ByHelen Warwick
Published October 10, 2023
• 6 min read
Peru’s Sacred Valley has long lured intrepid travellers with tales of god-like emperors, human sacrifice and gargantuan feats of masonry. The Incas left such an indomitable mark on this part of Peru, it’s hard to believe the Empire lasted for less than a century, from 1438 to 1533. But traces of the ancient civilisation are felt everywhere, from the citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, to the isolated, sky-high fortress of Machu Picchu. Countless visitors traverse the region on hiking tours, but for a journey that truly befits the grandeur and ambition of the Incas, explore the Sacred Valley by train. Here are three of the top sights along the way.
Machu Picchu
The lost city lay deserted for hundreds of years, buried beneath a veil of moss, tangles of vines and protected only by challenging altitude and harsh terrain. Abandoned by the Inca Empire, its existence eluded the Spanish conquistadores, and it wasn’t until the explorer Hiram Bingham returned from an expedition in the early 1900s with photographs of this extraordinary feat of engineering that the wider world finally laid eyes on it.
Even today, as a site that’s been photographed time and again, the thrill of gazing at this once-hidden city is palpable. Go with a guide to bring this sky-high site to life, walking through its terraces, temples and homes that, at times, appear to claw the sky. For an alternative view, hike to the tip of Huayna Picchu — the mountain that rises over Machu Picchu — via stone stairways carved by the lost civilisation.
Cusco
The former capital of the Inca Empire is the unofficial gateway to the ethereal Machu Picchu. Countless hiking trails spiral away from this colourful Andean town, making it a scenic starting point for those heading off towards some of Peru’s greatest archaeological monuments. It’s here that travellers can also sign up to whitewater rafting trips down the thundering Urubamba River or spend their days horse-riding among salt plains and cycling beneath circling condors.
But Cusco is also a place to take it slow. Travellers can rummage through market stalls selling exotic fruits and alpaca wool coats, and sip on steaming mugs of coca tea in the Plaza de Armas. Be sure to spend an hour or two wandering around the formidable cathedral overlooking this square, where a replica of Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper hangs, complete with cuy (guinea pig) painted on one of the plates. Or, for a glimpse into Inca astronomy, a science that ruled its cycle of crops, architecture and religious ceremonies, pop into the Cusco Planetarium.
Ollantaytambo
Often seen as a side pilgrimage to Machu Picchu, the town of Ollantaytambo is a destination in its own right, featuring exceptionally well-preserved Inca architecture. Most travellers scale the 200 steps to the tip of its hulking ruins, pausing to catch their breath at the top and gazing towards the terraces cascading down the mountainsides. While up there, wander around the Temple of the Sun, where it’s believed the Incas performed ritualistic sacrifice. At an altitude of 2,792 metres, the climb might take your breath away, but the surrounding views will be worth it.
Afterwards, amble the town’s warren of narrow streets in Qosqo Ayllu, Ollantaytambo’s oldest neighbourhood, where a persistent trickle of water runs through a well–preserved Incan drainage system. For a glimpse into present-day Ollantaytambo, stop by the Mercado San Pedro just beyond the central plaza — a jumble of food stalls stacked with buckets of red quinoa, hanging pig’s heads, cacao and creamy custard apples.
Plan your trip
Inca Rail offers an array of packages to discover the Sacred Valley by train, with various departure stations, such as Cusco and Ollantaytambo. The Premium & Lounge includes private lounge access with live music, complimentary snacks and priority boarding, while First Class includes a gourmet menu and the additional benefit of a private bus and entrance to Machu Picchu. For the ultimate luxury, hire the The Private, an exclusive carriage which fits up to eight people and includes a three-course meal and champagne. For more information and to book, visit incarail.com
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