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A few kilometers north of Cuzco, stretches out the beautiful valley of Urubamba river. Called Valle Sagrado, Sacred Valley, it was a sacred place for the Incas and the place that gave birth to the Inca civilization. The valley is still a sacred place for the local people who respect the valley and its history, and for the visitors who will be overwhelmed by the atmospheric touch and the unique mixture of culture and nature.
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| ESSENCE OF THE AREA |
| Cuzco is one of the most fascinating cities anywhere in the world. The Spanish built their colonial churches and houses on top of the original Inca foundations, and this startling mix of architectural style is still much in evidence. Cuzco is the ideal base from which to explore the scenic highland villages that run the length of the beautiful Sacred Valley. The valley is dotted with singularly impressive Inca ruins, of which Machu Picchu is without doubt the star. Machu Picchu, the mystica , mist-shrouded Inca citadel, no matter how many times you have seen it remains the most spectacular site in the Americas. |
| RECOMMENDED STAY |
| To appreciate the magnitude and the magic of the area you need to stay for at least 4 nights: two nights in Cuzco, one night in Sacred Valley, and one night near the Machu Picchu citadel either at the Santuary Hotel or in Aguas Calientes. If you do not have time, then a stay of 3 nights in Cuzco will allow you to go to Machu Picchu for the day and see the most important sites of the area. In Cuzco, allow at least 2 nights to enjoy the surrounding ruins and the magical colonial city. As you walk, you will discover that this rare place has somehow preserved its unique character and appeal. In Sacred Valley, an overnight will allow you time to visit Pisac and Ollaytantambo. In Machu Picchu, you will need to overnight either by the citadel where the advantage is that you are a step away from the ruins , or overnight in Aguas Calientes, where you will have the flexibility of walking around town, soaking in the mineral baths, or just enjoying a nice meal at one of the small eateries. From both places you will be able to see the ruins at day break, when the sun rays slowly just light up the buildings one by one. Cuzco is the departure point for your visit to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. You can reach Machu Picchu from both of these places, either by train or hiking the Inca trail.
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| RECOMMENDED SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES |
| Cuzco Walking Tour; hiking the Inka trail; Pisac river rafting; horseback riding; many colorful markets.
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| MUST SEE |
| Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley): this is an incredibly beautiful valley dotted with villages and ancient ruins. The two most magnificent ruins are Pisac and Ollaytantambo. Pisac perched high on a cliff is the largest fortress built the by the Incas. Ollaytantambo is where the Inca elite lived, building incredible irrigation systems and a temple for astronomical observation. If you want to visit the handicrafts market in Pisac you need to be there on a Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday.
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Latin America, Mexico, Caribbean and Europe 
