The Sacred Valley in Peru is a special place with lots of old stories. I was excited to see it for myself, and my trip started early. I was picked up from my hotel at 6:35 a.m., and off we went!
Our first stop was Chincheros. This place is famous for its textiles. I saw many colorful fabrics and learned how they were made. It was nice to see the old weaving methods still being used today.
Our next destination was Moray. This place really stood out. It had mysterious circular terraces carved into the ground. My guide shared that the Incas used Moray as an agricultural testing ground. The terraces had different temperatures from top to bottom, so the Incas could see which crops grew best where. The smart design and the idea behind it left a strong impression on me. It was like an ancient science lab!
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At Maras, the sight was nothing short of mesmerizing. The salt pools, etched into the hillside, created a beautiful mosaic of varying shades of white and beige. I learned that these salt mines have a rich history dating back to Incan times. Locals still use traditional methods to harvest the salt, letting the sun evaporate water from the pools to leave behind the crystallized salt.
When lunchtime rolled around, we headed to Urubamba. The restaurant there offered a variety of delicious Peruvian dishes. After a hearty meal, I was recharged and ready to continue exploring.
Ollantaytambo was next on our list. This ancient town, often called the ‘Living Inca City’, was truly remarkable. With its vast terraced fields gracefully draped over the mountain slopes, the sheer scale of agricultural engineering was impressive. They grew a variety of crops here. As I wandered the cobbled streets and observed the still-functioning water channels, it was evident that Ollantaytambo held onto its roots firmly.
We wrapped up the day at Pisac. The town has a vibrant market where a maze of stalls showcased local crafts, textiles, and unique handcrafted items. The colors, sounds, and scents of the market created a lively atmosphere. Just a short distance away, the ancient Incan ruins awaited. Perched on a hill, overlooking the valley. With its terraces, temples, and intricate stonework, Pisac showcases the architectural intelligence of the Inca civilization, making it both an educational and visually stunning finale to the day.
The day was full of discoveries, from the intriguing terraces of Moray to the bustling market of Pisac. The Sacred Valley had so much to offer, making it a trip I won’t forget.
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