(El Valle Sagrado de los Incas) is located in Peru and is famous all over the world. Who hasn't heard of Machu Picchu? But the fact is that Machu Picchu is not the only city of the Incas, not only this undoubtedly outstanding structure is famous for their civilization. The Inca Empire occupied a huge area, and throughout this territory there are various cities or water or vegetable terraces. The Incas arranged their country with great taste.
From the city of Lima, we arrived in the city of Cusco by bus. It is here that all travelers who come to get acquainted with the ancient Inca culture settle. From Cusco it is convenient to make one-day trips to the surrounding areas with ancient sights left over from an ancient powerful civilization in South America. The city of Cusco is the key to the Sacred Valley, so almost every traveler in Peru spends several busy days here. After all, having arrived in Peru, you should definitely visit the Sacred Valley, which is the main attraction here, as well as the famous one in the state of Arizona in the USA.
Route through the Sacred Valley and sights of the Incas
We went sightseeing in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in several approaches, each time returning to the city. We started from the nearest site, and little by little we have drawn the perfect itinerary that allows us to get to know the ruins of Inca culture and architecture with all the attention they deserve. Driving with a taxi driver scared us a little, so we decided not to set records and not to see the whole valley in one day.
Thus our route through the Sacred Valley of the Incas turned out like this:
- 1 day - , .
- 2nd day - and
- Day 3 - ()
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- Day 5 -, and,
- Day 6 - ()
Maps and transport
Map of the sacred valley and its attractions
Trek to Machu Picchu - the main attraction of Peru
Another map of the Sacred Valley
Transport issue
How to get to the sights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Almost all objects can be reached by bus or collective. We went to Machu Picchu on a combi with other tourists, and to Choquequerao on a regular bus, and got to the starting points of the route. So, having Boleto turistico and having bought a ticket to Machu Picchu in advance, we greatly facilitated our movement in the Sacred Valley. And of course, having chosen ordinary buses or minibuses, we almost never depended on other people. We spent as much time on the object as we wanted.
About tickets to Cusco and Machu Picchu
- We bought a ticket for Machu Picchu online (website, and it is better to make a purchase on the Spanish page, then it will work properly!) about a month and a half before the intended visit. Our ticket also included a morning visit Huaynu Picchu. The cost is 157 soles (or $55).
- If you are satisfied only with the lost city of the Incas, without climbing the neighboring mountains (there is also an option Machu Picchu + Montagna, 140 soles), then such a ticket can be purchased on the spot or in Cusco (130 soles). If you came to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon, you can buy a ticket to Machu Picchu for half a day, from 13:00, and it costs 50 soles. It is mandatory to buy climbing tickets online, as a limited number of people (400 per day) are allowed to climb the mountains.
- It is also worth buying a five-day trek to Machu Picchu in advance if you want to follow the Inca trail ( inca trail). Access to the trail is also limited (200 people a day), so it’s worth worrying about three or two months in advance. The cost of such a trip is from $ 600. This includes tickets to Machu Picchu and a return train ticket. We did not try this method, but went on a combi + on foot. Also very interesting, it turned out. And with big surprises! And we went trekking to Choquequirao!
- We visited all other sites on a single ticket (), which we also purchased in Cusco in Museum of Coricancha for 130 soles. Tickets are paid separately for Salineras(7 soles) and on Choquequirao(37 soles). Both are bought at the entrance.
Photos of attractions
Saksaywaman (Sacsaywaman)
Tambomachay (Tambomachay)
Puka Pukara
Temple of the Moon (Amaru marca wasi, Templo de la Luna)
Monkey Temple (Cusilluchayoc)
Kenko (Qenko)
Pikiyakta (Pikillacta)
Rumikolka (Rumicolca)
Tipon
View of Machu Picchu from Huaynu Picchu
Pisak (Pisac)
Ollantaytambo
Salineras (Salineras)
Moray
Chinchero (Chinchero)
Choquequirao (Choquequirao)
Reflections on the Incas
The diversity of the Sacred Valley confirmed the idea that not everything is so simple. Despite the fact that the Incas owned a huge territory and spread their building standards throughout the empire, even in this unity, inconsistencies are visible. The gulf between the Huari and the Incas becomes quite obvious. But there is also an abyss between the various buildings of the Incas. And this can be seen in Pisak. Machu Picchu's younger sister Choquequirao really seems like an imitation. All the canons are respected, but the scale is not the same.
