Mystical Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley | Travel Research Online

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Mystical Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

One of the most popular spots for travelers in South America, Machu Picchu is a stunning relic from time’s past. Though, Machu Picchu isn’t the only attraction in the area. Not far away, the Sacred Valley of the Incas also awaits the adventurous traveler. Today’s 60-Second Geography, about these inspiring landmarks in Peru, is brought to you by Central Holidays.

 

60-Second Geography

Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Peru

Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

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  • Built around the years 1450 to 1460 by the Inca people, Machu Picchu sits atop a grand vista overlooking a scenic valley. All around the vista the traveler will witness the Andes and the foothills that sit near its edge. Due to the 50-mile distance from Cusco, the Inca capital, the site remained untouched by plundering and defacement by conquistadors. This makes it one of the few Inca structures that is mostly complete, even through the inevitable passage of time.From the vantage of this ancient structure, on certain days, the clouds are below the traveler. A truly mystical experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.

 

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  • Machu Picchu is laid out like most cities throughout history. Terraced levels of farming are found just outside the city gate, a method of agriculture for peoples who lived in extremely hilly areas. Within the city gate is a main square, royal tomb, houses, and three primary structures that it is known for. The first is the Intihuatana, a religious structure carved from stone. The stone used the sun to measure what time of year it was, an ancient calendar to mark the seasons. The Temple of the Sun is a semi-circular building with a tower atop it. It was used to worship the Incas primary god, INTI (the sun). The last, Room of the Three Windows, is a stone structure with three windows overlooking the surrounding mountains and steep valley below. These windows are aligned to the sunrise, welcoming their god as the day started. While these are the main attractions, there are around 200 building for the traveler to explore on the site.

 

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  • East of Machu Picchu is the Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as Valle Sagrado de los Incas or Urubamba Valley. Only about 20 km from Inca capital, Cusco, this valley follows the Urubamba River. The Sacred Valley was used by the Incas for its highly rich agricultural lands and is dotted with ruins. The view is similar to Machu Picchu, having the Andes as a magnificent backdrop to ancient architecture. One such town located in the valley is Ollantaytambo. This town is considered to be best surviving example of how Incas planned their towns. Not only does it have a quaint feel with small cafes, but there is also a ruin once used by Emperor Pachacuti as a royal residence. Built in the 15th century, the ruins are atop an array of terraces taller than the average person with steps cutting through to the top. Ceremonial fountains carved into the rock let loose crystal-clear water and an incomplete structure called the Temple of the Sun, similar to the one found in Machu Picchu, are among the many sites to see. Pisac is a small, colonial village found in the valley as well. The traveler will find a fantastic market to local art and hand-made Peruvian wares. Pisac is also home to ruins that take the form of a hilltop fortress that can be explored. Other sites include: the Rainbow Mountain, where layers of sediment stream the sides in a colorful spectrum giving it its all-too-appropriate name; and the Moray ruins, which resemble a large Amphitheater cut into a valley.

 

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These sacred and architecturally astounding sites will be the highlight of any traveler’s journey to South America. That’s why Central Holidays has created the perfect packages to take care of the traveler in all aspects in and around each of them. Explore the mystical history of Cusco, Machu Picchu, Pisac, the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, and much more with Central Holidays.

Peruvian Classic Highlights

The most important treasures of Peru are here for you to discover on this 7-day/6 night “Peruvian Classic Highlights” Travel Program. Come explore the enchanting cities of Lima and Cusco and have a lifetime experience exploring the lost city of the Inca’s – Machu Picchu, Peru’s most important archaeological site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Marvel at other mystifying and enchanting archaeological complexes including Pisac in Cusco’s Sacred Valley that showcases the largest complex of agricultural terraces of the Inca Empire. Tantalize your taste-buds at one of Lima’s many “cevicherías” or popular street food stands. Amazing moments of discovery are yours in Peru on this 7-day travel experience.

 Hidden Mysteries of Peru

Stay in an authentic lodge and have amazing ecological adventures in Puerto Maldonado. Discover Sacred Valley’s Pisac archaeological site showcasing the largest complex of agricultural terraces of the Inca Empire.  Take in the awe-inspiring views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba Mountain Range and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay.  Have the experience of a lifetime exploring the lost city of the Incas – Machu Picchu, Peru’s most important archeological site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.  Explore Cusco’s Koricancha Temple and Sacsayhuaman Fortress.  Get to know pre-Inca culture at Taquile Island, 12,000 feet above sea level.  Sail to the famous Uros Islands, man-made floating islands in the middle of the Lake Titicaca National Reserve.  See the mysterious Nazca lines on a flight over the enormous outlines of stylized plants, animals, and shapes scattered on the desert floor that has remained undisturbed for 2000 years.  Delve into Lima’s old world capital brimming with Spanish architecture and pre-Spanish treasures.

Peru in the Lap of Luxury by Private Car

Explore the enchanting cities of Lima and Cusco with an unparalleled luxury train experience to Machu Picchu.  Delve into Lima’s old world capital brimming with Spanish architecture and pre-Spanish treasures.  Journey to the past discovering the Casa Aliaga colonial mansion and Larco Museum’s pre-Colombian treasures.  Savor a five course dinner at Sacred Valley’s Killa Wasi Restaurant presented by a renowned chef paired with exquisite sommelier recommended wines.  Board the exclusive Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu and on to Cusco.  Have the experience of a lifetime exploring the lost city of the Inca’s – Machu Picchu, Peru’s most important archeological site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.  Relax and rejuvenate with dinner and a stay at Belmond Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.  Discover Sacred Valley’s Pisac archaeological site showcasing the largest complex of agricultural terraces of the Inca Empire.  Marvel at Sacsayhuaman, an Inca building known for its massive walls of hewn stone.

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