Peru’s Sacred Valley extends from Ollantaytambo almost to the Amazon, ending near Pisac. There is a lot to see here so I recommend hiring a driver and guide if you can in order to maximize your time.
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Temple of the Sun – Ollantaytambo: There is a Temple of the Sun in Cusco. This one is more impressive, in terms of scale. Terrace farms line the mountains across the country, protecting them from flooding. Archeologists believe the temple portion at the top is incomplete.
Maras Salt Mines: Salt has been mined here since Incan times. Salt was so precious, it was often used to pay wages for labor. The salt here harvested here today have uses from cooking, barbecue, and healing (similar to Epsom salt).
Pro Tip: If you get the healing bath salt for sore joints, read the instructions. Boil water and let the salt dissolve…then add to the bath. If you throw it in the bath water directly, it may not dissolve and you’ll essentially be sitting on sandpaper…that’s one step forward, two steps back!
Moray Incan Agriculture Site: Temperatures vary greatly between each level of the terraced garden, allowing a variety of crops to be grown in one place. Irrigation flows in and out of the site with precise Incan engineering.
Nosh:
Hacienda Huayoccari: Landlords used to control vast acreage across Peru, with hundreds or thousands of people cultivating their land, known as the Hacienda System. During reforms in the 1960’s, land was redistributed to the tenant farmers. This is somewhat controversial given the land originally came from the local indigenous people. However, this one is an example of where the hacienda owners treated the tenants fairly and were able to keep the home in the family for subsequent generations.
Pro Tip: Make reservations for lunch at this hacienda for delicious food, great views or maybe even a wedding.
Nip:
Cuscena is the local beer of Cusco but it’s available across the country. The lager (dorado) is good and the