When you study the architecture of Peru in detail and not only according to the standard program, the seditious thought creeps in that not only the Spaniards grabbed a delicious pie and built their churches on the ruins of Inca temples, but the Incas themselves did the same. Didn't they come with everything ready? Aren't building constructions simpler in terms of complexity a real Inca art, an art of imitation? Not only in the Sacred Valley, on the coast - all these buildings bear an outward resemblance to the "Inca" style, but all this was built not so monumentally. There is no trace of unknown technologies, no megaliths were used. Everything is beautiful, but simple. Built from what is found at hand. Small stones in mountainous areas and burnt bricks in desert areas.
Perhaps what is attributed to the Huari is the Incas? And the “Incas” is just the authorship of those unknown “gods” that the Incas were waiting for and never did? We meet their traces, not only in Peru. And always and everywhere subsequent civilizations ascribe to themselves their achievements. Or to their enemies, whom they managed to subdue. After all, it's nice to defeat not a weak enemy, but a strong one.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas really shows the diversity of cultures that lived in Peru. We will continue to call it the brainchild of the Incas, as is customary. But still, let's keep in mind another thought: not everything is so simple and not everything is as it seems.
Map view Sacred Valley
The map is quite open, but hilly. In the center of the map is a ruined castle, around which there is a village resembling buildings of eastern (Chinese, Japanese, etc.) architecture. Steep mountains rise around the village, which beckon "" players with an abundance of their most wonderful positions, which, let's say, straight-handed guys are not very aware of.Typical Random Battle Tactics
Let's first take a look at the card itself, what it is!The bases are located on both sides along the perimeter of the map. The fighting always takes place in the usual standard places. Always at the beginning of the battle, 90-95% of the composition of both teams go to these familiar places and only a few individuals can shake what they have in their heads and climb into those places where it is difficult to get them and where you can inflict a large number without any fear.
Where does he shoot from? - Cool nychki!
Let's now talk about how to deal a large amount of damage without being exposed to enemy fire, as efficiently as possible. We all know that the most important thing for a good and effective fight is choosing the right position. This factor plays the most important role in every fight. And I want to talk about a few of these nychka.Position A3
The first position is in square A3. Getting here is very easy and fast! The place offers a full view of 2 directions of shelling, and a tree and a house reliably hide your tank from opponents (even from artillery). The only nuance of all these positions is that your tank should be as light and fast as possible. M8A1, T67, Helket, RU251, chaffee are best suited for this. There are many other tanks that are capable of conquering these peaks, but I'm afraid they just don't need it. From these positions, you can both shoot damage and .Point of entry to the position. With acceleration, we simply fly up the hill, and then up the wall!
The most cherished position! Beware of enemy ATs that stand near the enemy base and work on the light of the LT!
Position E0
The second position is located in the square E0. Just like the previous position, climbing it is very simple. Here, however, there is a certain danger from enemy artillery, but this is not such a big problem if you correctly position yourself and do not twitch once again so that you are not illuminated! Also, on the other side of the same hill, you can work out the second direction of attack from your base, thereby reliably keeping it under protection.The view from the position to the enemy horizon is simply gorgeous!
Position J9
The third position is located in the J9 square. Check in from the second position E0. We rise to the second position, and then we start free slalom along the snow-covered hills down the 9th line towards the J9 square.View from the position to absolutely all the main directions in the battle!
First line of fire!
The second line of shooting through the village near the bridge near the castle!
