Exploring Peru's Sacred Valley: A Photo Journey
Food poisoning can sometimes lead to unexpected adventures.
Believe it or not.
After dealing with a bout of dysentery, I found myself in Peru ahead of schedule. Once I regained my strength, I spent nearly two weeks capturing the breathtaking sights and abundant alpacas in Cuzco, the entry point to Machu Picchu.
Sacsaywamàn stands as a remarkable set of Inca ruins close to Cuzco, reachable by bus or foot.
Many travelers I encountered were eager to rush to Machu Picchu, often overlooking the beauty of the Sacred Valley, located 15 kilometers north of Cuzco. Had I not fallen ill in Bolivia, I would have missed the chance to see incredible Inca sites, fluffy alpacas, and picturesque towns!
The dry season in Peru lasts from May to September, making this an ideal time to explore the Sacred Valley and acclimate to the altitude before heading to Machu Picchu.
TIP: Before departing from Cuzco, make sure to buy an official tourist ticket (boleto turístico), granting access to 17 sites over ten days, including Cuzco's museums and four of the Inca ruins listed below. Boleto turísticos cost $40 USD, while partial tickets are available for $22 at each site. Students can purchase a ticket for just $25 with ID. Full tickets can be obtained at the COSITUC office located at 103 Avenida del Sol in central Cuzco. Here are top activities to enjoy in Cuzco, Peru.
Five Must-See Day Trips from Cuzco, Peru
Only 20% of the original structure of Sacsaywamàn remains, featuring some of the largest stones that could not be relocated. The precise fitting of each stone is truly impressive. I took a photo just to show the scale!
1. Sacsaywamàn
While Sacsaywamàn is technically outside the Sacred Valley, these striking ruins at Cuzco's edge feature three levels of zigzag walls, significant for both military and spiritual reasons. The Incas designed Cuzco to resemble a puma, and the zigzag walls symbolize the puma's teeth. Unfortunately, in 1536, the Spanish defeated the Incas here, dismantling many walls to construct their homes.
Sunrise is the ideal time to visit, as the site is less crowded, and you might spot alpacas roaming—perfect for photos! (This spot has the highest concentration of llamas and alpacas of the five places mentioned. By the way, I adore alpacas!) You can reach the site via a two-kilometer uphill walk from Plaza de Armas or by public bus. For safety, it's best not to walk alone at sunrise. (I visited with two friends and felt safe.)
The charming village of Pisac and its renowned Inca ruins are located 33 kilometers northeast of Cuzco and can be accessed by public bus.
2. Pisac
Pisac is famous for its lively market and the majestic Inca fortress overlooking the town. Though official market days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, the market operates to some extent each day. On market days, bus tours flood the town, making it quite crowded. The main Inca citadel on the hillside requires a 30-minute walk from the entrance and is often overlooked. (Bus tours typically don't allow enough time to explore this area.) The best way to visit is to take a local bus from Cuzco to Pisac, then tackle the steep four-kilometer uphill trail (about two hours) to the ruins, or grab a taxi from town. Don't forget to bring snacks and plenty of water!
Ollantaytambo is nestled between two striking Inca fortresses and serves as the main train stop to Agua Calientes.
3. Ollantaytambo
This picturesque town is protected by a stunning Inca fortress and temple, featuring terraces connected by steep staircases. Ollantaytambo is a key transport hub to Machu Picchu, and it's quite tranquil once the daytime visitors leave. The narrow cobblestone streets of this historic village are lined with irrigation channels and have been continuously inhabited since the 13th century. Spend a couple of days hiking and exploring nearby ruins. I enjoyed my stay at Casa de Wow, a lovely spot with an amazing view of the ruins!
Visitors can stroll along paths between the salt pools at Salinas, which have been utilized since Inca times.
4. Salinas
Salinas is one of the most breathtaking locations in the Sacred Valley, showcasing a mountain valley filled with hundreds of salt pools. These pools are replenished by a hot spring brimming with salt, and the harvested salt is used for cattle licks. Reaching Salinas independently requires multiple transport methods, consuming much of your day. Joining a day tour from Cuzco ($10 USD) is a time-efficient option that also includes a visit to Moray (below). Tours typically stop at a scenic viewpoint before heading to the main entrance. Admission ($1.50 USD) is not included in the boleto turístico.
The terraces of Moray are less crowded than other popular sites in the Sacred Valley, such as Pisac or Ollantaytambo.
5. Moray
The impressively designed terraces of Moray resemble an amphitheater. Each of the three sets of terraces is carved into the earth like a tiered bowl, with each level hosting its own microclimate. The Incas likely used these variations to determine optimal growing conditions for different crops. A day tour from Cuzco offers the quickest, most affordable, and easiest way to visit both Moray and Salinas. Alternatively, a public bus can drop you at the Moray turnoff, where you can find taxis during peak season.
I encountered these adorable alpacas during my sunrise hike to Sacsaywamàn. (An alpaca or llama appeared in 90% of my photos from Peru.)
WHEN TO VISIT CUZCO, Peru
June through August marks peak season, bringing the biggest crowds and festivals. Crowds start thinning out in September and October. November through March experiences considerable rainfall. I traveled in late April, and the weather was pleasant! Temperatures hover in the 60s year-round, but nights can be chilly, so stock up on llama sweaters and warm socks!
UP NEXT:
In the upcoming Travel Tuesday Interview, I chat with Cath McGuinness about her family's year-long journey around the globe! Stay tuned for more inspiring interviews with adventurous travelers!
