Mystical Adventures

You should really go visit the Ollantaytambo Ruins, both the fortress and the temple. These spectacular Inca ruins rise above Ollantaytambo, making a splendid half-day trip. The huge, steep terraces that guard Ollantaytambo’s spectacular Inca ruins mark one of the few places where the Spanish conquistadors lost a major battle.

The Pisac ruins are also a truly awesome site with relatively few tourists, this hilltop Inca citadel lies high above the village on a triangular plateau with a plunging gorge on either side. Allow several hours to explore. To walk from town, a steep but spectacular 4km trail starts above the west side of the church. It’s a two-hour climb and 1½ hour return. Worthwhile but grueling, it's a good training for the Inca Trail! Taking a taxi up and walking back is also a good option.

The Chinchero market, held on Tuesday, Thursday and especially Sunday, is less touristy than its counterpart in Pisac and well worth a special trip. On Sunday, traditionally dressed locals descend from the hills for the produce market, where the ancient practice of trueco (bartering) still takes place; this is a rare opportunity to observe genuine bartering.

If you want to go hiking and trekking, you can go on the far side of the valley, a clear trail climbs upward before heading north and down to the Río Urubamba Valley (about four hours). At the river, the trail turns left and continues to a bridge at Wayllabamba. Cross it for the Sacred Valley road to Calca (turn right, about 13km) or Urubamba (turn left, about 9km).

You can flag down any passing bus until mid-afternoon, or continue walking to Yucay, where the trail officially ends. In Yucay you’ll find a colonial church, an Inca ruin, and more than one charming accommodation option if you want to spend the night in the area.

Last but not least, there's the natural landmark of Salinas that can not be missed. Salinas is among the most spectacular sights in the whole Cuzco area, with thousands of salt pans that have been used for salt extraction since Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt-laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce a salt used for cattle licks. It all sounds very pedestrian but the overall effect is beautiful and surreal.