VALLE SAGRADO: PISAQ-OLLANTAYTAMBO (FULL DAY)

Itinerary

We will visit these important Inkan sites whilst also having the time to visit the artisanal market of Pisaq, with natural viewpoints displaying spectacular views and production centers of local artisans. After lunch we will visit a workshop of ceramics in Urubamba and finish the day in Ollantaytambo.

Pisac (3300msnm):

It is believed that Pisac was a kind of Hacienda Real of Inka Pachacutec. It consists of scattered areas of terracing, domestic and ceremonial structures and buildings that stand out for the quality of its masonry. Its location is strategic; near Cusco, at the entrance of the Sacred Valley and on the way to the jungle. The name Pisac is derived most probably from the Quechua word of Perdiz;

which is a bird local to this area, and according to some investigators the shape of the area is similar to that of the bird. According to the investigator Angles Vargas the ruins of Pisac, together with Cusco and Pikillaqta form an equilateral triangle in which each point is 33km apart and the three places are found at 3300msnm.

Ollantaytambo (2792msnm):

Situated about 80km North East of Cusco, it is one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the ancient Inca Empire. The complexes that it contains include; archeological, astronomical, administrative, of livestock and agricultural. It is one of the few cities that retains much of its original layout, including some buildings that are still in use. It is credited with different functions; possibly used as a military construction to protect the capital of the Inkas against possible invasions from the Antis. It is also said that it was constructed enable paths to Antisuyo.

Today, Ollantaytambo is a big tourist attraction because of its Inkan constructions and as one of the main stops for the four day, three night trek by the Inka trail to Machu Picchu.