If you want a journey full of adventure and lots of history, Cusco is the best choice to learn more about its natural landscapes. You will not only appreciate a world wonder like Machu Picchu, but you will also discover more about the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a place with green mountains, particularly relevant for the Inca Empire because of its fertile lands.

Located in the region of Urubamba, the Sacred Valley was a source of food for the Incas because of its incredible ecological floors at different altitudes. Its main crops were white corn, potatoes, coca, fruit, and vegetables, which continue being grown to date. Presently, lucuma, avocado, peach, and the best Peruvian grains of corn are added to the vast list of crops.

Rural or Experiential Tourism in the Sacred Valley
Visitors will not only be mere spectators of the wonderful natural landscape which will fill their lungs with the purest air; but they will also have the opportunity to engage in experiential travel, which consists of staying in the house of locals and learn through them more about their customs, culture and traditions such as plowing the fields, participate in rituals of payment to the Earth (Pachamama, Mother Earth), baking bread, sowing, among other activities.

There are three communities for experiential travel: Pumahuanca, where the traveler will be guided by locals and learn how to perform certain farming techniques; Salineras de Maras, where the tourist will engage in the salt extraction process in any of the 3,000 salt wells thereat, and Yucay, a place where the tourist can practice ecotourism and mountain biking

What to do in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley is a territory that extended across the River Vilcanota-Urubamba that links the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. In this place, the traveler will have fun doing extreme sports surrounded by magnificent landscape. Mountain cycling, paragliding, trekking and rafting are some of the activities that any adrenaline lover will experience in heights.

Here is a list of places that you must visit:

Pisac
It was the biggest fortress of the Inca civilization. Pisac, a remarkable and charming town located at the bottom of Intihuanata Hill, at 2 972 m.a.s.l., owns the best terraces system developed by the Incas.

This town is famous for the mass celebrated every Sunday, the “Catu” (a local fair in which people exchange agricultural products, in some kind of barter), the craft market and the imposing Pisac Archeological Complex, known for its amazing buildings considered as Inca architectural jewels.

Calca
This little town has beautiful Andean scenery ornamented by two snowy peaks, Pitusira and Sahuasiray. You can also enjoy the relaxing Machacancha (medicinal hot spring) and Minasmoqo, (cold sparkling mineral spring). The Huachuy Inca Archeological Complex is also nearby.

Urubamba
Its fertile agricultural land makes it one of the most important cities in the Valley. This land was highly valued by the Incas because of its excellent quality crops. Urubamba, also known as Perla del Vilcanota (Pearl of Vilcanota), means “Pampa to one-day journey of the trail” and it’s an important place for extreme sports such as paragliding, canopy, canoeing, balloon flights, etc.

Ollantaytambo
The origin of Ollantaytambo is based on the play of The Legend of Ollantay, a commoner who was deeply in love with the Princess Cusi Coyllor, daughter of the Inca Emperor Pachacutec, who didn’t approve such relation. The Inca decided to punish her daughter, sending her to the house of the Virgins. For that reason, Ollantay decided to rise up against Pachacutec in gory battles; upon winning them, the Inca decided to forgive the commoner’s life.

Ollantaytambo fortress, located in the same town, was erected during the Tahuantinsuyo era and has outstanding buildings such as Templo del Sol (Temple of the Sun) and its monoliths, such as Mañaracay, Incahuatana and Baños de la Princesa (Bath of the Princess).

Enjoy a wonderful journey through these beautiful landscapes! Depart from the heart of the Sacred Valley towards the Inca Citadel Machu Picchu aboard our PeruRail Vistadome panoramic train.

The History of Intipunku
The inhabitants of the Andes have always been avid stargazers, interacting with the stars and investigating everything the cosmos has to offer. Their knowledge and beliefs were entirely based on these observations. Starting in Incan times there was an increasing need for multifunctional constructions such as terrace systems for farming, temples, observatories, storage facilities, places of worship, watchtowers, etc.

The Intipunku, located in Ollantaytambo, played the important role of a control gate and at the same time an astronomical observatory. Its position was ideal, since it was perfectly aligned with the constellation of the Pleiades (the Qollqa, as the Incas called it) and the snow-capped mountain of Verónica (Huacayhuilque or Waqaywillki). It was closely associated with the winter solstice and the Andean New Year.

Just as Andean inhabitants stored their most precious food in special storage facilities, they believed that all things which endured beyond earthly life should be immortalised and preserved. Intipunku was the interdimensional spiritual bridge that acted as the portal between the world of the living and the afterlife.

How to get to each of the two Intipunku? Here we detail the route of each of them: in Ollantaytambo and in Machu Picchu.

How to Reach Intipunku in Ollantaytambo?
This Sun Gate is located 9 km away from the Ollantaytambo district, in the Kachi Qhata (Salt Slope) sector in the upper part of the archaeological site, on the banks of the Vilcanota River and 3,900 meters above sea level.

