The Sacred Valley of the Incas
The area of
the valley between Pisac and Ollantaytambo is known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a
long narrow valley which, in the southern region goes back up to Urcos and towards the
north, crossing Ollantaytambo before it finally reaches the citadel of Machu Picchu.Over
the years, the power of the Incas became more and more firmly implanted. The terraces are
a testimony of the vast production of food, and the Ollantaytambo ruins reflect the
ambitious plans of the leaders of Cuzco.The best time to visit is April-May or
September-October , the high season is June-Agust. The rainy season , from October to
March is cheaper and pleasant enough.
Pisac
is approximately 32 kilometers from the city of Cuzco. In this area there are traditional
walls of carved stone, large homes (casonas) and ritual buildings, with a complex
structure of terraces and irrigation channels. Pisaq is well known for its crafts market
that open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays only.The walk up to the ruins begins from the
plaza, walk along the path, which crosses the terraced gardens. The beauty of the scenery
is spectacular , climbing then to the central part of the ruins : The Temple of the Sun,
the Temple of the Moon and the carved stone referred to as Intihuatana express evident
astronomical concerns. The area reserved for what could be called storehouses or granaries
demonstrate the importance the Incas granted to the conservation of the crops.
The
town of Ollantaytambo is located on the opposite end of the Pisac Valley. The flights of
terraces leading up above the town are suberb, and so are the curving terraces following
the contours of the rocks overlooking the Urubamba. This was one of the last areas in
which construction was performed by the Incas before the arrival of the Spaniards. Many of
the buildings begun in pre-Hispanic times were left unfinished. The abandoned stones and
unfinished walls remain as testimonies of the battle in which Manco Inca faced the Spanish
conquistadors. Overcome by the invaders, the Incas fled to the Vilcabamba jungle, area
that served as a final refuge for what remained of the political legacy of the Incas.
Chinchero
is located between Urubamba and Cuzco. This area is well known for its ruins and for the
lovely church where one can find many paintings from the Cuzco school. It is also an
appropriate region to view the splendid snow-capped peaks in the surrounding area. The
church houses works of art and mural paintings by Diego Cusi Guamān, as well as several
canvases by other artists. The main altarpiece is from the seventeenth century and
represents the Virgin of Montserrat, to whom the church is dedicated.