local weaving demonstration

​Adventure and Culture
 
While the draw for many to Peru are the amazing historical sites and natural beauty of the Sacred Valley, there is plenty for the more adventurous travelers. For those looking to get out and explore on their own, the Inca Trail Trek offers a four-day guided or self-guided journey through the entire region. This adventure begins at Ollantaytambo and concludes at Machu Pichu, totaling a 26-mile adventure through jungles, mountains, and ruins. Due to the altitude though this trek is not for the inexperienced hiker.
 
The Urubamba River also offers an opportunity for some adventure for those looking to add a little thrill to their Sacred Valley experience. The river features Class I- III rapids and local guides do an excellent job of mixing the stories of ancient culture and life into your rafting experience. I personally found this experience perfectly blended adventurous fun with a unique perspective as drifted down the river hearing stories of an ancient time.
 
Many opportunities also exist for you to get up close to the daily lives of the proud people of the region. The Awana Kancha Camelids Center offers you the opportunity to see how locals produce fine wool from llamas. The Center focuses on preserving the ancient methods of textile production in the region and preserving the Andean culture for the next generation of locals. 

​Amazing Experiences, Lifetime of Memories
 
To me traveling is about the connection to those we travel with, the places we see, and the new cultures we experience. A trip to the Sacred Valley of Peru covers all of these areas in spades and will certainly be a ‘bucket list’ experience for any world traveler. I highly recommend using a guided tour for the region due to potential language barriers (few locals speak English) and the tremendous value of having someone who understands the culture guide you through this truly unique region.