The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a very popular tourist destination in Peru, due to its impressive landscapes and rich cultural history.
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Activities
Some of the activities and places you can visit in the Sacred Valley are:
- Visit the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
- Explore the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray.
- Visit the church and traditional market of Chinchero.
- Relax in the thermal baths of Cocalmayo in Santa Teresa.
- Do adventure sports such as rafting, trekking and mountain biking.
- Visit local communities and learn about their culture and lifestyle.
- Enjoy delicious Peruvian food in local restaurants and markets.
- In addition, the Sacred Valley is also a common starting point for those who wish to hike the Inca Trail or visit Machu Picchu.
Itinerary of 4 days in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Below, I propose a 4-day itinerary for you to enjoy the best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas:
Day 1:
- Visit to the ruins of Pisac and its handicraft market.
- Visit to the Ollantaytambo Fortress.
- Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Day 2:
- Visit to Moray and the salt mines of Maras.
- Return to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes.
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3:
- Visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu with a guide.
- Free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own.
- Return by train to Ollantaytambo.
- Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Day 4:
- Visit to Chinchero and its handicraft market.
- Visit to the Huaypo Lagoon.
- Return to Cusco.
Remember that this itinerary is only a proposal, and you can modify it according to your preferences and time. I also recommend that you book your tours and entrance tickets in advance to ensure a smooth experience. Enjoy your trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas!
Gastronomy of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The gastronomy of the Sacred Valley of the Incas is very varied and is based mainly on local products of the region, such as potatoes, corn, quinoa, kiwicha, corn, among others. Some of the most representative dishes are:
Cuy al horno: This is a typical dish of the Andean region, which consists of a guinea pig roasted in the oven with potatoes and accompanied by chili.
Chicharrón: A dish prepared with fried pork and accompanied by potatoes, mote (cooked corn) and sauces.
Pachamanca: It is a traditional dish of the region, consisting of lamb, pork or chicken cooked in a hole in the ground, along with potatoes and aromatic herbs.
Fried trout: Trout is a fish found in rivers and lagoons in the area. It is commonly found fried and accompanied by potatoes and salad.
Humitas: These are sweet corn tamales filled with cheese and wrapped in corn husks.
Caldo de gallina: It is a soup prepared with chicken, potatoes, onion and aromatic herbs.
In addition, in the Sacred Valley it is common to find a great variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are used to prepare juices, salads and desserts. You can also taste typical beverages such as chicha morada (a drink made from purple corn) and mate de coca (infusion of coca leaves).