The third line of shooting at control points, where enemy tanks are usually located at the descent to the path leading under the bridge to the castle!
The fourth line of shooting in case the enemy has pushed through the opposite direction and is trying to come at you from behind from your base!
Position F7
Well, the final position is located in the square F7. On this hill in the center of the map, there are many cool positions from which you can work out absolutely all directions on the map in all 360 degrees. The hill is quite gentle, so you can move to any direction without much difficulty! There is only one but. Don't go to the castle itself! From there you will not see anything, and climbing back up the mountain from the castle is quite problematic! You can also go to the castle wall, only there is a big danger from enemy artillery, for which you are a tidbit and easy prey there. Drive on the wall only if you are 100% sure that you will not be handed a big "suitcase" and sent to rest in a warm region called the Hangar, drinking a cocktail of anger and hatred for "one-buttons"!View of the position! Your tank is securely hidden in dense thickets of bushes, and in order to illuminate you, the enemy needs to try very hard!
The enemy does not see me, although he is already dangerously close to me. But I can confidently fire at the enemy in my own light, relying on my . In the same way, you can move to any other direction and conduct confident control fire at enemy forces from shelters and pits on a hill without fear of being overexposed, since someone rarely drives up to the center of the map.
Output
In conclusion, I would like to show you visually one of these positions and what can be done when choosing the right position! You can see how such tips work for you and what results you can achieve with their help. I hope my story will not be in vain and someone will take note of it. Always remember that there is only one warrior in the field, if he is well-tailored! You can always turn the outcome of the battle in your favor thanks to these nuances and the right positions.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas in the Andes - the valley of the Urubamba River - is the birthplace of the Inca civilization. Thanks to its favorable location, this valley was distinguished by fertility and a good climate, even at a time when other regions of modern Peru suffered from many years of drought. Researchers believe that it was the ease with which the valley provided its population with food that allowed the Inca tribe in the 11th century to free some people from agriculture, begin to conquer nearby territories and create the Great Empire of Tawantinsuyu (in the Quechua language Tawantin Suyu, Tawantinsuyu, Tawantinsuyu, Tawantinsuyu, means "four cardinal points connected together").
Attractions of the Sacred Valley
Pisak (Pisac, Pisaq)
The archaeological complex of Pisak is one of the most important in the Valley. It is located 33 kilometers from Cusco on the Vilcabamba ridge. According to the architectural tradition of the Incas, cities were built in the form of a sacred animal or bird - the outlines of Pisac resemble a partridge. Pisak consists of two parts: the city itself and the temple and agricultural terraces. This city is also famous for its astronomical observatory. In the rock near the city, the Incas buried their dead - mummies were found here sitting in the fetal position (in this position the dead were placed to be born in another life).
In addition to the part of the city, preserved from the Incas and located high on the mountain, there is a colonial part of Pisac. This is a city built by the Spaniards in the valley of the Vilcanota River (which is known in the lower reaches as Urubamba). It was built as a reservation where the conquerors settled the Indians so that it would be more convenient to control them and convert them to Christianity.
Ollantaytambo
This city is located 90 kilometers from Cusco. Inca Pachacutec conquered this settlement, destroyed the old buildings and built new houses and a ceremonial center. The city is on the way to the jungle and from here the leader of the Inca resistance, Manco Inca Yupanqui, retreated with his treasures and mummies of his ancestors to the legendary city of Vilcabamba (which was never found).
Ollantaytambo is significant in that it is one of the very few cities from the time of the Incas, which is still inhabited. Part of the buildings in the modern city dates from the end of the 15th century. The layout of the city and the organization of life are also interesting: the main part of the city had a trapezoidal layout with four longitudinal streets that crossed seven shorter parallel streets.
All the buildings in the southern half of the city were a kind of hostels: four one-room "apartments", connected by a common patio (courtyard). Several families lived here. The city still has a water supply system built under Pachacutec.
