Knowing the cultural wealth of Cusco is entering into a fascinating journey through time and the history of one of the most impressive civilizations in America, “The Incas of Peru”. This is located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the Cusco region and is home to more than one of the largest tourist attractions that captivate travelers from all over the world, ranging from majestic Inca constructions to picturesque colonial towns, every corner of this Earth shows a unique landscape. So, on this trip, visitors have the opportunity to explore ancient ruins, wander cobblestone streets that preserve the charm of bygone eras, and observe the vivid local culture that is intertwined with traditions passed down from generation to generation by the ancients. Andean towns. So, without further ado, join us on this journey of discovery as we immerse ourselves in the fascinating tourist attractions that make Cusco an incomparable destination on the global scene.
Rainbow Mountain
Origin and cultural meaning
In the south of Peru there is a place where you can see a fascinating mountain that attracts more than just the look, but we are not talking about how imposing it is, but rather because of its natural attractiveness. So, if you are wondering what mountain we are referring to, we are talking about the Rainbow Mountain Peru or also known as "Vinicunca" (this name comes from Quechua and means "mountain of colors"), which is a natural treasure. and cultural of the Cusco region, and which has been revered by all local communities for centuries due to its incredible variety of colors, which are due to the great presence of minerals in its geological layers. But if we delve a little deeper into the geological origin of this mountain, we can find that the colors that form its characteristic attractiveness of Vinicunca are due to a geological formation, which accumulated over time due to the various mixtures of elements. marine, lacustrine and river; Therefore, this union of minerals caused the oxidation of the mountain and has made this place acquire that characteristic diversity of tones.
How to get there and outstanding experiences
So, if you are interested in this place and want to see it in person, then we will tell you how to get there and the course you will follow. To begin with, this mountain is located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range (for reference: southeast of the city of Cusco), Vinicunca offers you a wonderful spectacle and this is evident from the same starting point (this will be located in the imperial city of Cusco) and following the course that will take you to this place (the journey begins in the community of Phulawasipata and from there you will walk 5 kilometers, so you can choose to do it on foot or on horseback). So it will take you around 5 hours, including the fact that you will walk a somewhat long distance to get to this emblematic place, which is why this trip will demand a somewhat high physical demand that will culminate with one of the best views and you will feel that the trip was really worth it.
Lares Valley
Exploring the authenticity of Lares
If your thing is to witness the wide horizon and enjoy the best views, then the Lares Valley is for you; This charming place is located between the eastern slope of the Andes and the northern area of the Urubamba Mountain Range, and has beautiful glacial lagoons and warm subtropical ravines, not to mention the great variety of vegetation and wildlife present in this place. In addition, the Lares Valley Trek is surrounded by a mountain range in which the snow-capped mountains of Verónica, Sawasiray, Pitusiray and Chicón are located; and of which there are small communities of Quechua-speaking farmers who maintain both their traditions and their customs (among these are the herding of llamas and alpacas, cultivation of tubers and production of fabrics).
How to get there and activities to do
The Lares Valley, located in the province of Calca, in the department of Cusco, offers all visitors a unique experience in the middle of impressive Andean landscapes, this mystical landscape is at an altitude of 3,170 meters above sea level and for this reason it is The destination is characterized by having a sunny and pleasant climate, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 21°C during the months of May to October, although in the months of November to April, the region experiences a drop in temperature due to the rainy season. On the other hand, if you are interested in visiting this wonderful place then you can choose to take two routes from Cusco Peru: the first is passing through Pisaq, Calca and finally arriving at Lares; while the second goes through Chinchero, Urubamba, Calca and then to Lares. Furthermore, this destination not only offers natural beauties, but also exciting adventure sports, trekking being an outstanding activity that will allow you to actively explore the region, and among the different tourist attractions of Lares there are imposing snow-capped mountains, which are They can count as one of the additional attractions that are shown in the Lares Valley; At the same time, the Lares Thermal Baths and their thermal water pools offer a well-deserved rest and relaxation after outdoor activities, complementing the natural and cultural wealth of this fascinating destination.