There are two ways to reach this Intipunku:

Route Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Intipunku
We head towards Pavitos street, in the same city of Cusco, to board a minivan that will take us to Ollantaytambo. It is recommended to go very early, as it is a trip of at least 2 hours.

Then, we have a stretch of 9 km to go until we reach the Sun Gate. We dare to say that it is one of the most beautiful walks you can experience, because you will be able to appreciate the beautiful landscape that the Sacred Valley offers; nature, mountains and snow-capped mountains. We can hardly ask for something better!

Of course, remember that this is a trek of at least 5 hours at height, so you must be in good physical condition.

Route Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Kachi Qhata – Intipunku
Here we will also take a minivan to Ollantaytambo, but now we will take a detour (by taxi or private car) to Kachi Qhata. From this place, we will begin our ascent to Intipunku, which consists of 6 km and lasts approximately 3 hours.

Like the first route, you will be able to rest and appreciate the beautiful landscape at the end of the route. Similarly, you will return the same day by the same path you took. If you wish, you can camp in the surroundings.

How to get to the Intipunku of Machu Picchu?
Although there are currently more entrances to Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate is still considered the most important due to its history and construction. It can be reached in two ways: by hiking from the archaeological site of Machu Picchu and by taking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Visitors usually use the second way, since it is the usual tourist route.

Route to Intipunku from Machu Picchu
This hike starts at Machu Picchu’s entrance gate and runs for a distance of about 2 km (1.2 mi) along farming terraces. Any visitor can take this optional short trip, but remember, it is not included in guided tours of Machu Picchu. The path is closed in February due to heavy rainfall.

Route to Intipunku along the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail itself is a whole excursion, taking two or four days depending on the type of route you choose. You will arrive at the Sun Gate on the last day of the trek, as the final stop before reaching Machu Picchu.

The four-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu covers a distance of approximately 39 km (24 mi) long. It usually starts at Wayllabamba (Km Marker 82), continues via Pacaymayo on Day 2, and Wiñayhuayna on Day 3, before finally arriving at Intipunku on Day 4 after trekking 37 km (23 mi).
The two-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu covers approximately 12 km (7.5 mi). It starts at Km Marker 104 of the railway that connects Ollantaytambo and the town of Machu Picchu.
The return from Machu Picchu depends on the tour you take but remember that you will have to catch the train back to the city of Cusco. The PeruRail Vistadome train has all the amenities you will need on your return trip, offering a complete immersion in nature as you travel, not to mention onboard cultural events. Ready to see what it’s all about? You can buy your tickets here.

Activities at Machu Picchu’s Intipunku
Activities along the trail to Intipunku and at the site itself include the following:

• Enjoy the walk. They say that sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination, and that’s certainly the case here. The ascent from Machu Picchu to the Sun Gate is extremely scenic, offering you the same views the Incas enjoyed hundreds of years ago along the actual paths they built.
• Take in the dazzling landscape. The views here are truly unparalleled: the mountain of Huayna Picchu, the Urubamba River and the town of Machu Picchu together with its beautiful surroundings.
• Birdwatching. If you’re lucky, at this altitude you can find the birds that call Machu Picchu home. These species include the chestnut-breasted coronet, the Andean guan, the famous Andean cock-of-the-rock, the blue-grey tanager, and others.

Did any of these two Intipunku catch your attention? It is a beautiful experience to take these tours and get to know everything around you, but taking all the necessary precautions. We recommend going in times when the rains are not so frequent (May – October), always with sunscreen and waterproof clothing, as the weather can change drastically from one moment to another.

In addition, the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is enough to enter the Sun Gate.

Remember that you can take a train to Machu Picchu and hike to the Sun Gate from there. The PeruRail Expedition train is ready to offer its services to more adventurous visitors at a modest price, with all the amenities you could possibly need. Get your tickets here.

Urubamba, which means “pampas a day’s walk” in Spanish, is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, in an impressive area for extreme sports such as hiking, canopy, mountain biking, paragliding, canoeing, hot air ballooning, etc. In addition, you will enjoy getting to know mystical places with a lot of history and culture that are still alive despite the years.

