Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Machu Picchu is a bucket list destination for many travelers, for good reason. It is not only culturally fascinating, but the Andes Mountains are absolutely breathtaking. I took my family there in 2022.

The capital of the Inca Empire was Cusco, Peru and the region surrounding it is known as the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu is only one of the sites you can visit.

Pisac has agricultural terraces with spectacular views. The irrigation methods of the Incas was quite sophisticated. The concentric terraces of Moray were built into a natural depression in the landscape. We saw salt evaporation ponds in Maras that has been operating since before the Incas. Ollantaytambo is an excellent example of Inca town planning. It is incredible to think about how the Incas cut and moved those giant blocks of rock.

Machu Picchu was not the most important site, but was preserved well because the Spanish Conquistadors never found it. It was reclaimed by the jungle but much of it has been restored and is continuing to be restored. The mountains surrounding the site truly take your breath away.

The region also has cultural opportunities, such as learning about traditional weaving by Andean women. And Peru is known for its cuisine.

I’d love to help you plan a trip to this amazing destination, whether on an escorted tour or a custom-designed trip just for you.