Terraces for agriculture are located near the city, and granaries were located on the slopes of the mountains around Ollantaytambo, which can still be seen today. They were built at high altitude, where, thanks to strong winds and lower temperatures, food and grain were better preserved and protected from decay.
Chinchero (Chinchero)
In this city during the Inca Empire was the royal residence of Tupac Inca Yupanqui. Now Chinchero is interesting to visit to look at the most interesting colonial temple, built right on top of the walls of the Inca Temple of the Sun. This Catholic temple is an amazing symbiosis of Spanish colonial and Inca culture. Inside, it is covered with paintings of classical Christian subjects, which, meanwhile, reflect the culture and religion of the Incas. Outside the temple, on a stepped pedestal, symbolizing Pachamama (Mother Earth), stands a Christian cross with Inca symbols. On the square next to the temple there is a market with a large selection of handicrafts.
Maras
The terraced pools of the Maras salt mines have served and continue to serve for the extraction of salt. The water here contains a large amount of minerals and releases salt when evaporated. Pools filled with water are left to evaporate and then refilled time after time to get enough salt.
Moray
This is an amazingly beautiful complex of terraces for agriculture, built in the form of expanding rings, similar to an amphitheatre. The complex is located at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level.
Each level of the terraces has its own microclimate: different temperature, wind strength. The difference between two adjacent levels of terraces is approximately 1000 meters under normal farming conditions. Here you can find up to 20 different types of microclimate. It is believed that during the time of the Incas, agricultural research was carried out here: it turned out how different types of plants and crops behave at different heights. The best seeds and tubers were sent to regions with the most favorable climate for them. Thus, the Incas managed to increase productivity.
Urubamba (Urubamba)
On the outskirts of the city of Urubamba was the country residence of the Supreme Inca Huayna Capac. Here is a special microclimate - warm and sunny, very different from the microclimate of Cusco. In order to build the Quispiguanca residence and clear space for corn, cotton, peanuts and chili peppers, workers had to move the Urubamba River to the southern part of the valley, drain the swamps and level the hills to the ground. The size of the residence is so huge that even when Huayna-Capac and his guests wanted to hunt, they did not need to leave the territory!
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu (in Quechua machu pikchu means “Old Mountain”) is a mysterious Inca city built in the middle of the 15th century. It is located about 100 km from the capital of the Inca Empire, the city of Cusco, and is so secluded in the Andes that the Spanish colonialists could not reach it. We became aware of this city in 1911 thanks to the American scientist from Yale Hiram Bingham. Although in fairness it should be noted that the locals always knew about Machu Picchu, but were in no hurry to share information with outsiders.
Since 1983, Machu Picchu has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and since 2007 - in the list of New Wonders of the World.
the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and the Sacred Valley...
Without much adventure, a brand new Boeing took us to Cusco. The city is located in a valley, at an altitude of 3500 meters. Out of habit, being at such a height is not entirely comfortable, although the height is not enough for real mountain sickness. Before the arrival of the Spaniards, this was the capital of the Inca state. There were many temples in the city, which were later destroyed by the Spaniards. Catholic churches were erected on the site of the largest ones.
This is the preserved foundation of the former Temple of the Sun - the main temple of the city. On the field in front of him, according to the Spaniards, a life-size garden of golden trees was laid out ... Now there is a Catholic cathedral on this place.
Previously, it was believed that, apart from the foundation, nothing remained of the ancient temple. But then, during an earthquake, some walls of the church collapsed. And behind them were the surviving walls of the temples of the Sun, Moon and Lightning. Now they are open and mothballed. They can be seen.
In the center of the churchyard is a sacred stone. The Incas believed that the Sun drinks water from this cup in the morning. Previously, this bowl was also covered with gold.
The ancient walls withstood the earthquake that destroyed the newer buildings of the Spaniards, not by chance. The Incas were very skilled builders. Their buildings are distinguished by high mathematical precision.
The ancient masonry turned out to be much stronger, despite the fact that the Incas did not use mortar, but drove the stones “dry”, using special locking grooves for strength.
