Sights in The Sacred Valley
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Biomuseo
The whimsical Biomuseo explains (only in Spanish, alas!) world bio-diversity through the medium of the potato. Opening hours and admission prices are erratic.
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Moray
The impressively deep amphitheater-like terracing of Moray, reached via the small town of Maras, is a fascinating spectacle. Different levels of concentric terraces are carved into a huge earthen bowl, each layer of which has its own micro-climate, according to how deep into the bowl it is. For this reason, some theorize that the Incas used them as a kind of laboratory to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops of each species. There are three bowls, one of which has been planted with various crops as a kind of living museum.
Though refreshingly off the beaten path, this site is not challenging to reach. You can take any transportation bound between Urubamba an…
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Salinas
To get here, cross the Río Urubamba over the bridge in Tarabamba, about 4km down the valley from Urubamba, turn right and follow a footpath along the south bank to a small cemetery, where you turn left and climb up a valley to the salt pans of Salinas.
It’s about a 500m uphill hike. A rough dirt road that can be navigated by taxi enters Salinas from above, giving spectacular views. Tour groups visit via this route most days. A taxi from Urubamba to visit Salinas and the nearby Moray costs around S80. You can also walk or bike here from Maras.
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Ollantaytambo Ruins
The huge, steep terraces that guard Ollantaytambo’s spectacular Inca ruins mark one of the few places where the Spanish conquistadors lost a major battle. It was to this fortress that the rebellious Manco Inca retreated after his defeat at Sacsaywamán. Then in 1536, Hernando Pizarro (Francisco Pizarro’s younger half-brother) led a force of 70 cavalry-men here, supported by large numbers of indigenous and Spanish foot soldiers, in an attempt to capture Manco Inca.
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Pisac Ruins
This hilltop Inca citadel lies high above the village Pisac on a triangular plateau with a plunging gorge on either side. Though it’s a truly awesome site, you’ll see relatively few tourists here, except mid-morning on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, when it becomes flooded with tour groups.
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Seminario Cerámicas
Internationally known local potter Pablo Seminario creates original work with a pre-conquest influence. His workshop, Seminario Cerámicas – actually a small factory – is open to the public and offers a well-organized tour through the entire ceramics process.
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Museo CATCCO
Local community history and ethnography are the main focus of the lovingly tended Museo CATCCO. Its displays hold a wealth of fascinating information, all in Spanish, about archaeology, agriculture and religious belief.
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