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Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu
Temple doorway, Pisac
Monastery of Santo Domingo, Cusco
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The Inca Empire was one of the largest the world has ever seen, stretching from Colombia in the north to Chile in the south and as far as Argentina in the east. The area around Cusco, however, was their heartland. Cusco means "navel of the world" in Quechua, the language of the Incas and this region is where you will find the Incas' most important sites, including the incomparable Machu Picchu.
Cusco - the ancient Inca Capital
Cusco was at the centre of the Inca world in every sense: legal, administrative, military and spiritual. It was a cross between Mecca and Rome - all roads led there (including the famous Inca Trail) and every citizen who was able would try and visit Cusco at least once in their lives. Today, you can still see a lot of Inca stonework, notably at the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, but this is combined with lovely colonial architecture to create a truly unique city.
 More information about Cusco
Peru Holidays featuring Cusco.
The Sacred Valley of the Urubamba
Once you have climbed out of the hills to the north of Cusco, you descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Urubamba runs quickly through the valley and the steep sides are lined with inca agricultural terraces still in use today, and the ruins of important inca sites such as Ollantaytambo and Pisac. There's loads to see and do here so if you like, you can stay overnight in the valley to soak up the unique atmosphere.
More information about the Sacred Valley
Peru Holidays featuring the Sacred Valley
And finally... Machu Picchu!
OK, so we saved the best 'til last! Machu Picchu, the stunning lost city of the Incas, is perched high up in the cloud forest and is truly one of the wonders of the world. You can reach it in a day by train or in four days by choosing to trek the Inca Trail. However you choose to get here, we know it's an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
More information about Machu Picchu
Peru Holidays featuring the Inca Trail
Peru Holidays featuring Machu Picchu
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