In some places, instead of laying old stones with bricks, they were simply plastered and painted. A part of the painting is left here so that you can see how the "disguised" walls looked like during the time of the conquistadors.
In the processing of stone, the Incas knew no equal. And this despite the fact that they did not know how to process metals stronger than copper and gold. All work was carried out stone by stone.
All buildings in all Inca cities found have walls that widen towards the base at an angle of 15 degrees. This makes them highly resistant to earthquakes.
By decree of the mayor's office, in Cusco, all houses must be tiled! A wonderful solution, it has a very beneficial effect on the appearance of the city!
Cusco at night is very cozy. The guides assured us that it was completely safe here and we could safely walk around the city.
The city was very well lit, all the buildings are illuminated by spotlights and are very picturesque.
The homely European, Spanish flavor was even pleasant after the alien buildings of the Incas. Perhaps it is this contrast that fuels opinions about the influence of some alien civilizations on them ...
Pass on the way to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There was a sentinel fortress here, which served as a checkpoint at the entrance to Cuzco. It was possible to get here only by invitation. In general, the peoples who are now called the Incas themselves called themselves differently. Basically, these were the Quechua tribes. And the Incas are only rulers, an analogue of the Pharaohs, who were considered the descendants of the sun. There were 9 in all...
Sacsayhuaman is the temple complex of the Incas, for a long time, by mistake, was considered the ruins of a fortress ... According to legend, it was built during the first Inca, from huge boulders, more than human growth, weighing up to 200 tons, it is not clear how they were delivered to such a height above the city ...
It was a bit rough on the pass. Almost 4 thousand meters.. And the Peruvians are still successfully cultivating fields here! But, nevertheless, the tales about people falling dead and about the terribly rarefied air that frightened us in Moscow turned out to be greatly exaggerated.
On the way to the Valley, we were taken to a small farm where llamas are bred. Good-natured peasants in national hats offer to feed llamas with hay and buy woolen things in the shop.
There are 4 varieties of llama found in Peru. These are, in fact, llamas, guanacos, alpacas and vicunas. All this, oddly enough, is a variety of camel. Llamas and guanacas are the largest of all, alpacas are the most woolly ...
Vicuna is the smallest, shy and almost never domesticated.
Urubamba, Sacred Valley of the Incas. Around this place in ancient times, the Inca empire began to grow.
The fortress of Ollantaytambo on its slopes.
According to legend, within the walls of this fortress, for a long time, the rebellious general Ollantay hid from the wrath of the Inca, who kidnapped his daughter and later became the greatest conqueror of the Inca empire and expanded its borders by almost a third of the mainland.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is an area that stretches along the river Urubamba, roughly starting from and to the city Urkos, and in the south the valley ends with the capital of the Inca empire - the city. In the photo-panorama below - a view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas from the fortress Pisak. The Urubamba River flows below, and the road to Cusco went up in a serpentine.
Due to the favorable location of the land, the valleys were surprisingly fertile, which allowed the Incas to exist quite comfortably, and eventually begin to create their empire, conquering the surrounding lands.
The Inca Valley includes a lot of attractions.
Machu Picchu is the number 1 attraction not only of the Inca Valley, but of all of Peru, and perhaps of all of South America. Machu Picchu is located on a mountain and is not visible from below. The Incas deliberately built the city so high that no enemy could find it. However, over time, residents left the city for reasons that are still not clear. The city is perfectly preserved, as well as the sights near it - Huaynu Picchu, the Inca Bridge, and others. About the "city lost in the sky" read our separate story.
Ollantaytambo is one of the best preserved Inca cities. The city is surrounded by a fortress, one of the largest in Peru. It is interesting to wander through the different levels of ancient buildings. Amazing polygonal masonry and perfectly turned huge monoliths are the calling card of the fortress. And getting into the city, you feel that you are in antiquity. Most of the houses have been preserved, and spring water runs through the gutters, as before. About Ollantaytambo detailed information on our separate page.
