Tres Nevados

The first place you should go while staying here is of course Zona Arqueologica Moray – it’s only 20 minutes' walk/three minutes’ drive away, and one of the real treasures of the Sacred Valley. The highlight is the group of circular terraces that descend 150 metres from top to bottom – surrounded by the stunning Andean scenery they're quite the sight (even if no one is quite sure why the Inca built them here). If that’s whetted your appetite for more of that fascinating history, you’ll be pleased to hear there's plenty more nearby. The stone structures of Cheqoq (15 minutes) and the archaeological site at Chinchero (35 minutes) give an insight into Inca culture. See a different side at the colonial Templo Tiobamba (15 minutes) and the traditional village of Chichubamba (35 minutes), where you can tour local homes and join various workshops. Another must-see is the Salt Mine of Maras (half an hour), run by the community and made up of over 3,000 evaporation pools. You might also manage to see them from above if you take a flight with Paragliding Cusco (half an hour).