Machu Picchu has earned its place as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World through its genius stone architecture along the Andes Mountain Range. The stone walls are interlocked with such scientific precision that they can withstand the harsh weather and even earthquakes. Constructing such an environmental harmony requires resources and workforce, and the green corridor that infused life into the region of Machu Picchu is the Sacred Valley.
To fully get the essence of the Inca civilization responsible for the master craftsmanship imbued in the stone walls, one should indulge in the Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco. This trip allows its traveler to learn about the Inca civilization’s beliefs and town structure that enabled them to conquer the indomitable Andes Mountains.
Religious Beliefs of the Inca People Regarding the Sacred Valley
Centuries ago, when modern technologies were yet to be invented, the religious beliefs formed the scientific basis of ancient civilizations. To the Inca people, the Sacred Valley was not merely a farmland; it was the meeting place of the sky, water, earth and spirit. The Sacred Valley Tour guides will always explain in detail the following concepts:
- Heaven-Earth Symmetry
To the Incas, every celestial feature visible in the sky had an earthly counterpart. For example, they regarded the Urubamba River, which runs through the entire Sacred Valley, as the reflection of the Milky Way in the sky. They regarded every mountain peak as a deity of a constellation, which led them to mold their stones in accordance with the mountain slopes.
- Inti (Sun God)
To the Incas, Inti was life itself, the bringer of warmth and cosmic order. Hence, they observed the Sun just like how a clockmaker watches their gears. This observation led them to learn about summer and winter solstice and align their buildings in such a way that they follow the pathway of the Sun, depending on their purpose. For instance, the morning light warmed rooms for work, while the afternoon light touched storage rooms, utilizing the different rhythm and position of the Sun throughout the day.
Important Landmarks of the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco runs across a wide area and is not confined to a single place. Instead, it spreads across a string of towns, each with its own heritage. Some of the important travel destinations are mentioned for your convenience:
- Pisac Architectural Complex
It is a hilltop citadel that is home to the Temple of the Sun. As mentioned above, since they worshipped the Sun God, they have an intihuatana ritual stone that aligns with solar cycles and casts shadows accordingly. The ceremonial rooms for priests, called the Quanchis Raqay, are also a sight to behold in this area.
- Ollantaytambo Fortress
It harbours the wall of the six monoliths whose extraordinary construction spreads astonishment in the hearts of many. Each monolith weighs 50 to 70 tons and was bought from a quarry across the Urubamba River to the Andes mountain slope. Unique themed bathhouses that were designed for royalty are also present in this region, along with specially designed storehouses used to preserve grains.
- Chinchero Archaeological Park
The Sacred Valley tour from Cusco also covers the royal estate of one of the most powerful emperors of the Inca civilization: Tupac Yupanqui. Chinchero agricultural terraces are elegant with fine stonework, which is different from other building walls. The Colonial Church adorns the center of this palace, which blends Andean and European cultures with mural paintings and baroque. Chinchero is also home to traditional Quechua textiles, and its community efficiently demonstrates the entire process of creating such textiles to the tourists.
- Morays
It is the official agricultural laboratory of the Inca Civilization, where they mastered microclimates long before the advent of agronomy. It is a massive depression, which carves a large circular bowl along the perimeter. Dozens of terraces are present in it, and each layer has its own unique soil composition and temperature zone. Ventilation gaps and intricate drainage systems are intricately woven into such terraces that align subtly with solar cycles.
Best Time to Visit The Sacred Valley of the Inca Civilisation
The weather in Sacred Valley changes throughout the year, and each season has its own unique signature. Now, the ideal time for you to book a Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco really depends on what kind of traveller you are:
- Hikers and Social Travellers
If you want to explore every feature and experience climbing through the exquisite Andes mountain range, the months of May to September are perfect for you. The dry season brings comfortable daytime temperatures and illuminates the scenic beauty of the Valley amidst the backdrop of clear skies. Many famous local festivals like the Inti Raymi and the Virgen del Carmen also take place during this period.
- Quiet Travellers and Landscape Photographers
For those who prefer fewer crowds and are mesmerized by the beauty of the sky after the end of the rainy season, they can visit the Valley in April. The sunrays are just the perfect intensity for photography, and the Valley still has some time left to shed its lush green meadows.
Conclusion
To stand before Machu Picchu is to admire the summit of Inca genius, but the story doesn’t end here. To get the complete essence of the trip, you also need to know about the world below that provided the very foundation that nourished its people, so that they could learn to blend with the mountains.
Through the Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco, you wander through Pisac, Chinchero and many more towns, feeling the pulse that sustained an entire civilization over so many years. Only by walking on both lands, the Citadel and the Valley, can you truly experience the splendour of the Inca architecture, and Andean Trekking Peru is one of the reputed travelling agencies that provides such a curriculum.
