The beautiful Río Urubamba valley, popu- larly known as El Valle Sagrado (The Sacred Valley), is about 15km north of Cuzco as the condor flies. The star attractions are the lofty Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, which preside over its undulating twists and turns, but the valley is also packed with other Inca sites, as well as hectic markets and fetching Andean villages. It’s famous for some high-adrenaline activities, from rafting to trekking to rock climbing. Most activities can be organized in Cuzco or at some hotels in Urubamba.

A multitude of travel agencies in Cuzco offer whirlwind tours of the Sacred Valley, stopping at markets and the most significant archaeo- logical sites, but even if you only have a day or two to spare, it’s immeasurably rewarding to explore this peaceful, often overlooked corner of the Andes at your own leisure. Visiting the archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero requires a boleto turístico (p229), which can be bought directly from the guards at the sites.