The Sacred Valley is located in the Andean Highlands, and formed the heart of the Inca Empire at one time. The land was, and still is, very fertile for maize production. A large number of crops are still harvested there. We stopped at a family’s home first, and sat through a demonstration of how the women weave the wool into fine threads to create sweaters, scarves, ponchos, etc. We then drove to the archaeological site. The entrance to the grounds was right through the markets, and we could not help, but notice all the lovely vibrantly colorful items sold here. The smell of corn cooking was quite overwhelming, and we were tempted to buy and try some of that corn. It was really delicious. The Spanish Church complex on the top of the hill is still standing from centuries back, and people still worship here on important occasions, and still gather here on the vast grounds for the festivals. All the buildings were built on the top of the Inca foundations. The Inca architecture and their knowledge was simply amazing. The terraces on the mountainside where they brought the water via aqueducts and harvested the grains were an amazing site. It was a visit well worth our time.

We came here hoping that it would be similar to other sites with numerous guides outside the entrance offering their services. Unfortunately, there were none. We used our boleto turistico to enter and walked the site ourselves. There is an old spanish church built on top of Inca ruins. Inside the church there is an elderly gentleman pointing to signs in multiple languages that say no pictures are to be taken inside the church and that a donation should be made. There are many people inside the square selling goods. Unfortunately, without a guide, we were unable to truly learn about the site and appreciate its history. The masonry was exquisite. We enjoyed our time here. We were able to drive here on our own and park in front of the alpacas. This location is more remote and does not see as many tourists. It does not appear to have the same tourism infrastructure as some of the other ancient sites in the valley and appeals to tours focusing on the textile weaving instead of the archaeological site itself.

This was part of our Sacred Valley tour of Moray, Maras and Chichenquento. I hadn't done too much research on this site so was pleasantly surprised at the size and scale of the ruins. Great stone works and terracing. Very few people around so you can enjoy at your leisure