Peru is a beautiful South American country very famous for its Inca legacy left thousands of years ago for humanity to enjoy. Machu Picchu is a jewel like no other in the world, so are the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail.
The Peru’s Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley, also known as the Urubamba Valley is located in the Cusco region near Machu Picchu. It’s a very quiet, relaxing, breath-taking paradise known for its small villages, kind people, and amazing Inca ruins. Quechua residents work the fields growing potatoes, corn and the famous coca (coke) and harvest salt with elements and techniques that were used by their Inca ancestors and have not changed in thousands of years.
The Sacred Valley villages are an imperative tourist stop among the thousands of travellers that transit the region to visit Inca legacy including the precious jewel of Machu Picchu. Despite tourist development, the Sacred Valley lifestyle remains very traditional and keeps its peaceful way of living.
The Urubamba River runs through the Valley and the villages of Pisac, Calca, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo; and was considered a very powerful religious element by the Incas, who believed that stars and constellations had a strong relationship with the river’s flow. The river’s presence makes the Sacred Valley a very fertile region that supplies Cuzco with the best of its harvest.
The Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most famous treks. It starts at Chillca and covers a distance of 26miles (43km) of gorgeous landscapes, natural beauty and amazing temperatures (during dry seasons around 14º). The Inca trail connects Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu, all major Inca archaeological sites, and passes through different Andean environments.
Along the routes, visitors are able to see and enjoy Inca settlements, ruins and tunnels before arriving at the majestic Sun Gate. A few years ago, Peruvian government passed a law that regulates the amount of people transiting the Inca Trail’s three routes and only licensed tour agencies are allowed to perform these tours, so places are sold out very quickly.
Walking along the Inca Trail is a one-of-a-kind experience and it’s definitely something you would want to do at least once in your lifetime. It’s possible to hike it at any age but take into consideration that some minimum requirements are to be met. It’s very advisable to have at least a two-day period acclimatisation before doing the route or you might get altitude sickness, due to the fact that air is thinner. Being fit is also a recommendation as well as knowing your limits and taking the appropriate route that suits you.
In these two incredible sceneries, you will experiment the power and intelligence of Inca civilisation and their very strong connection and respect for nature. Many are the reasons why the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail are part of the world’s heritage; you must brace yourself to enjoy this overwhelming experience. Enjoy Peru.
Bamba Experience offers many tours and treks to Machu Picchu including:
