Sacred Valley

Kids at the Sun Temple in Ollantaytambo
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After a great day at Machu Picchu, we took the 5pm train to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, a 2 hour train ride.

This Inca town consists of fine Inca blocks, which are almost entirely intact and still occupied behind the main plaza.

We visited the Inca ruins built into the mountain behind the village. The Incas never finished the town (but took 70-80 years to construct what can be seen today). It is said that this Inca village would have been bigger than Machu Picchu had they finished it.

Ruins in Ollantaytambo
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From Ollantaytambo we took a collectivo car to Pisac, another village with Inca ruins. Pisac lies 33km northeast of Cusco and has two distinct parts: the colonial village lying beside the river and the Inca fortress perched dramatically on a mountain spur above. Pisac is also famous for its Sunday market, when traditionally dressed locals visit from miles around. They sell everyday produce, including dozens of potato varieties. After the Sunday mass (in Quechua), men in traditional highland dress leave the church in a colorful procession (see picture).

Woman with child - Ollantaytambo
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From Pisac we took a local bus back to Cusco.