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Sacred Valley of the Incas
In the vicinity of the city of Cusco lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where there are many Pre-Colonial sites and ruins that have managed to resist years of deterioration and neglect. Wakas (altars), ancient towns, temples and fortresses are the evidence of the grand legacy of the Inca in this region. A little more than a mile from the city, in the hills just overlooking it, is the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman. After passing the altar at Quenko, leave the city limits to visit the site of Puca Pucara and afterwards the sanctuary of Tambomachay, a route of around three and a half miles.
The most stunning sight is the valley of the Willkamayu (Sacred River), more commonly referred to as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley route begins at the town of Písac, 20 miles outside of Cusco. You can visit the Sunday market and the incredible archaeological complex, constructed on the hill behind the town, with a magnificent view of the valley. You can learn many legends and stories by visiting these ancient sites.
Passing through the towns of Coya, Lamay, Calca,(30 miles and an hour outside of Cusco) Huayllabamba and Yucay, historical locations where the friendly locals will ensure that your trip is interesting and pleasant, you arrive at Urubamba, a large village 48 miles from Cusco that boasts several recreational centers and accommodation.
Traveling another 20 minutes, you will come to Ollantaytambo, a classic Inca village that remains inhabited and is the site of a number of religious and military Inca ruins. After visiting the ruins, head back to Urubamba on the way to Cusco, this time passing through the towns of Maras and Chinchero. In order to arrive at Maras, you have to take a detour after reaching the high plateau that divides the Valle Sagrado from the Valle del Huatanay, where Cusco is located. This detour takes you to the picturesque town of Maras located about 25 miles from Cusco. From here you can travel an additional 4 miles to Moray, a huge Inca laboratory for agricultural experimentation.
Returning to the main road, you travel through hills and plateaus to Chinchero, 18 miles from the city of Cusco, where you can visit the temple, typical narrow streets, the remains of Inca palaces, and a colorful crafts market. You can return to Cusco, after a full day of traveling, entering the city from the opposite side to the one you left at the start of the tour. You will have covered around 57 kilometers altogether.
Historic Route to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu ("Old Mountain" in Quechua), set into the summit of the mountain of the same name 75 miles northwest of Cusco, was discovered by Hiram Bingham at the beginning of the last century. There are many theories to explain its existence, one postulates that it was the secret residence of the acllas, or "royal virgins" during the 15th Century. The site consists of two large, beautiful areas: one is agricultural, made of terraces and storage areas, and the other urban, where the sacred temples, squares and mausoleums are located. Throughout this extraordinary complex are stairways and stonework canals.
By train, the journey takes three hours and the price ranges between USD8 and USD80 dollars return. The train departs daily from San Pedro station (situated next to the market in Cusco) and arrives at Aguas Calientes or Puente Ruinas, both of which have buses going to Machu Picchu that leave every 30 minutes and cost USD6. There is also a helicopter that leaves the local airport and arrives at Aguas Calientes in 25 minutes. The price is around USD150 dollars return. Hardier travelers, you choose to walk the Inca trail, a journey that takes four days (see description below).
The climate is subtropical, with frequent drizzle, so it is advisable to bring waterproof clothing. The best months to visit Machu Picchu are May and June. Facilities in the area consist of a restaurant, toilets and a telephone at the entrance. You are not allowed to bring food past the entrance. Admittance to Machu Picchu costs ten dollars.
Machu Picchu via the "Inca Trail"
The traditional "Camino Inca" (Inca Trail) is considered to be one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world, not only because of the fascinating archaeological site at the end but also the spectacular natural beauty along the way. There are alternative routes that are recommended if you are not in the best physical condition, such as the Camino Real, (Royal Road) which can be done in six hours, or the Camino de Purificacion, (Road of Purification), which takes five hours. This trail has traditionally been limited to travelers willing to rough it, going without bed or bath for several nights. However, companies such as Mountain Lodges of Peru, (http://www.mountainlodgesofperu.com), now have lodges along the trail, for those who want a good night's sleep after a day of adventure.
The traditional 26 mile, four-day hike starts in Q'oriwayrachina (54 miles from Cusco), where you cross the Kusichaca suspension bridge. Then you go upward until you reach Llullucha for camping. On the second day, you reach the highest peak, Warmiwa'sqa at nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, at which point you should be alert for the symptoms of altitude sickness (called "soroche" here), typically, dizziness and nausea. If you feel unwell, head for the Pacamayo River valley to rest.
On the third day, you pass the ruins of Runkuraqay, Sayaqmarka, and the mysterious cloud forest. Further along, there are more surprises among the dense vegetation, Phuyupatamarka and Wiñy Wiñy, with their very beautiful network of Inca settlements constructed in granite. On the fourth day you continue through lush undergrowth, with many species of orchids and birds. You already know the destination: the spectacular Machu Picchu, which, after about three hours hike, you enter through the Inti Punku or "Inca door." Many tour operators offer inclusive packages. It is important to know that during the trip there is no place where you can get food, so if you do not opt for an inclusive trip, you must take all that is necessary. There are sanitary facilities and a refuge in Wiñy Wayna.
Manu Biosphere Reserve
Located between the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios, this reserve is one of the largest protected natural areas in the planet. It has a huge diversity of landscapes and climates, as well as a very beautiful and diverse flora and fauna. There are more than 2,000 plant species here, and fauna which includes endangered species like the black lizard and the Andean bear. General access to the National Park is not allowed, but controlled access to the Reserved Zone and the Cultural Zone is permitted. In order to travel to the area, you need to go through one of the officially authorized tourism companies associated with the Ecotur Manu partnership.
The expedition normally lasts from four to seven days and the most important routes leave from Cusco. There are two routes commonly used: the overland/river route (12 hours to Atalaya or Shintuya and 6 hours via the rivers Alto Madre de Dios and Manu) and the air/river route (30 minutes to Boca Manu and 4 hours through the river Manu).
It has a tropical climate although there can be cold days between May and August. Typically, the weather is warm and wet from May to October, and rainy during the summer (from December to March). There is no infrastructure within the reserve so it is necessary to take all that is required (do not forget the insect repellent and a raincoat). Accommodation can be arranged in Cusco through authorized tour operators like Manu Lodge (Manu Nature Tours). The price for one person, per day, full board varies from USD40 to USD80; and the package for the excursion (including transportation, accommodation, food and equipment) ranges from USD700 to USD1,300.
Andean Tours
Andean Tours (+1 800 683 8148 / http://www.andeantreks.com/)
Inka Adventure (+51 84 233 742 / http://www.theinkaadventure.com/)
City Tours
Magical Cuzco (+1 866 411 INCA / http://www.magicalcuzcotours.com/)
Travel Peru (+1 888 671 2852 / http://www.travel-peru.net/)
Machu Picchu Discover (+1 866 753 5668 /
http://www.machupicchudiscover.com/)
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