Peruvian Travel and a Visit to the Historic City of Cusco
Once the center of the Incan civilization, the city of Cusco still stands today as a mixture of ancient and modern culture. It is the most archeologically rich area in the western hemisphere. No doubt then, any visit to Peru must take you through the city of Cusco. Here are some of the things to do while in the area.
By far, the number one attraction in the area is Machu Picchu. This structure was built by the Incans in the 1400s, and remains shrouded in mysticism since no one yet knows why they built it. Set high up in the Andes Mountains, the site is impressive for its size, construction, and overwhelming vistas of the surrounding countryside.
If you have the time and crave the adventure, the best way to see Machu Picchu is by hiking the Incan Trail to get there. This trail, starting near Cusco, is a three or four day hike through the Andes Mountains, and offers unique opportunities to see additional ruins sites and perhaps the best vistas possible of the mountains. Be aware however, the hike is strenuous and you will not enjoy it if you’re out of breath and struggling to keep up, so contemplate the idea before embarking on this trip.
For additional hiking, or instead of hiking the Inca Trail, you can head into the Sacred Valley on a tour. This trip will take you through several towns and villages that are scattered with ancient ruins, including Pisac and Chinchero. The highlight of the trip is the visit to the remains of Emperor Pachacuti’s estate in Ollantaytambo.
(Back to Articles)
viewed: 3829
|
|
|
|
