As you cross over the hills surrounding Cuzco you enter the Sacred Valley, which stretches down the river of Urubamba. The Andes are resplendent in the crisp winter air, which is surprisingly warm. At least till sunset when the temperatures suddenly plummet. This is a land of microclimates, where the weather conditions change very rapidly.
It is hard to explain such majestic landscape. You soon realize that you are just a small part of the very large macrocosm on display here. The valley is at points very flat, which is ideal for agricultural purposes. As you look up at the peaks above the valley, you will notice that many of the mountains are terraced right to the top, which stems from the old Inca days, when these terraces were used to grow various crops or were built to prevent erosion. It's quite amazing for you would expect them to terrace only the bottom parts of the mountain.
The Andes are very monochromatic. This is a land of brown colours and barren landscapes. The hills are brown, the houses are brown, yet the outfits of the people are incredibly colourful. Think of all the colours you associate with a poncho! It's their own way of bringing a splash of colour into their world.
Things to see in the vicinity:
> Maras: white salt mines that are terraced into the side of a mountain above the Sacred Valley. The salt water comes out of a spring at 28 degrees and fills out all the salt mines below.
> Moray: circular terraces built by the Incas in order to create different micro-climates for agricultural purposes. The terraces are excavated into the ground, forming a large hole with concentric circles.
> Ollantayambo: a fortress built during the Inca empire, filled with way to many tourists.
> Pisac: located on the river Urubamba, this small village has a beautiful albeit very expensive local market.
HOTEL:
> Libertador Tambo del Inka Hotel: complete surprise! This Sheraton Luxury Collection hotel is set by the Urubamba river and is stunning. Very large and spacious modern rooms, outfitted in Inca style. Honestly, one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve been to! Why? Because it's luxury that is totally harmonious within its environment.
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