Trailing the Incas through the Sacred Valley can be a journey of epic proportions. For the mild traveler to the expert trekker, this mountainous region—which was once home to the Incas—caters to all exploration levels. Various ruins scattered throughout the Sacred Valley, including Machu Picchu, Chinchero, Moray, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Cusco have a strong spiritual presence when visited in person. Some would speculate ancient Incas may have had help from other worldly beings given the arrangement of massively large structural stones (30 tons) and the difficulty of placement without modern day tools or technologies. The archaeological significance is vast and at 9,000 feet, high.
The Inca civilization arose from the highlands of Peru sometime in the early 13th century, and the last Inca stronghold was conquered by the Spanish in 1572.
A local guide is recommended for anyone on a time budget as they’re familiar with the region’s richness and shortcuts. Though many locations are near one another, the roads are usually slow and winding with many stops for pedestrians and traffic, which is commonly a herd of sheep or cows. Give yourself plenty of time to get around.
Fun-Filled Facts
The Incas were known for their love of potatoes, which started at nearly 400 varieties of potatoes, and have now grown to over 3,800 varieties.
The Incas created natural channels using a gravity hydraulic system of small canals and waterways to deliver fresh water throughout their village and farm lands. These can still be seen today.
Drugs are legal for personal possession in Peru, up to eight grams of cannabis, two grams of cannabis concentrate, five grams of cocaine paste, two grams of processed cocaine, one gram of opium and 250 milligrams of ecstasy.
IF YOU GO
While the use of raw coca leaf if ubiquitous, cannabis isn’t as freely available. While legal for personal consumption up to eight grams, the law of determination lies in the hands of the local authorities who may be unwilling to follow Peruvian law over corruption. Burning in the highlands should be exercised with discretion and respect for your environment. Recent discussions of legalization are a hot topic as Peruvians watch their Bolivian neighbors and their success with full legalization. Don’t expect frosty green nugs that are carefully crafted in greenhouses, but more reminiscent of outdoor schwag.
Time to Go:
Peru has two seasons, the wet season and dry season. May through September are the driest months and best time to visit.
Weather:
Drastic changes in temperature based on altitude and elevation change. Mostly mild in dry months, cool at night.
Budget:
$$$$$
