Archaeological Sites

Machu Picchu
The biggest attraction in Peru and perhaps all of South America, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recently declared one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World”, the legendary lost city of the Incas is a majestic sight, and words can hardly do it justice. Understandably, it’s at the top of the list of virtually every visitor to Peru. You should plan on at least a full morning and afternoon at the site, giving you time to climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for stunning panoramic views of the site and surrounding mountains.

Ollantaytambo
The archaeological remains of an impressive Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo occupy a spectacular location overlooking the Valley and the old town, and display some of the Incas’ finest stonework and architecture. Ollantaytambo’s old town is a splendid example of the Incas’ urban planning, with 15th-century blocks lined by still-functioning canals with water rushing down from the mountains. Extraordinarily, it remains a living Inca town. The ideal time to experience Ollanta is during the afternoon, when it’s bathed in sunlight. From Ollanta, it’s possible to walk to the stone quarries across the river and to Intipunko, which affords a gorgeous view of the Pararitampu pyramid, an optical illusion that was replete with religious meaning for the Incas.

Pisaq
Pisaq is an enjoyable small town with a celebrated tourist (artesanía) market and superb archaeological remains perched high on the mountain overlooking the Valley. The site was likely both a religious temple and military complex, and possibly a royal estate of the Inca emperor. If you travel to Pisaq directly from Cusco, we recommend making a stop at Awanacancha, a textile center committed to keeping ancient traditional methods and techniques alive, using the wool of the four varieties of South American camelids. Pisaq is ideally visited in the morning, when the sun envelops the archaeological site high on the mountain.

Moray & Maras
Moray is an enigmatic Inca site of concentric ring terraces employed for agricultural experimentation. The nearby salt mines of Maras, thousands of individual ancient salt pools spilling over a hillside, have existed in the same spot since the time of the Incas. There are nearly 6,000 pools and salt-encrusted paths: a fascinating and unique sight. The town of Maras is also an obligatory visit; residents own the salt mines, and here you’ll find the best regional guides, as well as a distinctive architectural flourish, colonial thresholds on houses.

Conventional Outdoors activities

Trekking
The Sacred Valley abounds with excellent walking trails and mountain trekking, with stunning valley views. Hike to ancient Inca archeological sites, to the salt mines of Maras, and to mountain villages and forests. All levels of difficulty.

Mountain Biking
Outings that range from gentle rides along valley trails to expert-level descents and single-track riding in the mountains, with top-quality mountain bikes.

Horseback Riding
The Urubamba Valley is ideal for leisurely horseback riding along the river and into the mountains overlooking the mountains.

Whitewater Rafting
Great introductions to river rafting are within easy reach of the hotel, along the Vilcanota or Urubamba Rivers (class II-III rapids).

Unconventional Outdoors Activities

Visit our Off the Beaten Track section for information about unconventional outdoors activities and other uncommon activities and places.

Casa Andina is equipped to offer a wide range of hikes and treks throughout the region, including the Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao and Ausangate, as well as a trek down to the Apurímac River and bike rides to Lares or Salkantay. For additional information, contact travel@casa-andina.com.