Sacred Valley
Emblematic towns and ruins in the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is considered a historical and heritage treasure of the Cusco region, where the richness of its past is manifested through its emblematic towns and its impressive ruins, as well as towns such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero serve as witnesses of the many symbolic constructions, which were signs of the architectural mastery of the ancient the Inca civilization; so every corner of these historical places resonates with the greatness of a culture, leaving a tangible legacy that lasts throughout the centuries. On the other hand, the Sacred Valley has a rich history that made it a sacred area for the Incas themselves. Furthermore, it also stood out for being a fertile and productive territory for agriculture, where various essential products for the time were grown like corn, potato, olluco, quinoa and the sacred coca leaf; Consequently, today agriculture continues to be a fundamental activity for the current inhabitants of the valley, perpetuating the vital connection between the land and the community.
How to get there and activities to do
The majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas is located in the province of Urubamba, Cusco Peru and is located just 15 kilometers northeast of the city of Cusco. So to access this historical treasure it is necessary to take a trip that takes approximately 40 minutes from the imperial city itself, and along the way you will enjoy incredible views and pass through various towns. On the other hand, the region is home to many of the urban centers of greatest historical importance such as Pisac, Yucay, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, who revere this sacred place and consider the river, the mountains and the land divine, likewise the Sacred Valley is not only history and culture, but it is also synonymous with adventure, so you can enjoy exciting ATV routes that connect Chinchero, Maras and Moray, to the legendary Inca Trail for tracking lovers, exciting zip lines in Maras, canoeing down the Vilcanota River and by bicycle from Abra Málaga to Ollantaytambo, providing visitors with a unique experience that fuses adrenaline with the impressive landscape beauty of the area.
Salkantay Mountain
Challenge and beauty on the Salkantay route
The imposing Salkantay, whose Quechua name translates as 'Wild Mountain', rises as one of the most majestic and challenging peaks of the Vilcanota Mountain Range in the southern Andes of Peru (revered as an Apu, for its elevation and magnificence), this snow-capped mountain reaches an impressive altitude of 6,271 meters above sea level and its trekking route takes adventurers to Machu Picchu, crossing its highest point at the 'Abra Salkantay' (located at 4,650 meters above sea level), from where you can contemplate the summit. snowfall. So if you undertake a trekking this is an ideal place, that is why throughout the trip, you will immerse yourself in an incomparable wealth of flora and fauna, even though we are referring to the botanical species found in the mountains, the What stands out the most are orchids and ichu, a type of Andean grass; Although the animal kingdom is not far behind, you can spot specimens of the Andean fauna, such as llamas, alpacas and vizcachas, as well as majestic birds such as the Andean condor and the cock-of-the-rock (the national bird of Peru). and it is also possible to encounter the elusive spectacled bear. This diversity of wildlife adds visual appeal, turning the Salkantay trek into an unforgettable experience where natural beauty is intertwined with physical and spiritual challenge.
Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay trek is an exciting hiking route that takes adventurers from the city of Cusco to the legendary Inca Citadel Machu Picchu, covering a total distance of approximately 70 kilometers over five days of travel and the most common way to travel. Undertaking this adventure is through an organized tour, for which there are numerous tourism agencies in the Historic Center of Cusco that offer this unforgettable trip. Likewise, the course for this walk is complemented by a typical itinerary of the Salkantay trek with a tour that begins with the pick-up of hikers at their hotels from the imperial city and their transfer by bus to the town of Mollepata. From this place, the approximately seven-hour ascent will begin to the Soraypampa camp, crossing the impressive Huamantay lagoon on the way; The second part of the trip involves a challenging descent from the highest point of the trip at the 'Abra Salkantay to the village of Chaullay, where the cold climate gradually gives way to a tropical environment. The third part of the trip offers a gentler route, with a descent to 'Playa Sahuayaco' followed by a walk to the town of Santa Teresa, where travelers can enjoy a well-deserved rest at the Cocalmayo Thermal Baths; For the fourth day, we will begin with a scenic walk along the Vilcanota River until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes (located at the base of the Machu Picchu mountain). To end the fifth and final day, we start very early with a bus trip to the entrance of Machu Picchu, followed by a day dedicated to exploring this Wonder of the World.