Learn more about the interesting places you will find in the heart of Urubamba:

• Santiago Apostle Church: Built in 1650 by Juan Arias de la Lira, parish priest of the place with the help of Bishop Manuel Molinedo. On December 28, 1972, it was declared Cultural Patrimony of the Nation because it was considered the first church in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its architecture still preserves works of colonial art, the cross for example maintains a Gothic style, the altar is bathed in gold leaf and silver plating. You can also find the image of an Inca with a mascaypacha on his head.
• The Martín Pio Concha House: He was the last Spaniard who ruled Cusco in the XIX century. In this place are the 360 archaeological pieces found in Machu Picchu by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham, after being returned by Yale University, here you can see bone remains, metal, ceramic and lithic pieces.
• Main square of Urubamba: Surrounded by a chain of greenish mountains, the square is the central point of the whole city. In front you can see the San Francisco church, built on Inca foundations. Also, very close to this place you will find restaurants dedicated to the typical Cusquenian gastronomy and excursion agencies that will guide you to learn more about the Inca culture.
• Urubamba River: Also known as Wilcamayu (Sacred River), it is one of the main rivers of Peru that rises in the knot of the Vilcanota at 4,314 meters above sea level, its name in Spanish means “plateau of spiders” and it is the ideal place for canoeing. It is recommended to practice this sport in the months of December to March because of the different degrees of difficulty (I, II, II).

How to get to Urubamba
Urubamba, bordering provinces such as: La Convención, Anta and Calca, it is located only 78 km from the city of Cusco, approximately 1 hour and a half by bus or car. The tourist will have two options to get to this place, to the north towards Chincheros and to the northeast via Pisac towards Calca.

In the city of Urubamba you will find a train station, from this point the PeruRail Vistadome, the only train to Machu Picchu Station that departs from this area.
Be sure to learn more about the ancestral Inca culture, a place that still maintains its fertile lands for the best corn production. Enjoy and live the combination of ancient culture with the adventure of Urubamba!

Origins of Ollantaytambo
The town of Ollantaytambo was established under this name during the Reign of Pachacútec (1418–1471). While there were buildings here before that, the town grew dramatically under the rule of the Incas. At that time, Ollantaytambo was used as a checkpoint to control access to the Sacred Valley. This was also where maize was first domesticated before being grown extensively on the fertile slopes of the Urubamba River Valley.

Ollantaytambo is located amidst arid mountains and colourful landscapes in the northwest corner of the Sacred Valley, the part furthest from Cusco and closest to Machu Picchu. The town’s location seems at first to be a happy coincidence, but history has shown us that the Incas rarely left anything to chance. Let us tell you a bit more about the history of the town of Ollantaytambo.

Origins of Ollantaytambo
The town of Ollantaytambo was established under this name during the Reign of Pachacútec (1418–1471). While there were buildings here before that, the town grew dramatically under the rule of the Incas. At that time, Ollantaytambo was used as a checkpoint to control access to the Sacred Valley. This was also where maize was first domesticated before being grown extensively on the fertile slopes of the Urubamba River Valley.

Not only was this a strategic point for monitoring the nearby valleys, but it was also a strategic military location of which the Incas made great use. This is why we say the Incas left nothing to chance.

Who built Ollantaytambo?
While Pachacútec helped Ollantaytambo reach its full splendour, the buildings here date to well before the time of the Incas. In the town and its surroundings, evidence has been found of settlements of the Huari civilization (600 – 1000 AD), such as the Fortress of Pumamarca, a military citadel that controlled access to Ollantaytambo. This fortress was reached along the famous Inca Trail.

Others claim that the town is even older, dating back as far as 3,500 years.

Many different peoples erected buildings in this area, including the Incas, but it was the Incas who greatly expanded the previously existing town.

Ollantaytambo Today
While you may have started to get the impression that Ollantaytambo is a town of ruins, the truth is quite the opposite. Today, the town is divided in two by the Patacancha Creek. On the eastern side is Qosqo Ayllu, with the town’s main square and four streets running parallel to the Patacancha. On the western side is Araqama Ayllu, known for its many archaeological sites. According to the 2017 National Census, the district of Ollantaytambo is home to 10,165 residents. It is believed that even more people lived here during the days of the Incas.

The town is well-equipped for tourism, with hotels, cafés, restaurants, handicraft shops, and more.

Train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
You are probably visiting Ollantaytambo as a stop on the way to your main destination of Machu Picchu. If so, the best way to get there is by train, and PeruRail offers excellent service from the Ollantaytambo Station. We recommend taking the PeruRail Vistadome train, which offers all the amenities you will need to make the most out of your trip. Onboard, you will find traditional music and dances, not to mention an incredible panoramic view.

You can buy your tickets here.

How to Reach Ollantaytambo?
We recommend traveling from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by car. There are three possible routes:

• Cusco – Chinchero – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo (81 km/50 mi)
• Cusco – Pisac – Calca – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo (96 km/60 mi)
• Cusco – Anta – Huarocondo – Pachar – Ollantaytambo (70 km/43 mi)

While the last option is the shortest, be careful because there are often landslides blocking the roads during the rainy season.

Various civilisations have walked these lands, so don’t miss the chance to discover every fascinating detail of its history. The town of Ollantaytambo awaits you with open arms!

Remember, you can also reach Machu Picchu on the PeruRail Expedition train, which is designed for visitors in search of adventure. Get your tickets here!