Sacred Valley Ruins – Uncover the Inca Mystery

The Sacred Valley Ruins are ancient ruins in the Southern Sierra in Peru, near Cusco. The valley was a prominent site during the Inca Empire. It was named so because it comprises some of the best lands in the area. It was not a part of the Empire but the estate of the Emperor or Inca himself.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas was not just a fertile land for crop cultivation but also had an entire civilization. Presently, it has an extraordinary view of life in the Incas. It also is an essential site to retain Peruvian traditions and culture. The outstanding view, food culture, artwork, festivals, and everything is unique. 

History

The Sacred Valley ruins nestles in the Andes region of Peru at some 2050 metres above sea level.  It is just 20 kilometres from Cusco city. 

The city is so famous that the full day trip to the Inca ruins starts from the city of Cusco. Several ethnic groups call this place their home. Cusco is also a jump off point to visit Machu Picchu.

As farming was the most important profession of Inca people, the fertile soil of the valley gave them a wide opportunity to practise farming. Infact, archaeological sites like Moray Ruins played a vital role in the life of Incas. The fresh waters of Urubamba river was widely used during the Incan empire to feed the agricultural terraces. 

Moray is home to circular farming terraces. These terraces have different levels dug into the ground. Each level here has a different temperature. This allowed the Incas to determine the best weather condition needed to grow a crop. 

The valley was sacred to Incas because it is here that they 

Chicha

Chicha is a popular drink that is commonly made by the fermentation of Maize. The favourable location of the Valley with warmer temperatures and lower elevation was excellent for the Incas Farmers for the production of Chicha.

Inti Raymi 

The local festival, Ollantaytambo’s Raymi is the annual celebration. It is celebrated in June where the Inca Sun God (Inti) is celebrated. The culture, tradition, performance, food culture and colourful setting are unmissable.

This is a popular festival in South America. In Cusco, you can see locals celebrating it in the temple of the Sun, Coricancha. 

Ollantaytambo was once an administrative capital of Incas. Today this is the gateway to the Inca Trail and for those taking the train to Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu. 

The Salt Flats 

Maras Village is a unique village that is only 25 miles from Cusco. It has monochromatic salt pools that will astound you. 

The wonderful view of salt ponds is very pleasing to the eyes. These ponds are used by people even today. People harvest salt from these ponds.

The Actions of Local Artisans 

The village of Chincheros has the most vibrant and colourful traditions of Peru. You will get to see various artistries like craftsmen, weaving, women making colourful dye, spinning yarns, strands, weaving intricate designs, etc. 

The products here are very colourful and lively. You can ask them to allow you to film their work. You can also purchase a sovereign of the Sacred Valley Ruins.

Final Words

The agricultural onset altered the life of the Incas. Important crops such as Potatoes and Coca were cultivated. They had very good irrigation channels that were used to water the crops in the fields

Today it consists of several villages namely Pisac, Calca, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Urubamba Valley. It retains the ruins of ancient times. 

The Sacred Valley Ruins are very bewitching with an impression of those who lived and worked for years and years in the Andean region. Presently, they have modern-day homes also. They are a centre for Peruvian farmers. 

Please note that you will need a tourist ticket to visit Sacred Valley of Incas.