Ollantaytambo
The historical charm of Ollantaytambo
Located on the opposite end of the town of Pisac, about 80 kilometers from the city of Cusco, Ollantaytambo emerges as a historical jewel in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas that captivates visitors with its unparalleled charm and its great Inca legacy. Likewise, the town of Ollantaytambo preserves its historical essence in its cobblestone streets, and its archaeological complex is a multifaceted center that stands out for its imposing size, originality and the meticulous detail of its structures; but despite the ravages of time, this place still reveals impressive monuments such as the Temple of the Sun, the Enclosure of the 10 Hornacinas, the Baños de la Ñusta, and more, making visitors want to know more about the grandeur and the history of the ancient Inca civilization.
Ruins and tourist attractions in the area
The archaeological site of Ollantaytambo includes a wide network of enclosures that have endured over time. Among these wonders that await in this historic enclave is the Royal House of the Sun (composed of 17 superimposed terraces that rise majestically towards the town's main square), the Choqana fort (located about 2 kilometers from Ollantaytambo, emerges as an administrative center and checkpoint that served as a bulwark against the Spanish incursions), the Plaza Mañay Raqay (also known as 'Kuychipunku', stands as a space full of mystery and meaning, located next to the Patakancha stream and flanked by walls with numerous openings), the Temple of the Sun (largely destroyed, it remains one of the most imposing pieces in Ollantaytambo); Each and every one of these constructions are just some of the Inca architecture that Ollantaytambo offers. Therefore, you will be able to marvel at each of the different scenarios that this place has, so if you are thinking of visiting it, it is best to take a complete tour of this place so that you don't miss anything.
Choquequirao
Exploring the ruins of Choquequirao
Choquequirao, known as the "Cradle of Gold" in Quechua, is an impressive archaeological site located on one of the slopes of the snow-capped Salkantay, north of the ApurÃmac River, in the department of Cusco Peru and is located at an altitude of 3,033 meters above sea level, Therefore, its strategic position suggests that it could have served as a checkpoint between important Inca sites such as Pisac, Cusco and Machu Picchu. Likewise, among its structures, the main square stands out, known as Huaqaypata, which divides the site in two and is composed of a two-story stone construction, along with other interconnected buildings; There are also colcas, typical storage platforms of Inca centers, with internal subdivisions to store essential products. In addition, the site houses homes in the highest part, possibly intended for priests, and an Inca cemetery where 17 funerary bundles have been found. On the other hand, Choquequirao enjoys a temperate climate with cold nights (with temperatures ranging between 5º C and 25º C), but despite the proximity to the ApurÃmac canyon, the road that leads to the site is hot; Not to mention the vast diversity of wildlife, which includes condors, foxes, vizcachas, pumas, hummingbirds, spectacled bears and the emblematic cock-of-the-rock, as well as a variety of beautiful orchids, making it a natural and unique culture in the Peruvian Andes.
Route to get to Choquequirao
To get to Choquequirao (the impressive archaeological site on the slopes of the Vilcabamba mountain range), you must undertake a demanding hike from the town of Cachora, located 165 kilometers from the city of Cusco; so the round trip offers impressive views along the way. Therefore, if you are interested in visiting this wonderful place, then take the following into account, it is recommended to plan the trip between April and October, during the dry season, to avoid the frequent rains of the season from November to March, although not You need to be an expert mountaineer, it is advisable to do some prior exercise and acclimatize to the climate of Cusco Peru to avoid altitude sickness. In addition, it is suggested to bring light clothing, comfortable and resistant shoes, sun protection, mosquito repellent, a suitable backpack, a rain poncho, food and drinks for the road, as well as documents and cash, all of this because the route of Choquequirao Trek presents a medium-high difficulty due to its rugged terrain, which includes a steep descent and climb, but offers a unique experience in an impressive natural and archaeological environment.
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