Places To Explore
Ancient Inca ruins
1 MORAY MARAS
One of the most fascinating Inca ruins, Moray is an archaeological site located in a remote area of the Sacred Valley. At first glance its concentric terraces are reminiscent of an ancient Roman amphitheatre, but sadly the purpose for this unique design remains unknown. However, the orientation of the ruins indicate that they were built for a specific reason, with the most likely suggestion being that they were used to experiment growing crops at different levels, with the temperature changing towards the top. Interestingly, the Moray ruins never flood, and this has suggested that there may be an irrigation system located underground. Visitors who wish to learn about the history of the Moray ruins will want to join a guided tour for more information – but remember to visit during the day, as there is no lighting in the evening! It is also worth noting that the Maras salt flats are located nearby if you have the time to make a quick visit. Open seven days a week, 7am to 6pm. A Full Cusco Tourist Ticket for entry can be bought in Cusco, costing 130 soles, with concessions available.
2 INCA PISAC PISAC
Built on the top of a mountain that offers extraordinary views of the village of Pisac, the Inca Pisac ruins attract thousands of visitors every year. Found in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it is believed that this archaeological site forms the shape of a bird, as the name ‘Pisac’ derives from the Quechua word ‘Pisaca’, which means ‘partridge’. The ruins are some of the most intact in Peru and are divided into four sections: Pisac, Inti Watana, Q’allaqasa and Kinchiraqay. The site was used by the Incas for religious, military and agricultural purposes, with a temple complex, ceremonial baths, a residential settlement, agricultural terraces and even the largest Inca cemetery among the sights available for visitors to explore. Situated just one hour away from Cusco, the Inca Pisac ruins are an ideal place to visit for a day out, particularly as Pisac itself offers a very popular market that is geared towards tourists.
Open seven days a week, 6am to 5pm. A Full Cusco Tourist Ticket for entry can be bought in Cusco, costing 130 soles, with concessions available, or you can pay for entry at the site.
3 SACSAYHUAMÁN CUSCO
This stunning Inca fortress, believed to have been built during the reign of Pachacuti, is situated close to the city of Cusco and can be reached after a ten-minute drive or a 45-minute walk. Famous for its tightly constructed stone walls, with each piece of stone cut differently and joined together without the use of mortar, Sacsayhuamán stands as a testament to the clever engineering employed by the Incas. It took over 20,000 men to build this fortress, using stone from nearby quarries, but sadly only 40 per cent of the original site still remains. While Sacsayhuamán was used by the Incas for ceremonial purposes, it was famously used as a stronghold by the Incas during the battle of 1536, with Sapa Inca Manco Inca Yupanqui successfully fending off an attack by the Spanish during his siege of Cusco. However, when the Spanish seized control over Cusco, they rebuilt it in their style using stones taken from Sacsayhuamán, leaving behind the heavy stones of the lower walls and towers. The remaining ruins serve as a reminder of one of the most important moments in Incan history and are a must-see for those who want to learn more about this remarkable civilisation. While at Sacsayhuamán, visitors should also take the time to visit the ruins of Tambomachay, Qenqo and Puca Pucara nearby.
Open seven days a week, 7am to 5:30pm. Either a Full Cusco Tourist Ticket (130 soles) or Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket (70 soles) will allow entry.
4 CHOQUEQUIRAO ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK CASERÍO MARAMPATA
The Inca ruins at Choquequirao are some of the most remote in Peru, and they are frequently cited as the lesserknown twin of Machu Picchu thanks to the structural similarities between the two. Despite this, Choquequirao is far larger than Machu Picchu, and it is also situated on higher ground, with the site remaining well-preserved due to the fact that it was never discovered by the Spanish. Surrounded by an ancient irrigation system and numerous examples of Inca stonework, Choquequirao was likely used by the Incas as an administrative checkpoint, as they had to travel through the area in order to reach the jungles of Vilcabamba. Among the structures that visitors will be able to see include temples, shrines, houses and baths, but it is strongly recommended that anyone wishing to visit research their trip to the ruins beforehand, because the remote trek takes around two days. While excavations at the site began around 40 years ago, roughly only 30 to 40 per cent of Choquequirao has been explored, and so there are still many mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
Open all year round, it is best to visit Choquequirao during the dry season, from April to October.
5 OLLANTAYTAMBO OLLANTAYTAMBO
The town of Ollantaytambo was conquered and rebuilt by Pachacuti, who installed terraces for farming, an irrigation system and storehouses as part of the impressive Temple Hill, which is also known as the fortress. This site was famously the last stronghold and citadel for Manco Inca Yupanqui during his battle against the Spanish, with a military area located at the top offering a vantage point that allowed the Incas to see the arrival of enemy troops. However, Ollantaytambo was eventually captured by Francisco Pizarro and his men, forcing Manco Inca Yupanqui to retreat to the jungles of Vilcabamba where he founded the Neo-inca State. Visitors will be able to see a number of the citadel’s structures, including the storehouses and the Princess Baths – where ceremonial bathing took place – as well as the ones that were left incomplete, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Enclosure of the Ten Niches and the Wall of the Six Monoliths. It is said that the face that can be seen carved in the mountain is that of Viracocha, the Inca deity of creation, with the ruins offering some of the most spectacular walks and views in Peru. Ollantaytambo is also a common starting point for those who wish to take on the iconic Inca Trail, which is travelled by thousands of tourists every year.
Open seven days a week, 7am to 6pm. Either a Full or Partial Ticket will allow entry.