From Cusco to the Sacred Valley

North of Cusco is a steep hill that we climb gently in the early morning with bikes and luggage. It leads to a number of smaller archeological sites with ceremonial or religious, military or celebration of water functions: Q'endo, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara.

The stonework is much more modest than in Saksayhuaman, but very interesting nevertheless. The sites are very well presented and we note that a great effort is made to preserve the native trees.

We are now at higher altitudes again with nice cliffs and peaks... and threatening weather. Finally, we arrive above a wide valley with steep sides, and the village of Pisaq, itself surrounded by impressive terraces. Here begins our visit to the sacred valley.Read more