Distances From The Posada
| Site | Distance (aprox.) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ollantaytambo Ruins | 12 Miles | 25 min. by car |
| Maras Salt Flats | 9 Miles | 20 min. by car |
| Moray Agricultural Laboratory | 10 Miles | 20 min. by car |
| Chincheros | 18 Miles | 30 min. by car |
| Pisaq | 24 Miles | 45 min. by car |
| Machu Picchu Ruins | 33 Miles | 1 1/2 hours by train |
| City of Cusco | 46 Miles | 1 hour by car |
Macchu Picchu
Machu Picchu is considered an incredible architectural as well as engineering accomplishment. Its unique architecture and scenery, plus the veil of mystery that surrounds it in all the past and current literature, has made it one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet.
You can take a train from the Urubamba station to go Machu Picchu directly.
Pisaq
The City of Pisac is located 20 miles from Cusco. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley due to the quality of its construction, its unequaled agricultural terracing, still in use today, and its defensively strategic placement.
The village harmoniously combines both Inca and Colonial elements. Its small streets and main plaza have been converted into a colourful market where you find the largest variety of original Andean handcrafts. The village is also known as an astronomical observatory.
Moray
In the study of Inca culture, Moray was possibly the most important center of agricultural experimentation and development. Here the Inca studied the evolution of seeds and plants at different altitudes. Still today, this knowledge allows perfect use of seeds with altitude. The position of the agricultural terraces in Moray creates as many as 20 different micro climates. It is believed that from this experimental center seeds were exported all over the Sacred Valley as well the entire Inca Empire to be planted in their optimum production settings.
Maras
Also, called “salt mines”, the Maras salt production site of the Inca was constructed with over 3,000 small wells, about 3 feet by 3 feet, on the inclined sides of the mountain called “Qaqawiñay”. During the dry season the wells are filled every 3 days with salt water that emanates from the mountain side. The sun and evaporation of the water cause the salt to solidify and crystallize. Repeating this procedure for a month produces a top level of salt about 10 centimeters (4 inches). This salt level is then harvested, granulated and iodized, after which it is packaged and sent to market.
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the ancient Inca Empire. It is often referred to as a Fortress, due to its megalithic walls. In reality it was a tambo (resting place) whose strategic placement dominated the Sacred Valley of the Inca.
The architectural style used, as well as the quality of each worked rock, makes Ollantaytambo one of the most peculiar and surprising constructions produced by ancient Peruvians. The Temple of the Sun and its giant monoliths are prime examples.
Chincheros
In Chinchero was located the hacienda of the Royal Inca, Tupac Inca Yupanqui, as well as a Colonial church built over the original Inca constructions, which had trapezoidal windows. The trapezoidal architectural form is one of the primary characteristics of all major Inca construction.
The Sunday market in Chinchero still uses the ancient system of barter and interchange for agricultural products. Also, this market has great attraction for tourists with the variety of handcrafts offered, the typical dress worn by the indigenous people, and most importantly, for its textiles produced traditionally, following the Pre-Columbian models and styles.
The view of the snow covered high mountain peaks completes this unequaled and magical scene.