Pisak is a city on the Urubamba River, and on the mountain above the city lies the vast archaeological complex of the Pisak fortress. Here you can see all the elements of the life of the ancient Incas: agricultural terraces in large numbers, and military fortifications, and residential buildings, and religious shrines. And from the ledges of the fortress there is an excellent view of the valley of the Urubamba River, or the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Read our separate story about Pisak Fortress.
Cusco is the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Cuzco was once founded by the great Manco Capac. Cusco was full of luxury, and the temple of the Sun Coricancha was completely covered with gold. But the conquistadors who came destroyed many temples and built their own on their foundations. However, the charm of the ancient city has survived to this day. Cultures have mixed and this has made Cusco a completely unique city, the second most visited in Peru after Lima. Read our separate story about Cusco.
Moray is an archaeological site in the Inca Valley. It consists of circular terraces, gradually descending deeper and deeper from level to level, until one small round island remains. Scholars believe that Morai served as an agricultural laboratory for the Incas. Planting different varieties of corn, maize and other crops at different levels, the Incas watched their growth. There were different temperatures at different levels. In this way, the most successful plants were selected by selection, and their seeds were distributed throughout the empire.
Maras are terraces where salt was mined. The extraction method is quite simple. Salt water flowing from the bowels of the earth spread through a system of numerous gutters over flat areas - pools, where, due to the large surface area, the water dried up, and the salt crystallized at the bottom. When enough salt was collected, the water was directed to other terraces, and the salt was collected. They do the same to this day. See our photo gallery.
Inca trail
The Inca Trail is the name given to the path that people take on foot to Machu Picchu. However, the Incas built at one time a whole network of such roads, spread throughout Peru. Since the Incas did not invent the wheel, all trails were for walking, so there are many steps on the trails. When the Spaniards arrived, the Incas were amazed at the horses they saw for the first time, which climbed beautifully along the paths, bringing destruction to the empire. Read on our website about trekking along the Inca trails.
Saxahuiman Fortress is located on a mountain above Cusco and is a complex of zigzag fortress walls. Once it was a full-fledged fortress, the last stronghold of the Incas who fought against the Spaniards. The huge monoliths of which the fortress walls are made are striking. Read more about the fortress on the Cusco page.
Puca Pucara is another fortress located near Cusco. The name translates as "Red Fortress. Along with Saxahuayman, Puca Pucara is part of the defensive structures of the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. From the top of the mountain, a good view of the valley opens. The fortress is located near the Tambomachay water complex.
Tambomachai is a unique structure located near Cusco, on the road to Pisac. Dostovno Tambomachai is translated from Quechua as "resort". This is a water complex with baths, water jets, various aqueducts and canals. Water flows everywhere to this day. Not far away were the specially irrigated gardens of the Supreme Inca.
Kenko is an architectural landmark located next to Sacksawyman, on the road to Pisac. This is a rather strange structure of the Incas, presumably a temple complex. A group of stones, from small to huge monoliths, all of interesting configurations, with cutouts and protrusions of various shapes. In many ways, it is unlike other structures of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Inca Tupac Manco Yupanqui had his residence in Chinchero. Here was built the temple of the Sun and the pedestal of Pachamama. The conquistadors, as in many places, remade the holy places in a Catholic way. On the site of the Temple of the Sun is now a Catholic church, and on the site of Pachamama - a Christian cross. Of course, in the buildings there is a mixture of Christianity and Inca beliefs, which is why this complex is of interest. Chinchero also hosts a major fair. At this time, a large number of handicraft goods are sold here at low prices, so it is highly recommended for visiting by tkrists.
Pikiyakta and Rumikolka
In the southwest of Cusco are the ruins of the ancient Inca city of Piquiyacta, and very close to them - Rumikolka, the ancient Inca gate. It looks like a customs gate that protected the entrance to the Inca Empire.
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