This complete Incan city was discovered in 1911 by the archeologist Hiram Bingham at the height of 305 m (1000 ft) above the Sacred Valley near Ollantaytambo. The views of the exotic vegetation and the awe-inspiring mountains, on the way to the site, will take your breath away numerous times.
The site is full of temples, palaces, fountains and terraced slopes that fall down to the valley of the river Urubamba.
You can catch the best view of the site from the Funerary Rock which is also the perfect place to watch the sunrise. From there you can clearly see the whole ancient city and it’s zones.
Numerous edifices each one with it’s own name and historical purpose are mystically aligned on the site’s surface. There is the Temple of the Sun with it’s windows set up so that the sun perfectly illuminates the central temple during the June winter solistice. Below the temple is the Royal Tomb with an altar and a section of dwellings around a functional water canal connecting the fountains.
The northern part holds the main ceremonial area with the Sacred Plaza the Principle Temple and the House of the Priest. A bit up from there is the remarkable Hitching Post of the Sun – Intihuatana, an astronomical and agricultural calendar.
Another astonishing 360 degrees view can you get from the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu accessible by a steep climb, but worth every effort.
Whatever part of this amazing landscape you chose to explore you will have a journey of your lifetime.
WHAT TO SEE
A complete Incan city in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
WHERE IS IT
Near Cuzco – Peru.
WHEN TO GO
April to May and October to November are the best time to visit.