2013 Nov. Cusco. Sacred Valley.
The journey from Puno to Cusco was via tour bus, which stopped along the way for sightseeing in the Southern Sacred Valley.
Visited a ruins after lunch, in Southern Sacred Valley on the way to Cusco.
Cusco, a UNESCO world heritage site, was once capital of the Inca empire. Set at an altitude of 3,400m, it is known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. Cusco is the gateway to further Inca sites in the Urubamba (Sacred) Valley and the Inca Trail, a multi-day trek that ends at the mountain citadel of Machu Picchu.
Qurikancha is most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated primarily to Inti, the Sun God. It was one of the most revered temples of the capital city of Cusco.
Tour of Sacsayhuaman and Incan sites Q’enko, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
More of Sacred Valley the following day. Learnt about how Peruvians managed to overcome challenging conditions and lived in harmony with the land, to produce agriculture crops, and beautiful handicrafts.
We also visited the Pisac Ruins and Pisac Market.
Had lunch in Urubumba, quite a big spread of Peruvian cuisine, catered for the tourist crowd.
Arrival and exploration time in Ollantaytambo and its hillside fortress ruins.
Back to Cusco for a nice dinner, before setting off on the Inca Trail the following day.
… to be continued …
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