Two Backpackers

Cusco Beyond Machu Picchu

| by Aracely | 12 Comments » | Peru, Photo Essays, South America

We initially visited Cuzco with one goal in mind, to trek to Machu Picchu.  However, two days before we were scheduled to begin our 5 day journey via the Salkantay trek, they closed one of the most visited archeological sites in the world.  Heavy rains caused severe flooding and entire villages were washed away while tourism took a plunge.  We decided to stick around and explore other interesting places around Cusco.

Plaza de Armas, Cusco Peru

The easiest and most economical way to see all of the following ruins is by purchasing a Cusco Tour Ticket, “Boleto Turístico del Cusco”.  It costs $45USD and provides a 10-day window to see a total of 16 different sites, which include 10 ruins.  Below are a few of the ones we visited.

I will start with my favorite place, the salt mines of Maras.  When you first lay eyes on the thousands of pools sitting in the valley, you think, wow, how could we have ever missed this.  It´s visually impressive.  The thousands of pools are fed from subterranean salty waters that escape the mountain.  The sun evaporates the water and  salt is left behind for processing.  It is believed that these pools have been used since pre-Inca times. 

Salinas Maras Salt Mines

The most recent archeological theorists suggest Moray was an Inca agricultural experiment station.  Each level has a micro-climate making it ideal for crop testing.  The most exciting thing about visiting Moray is hiking to the very bottom of the bowl where you realize the temperature change.  Be sure to descend with caution, because the floating steps leading down can sometimes be a bit far apart and intimidating.  Also, remember that you must climb out, which is challenging at 3,500 m (11,500 ft) altitude. 

Moray Ruins

At first site the Pikillacta Archeological Complex does not seem like much, but once you walk to the top view point you realize how vast the place is.  These pre-Inca ruins belonged to the Huari (Wari) culture.  The Huari were believed to be very advanced administratively.  Their civilization specialized in a vast road network and terraced fields. 

Pikillacta Archeological Site

Tipon may have been a park for the upper class, priests or an agricultural center for natural medicines.  Today, water is still rushing though the channels and the wide terraces are in perfect condition. 

Tipon Ruins

Sacsayhumana (jokingly pronounced like Sexy Woman) is just a short cab ride or 45 minute hike away from the center of Cusco city.  Here rest massive stones piled on top of each other forming walls and what used to be the base of a giant fortress.  Estimates for the weight of the largest limestone block vary from 128-200 tons.  The stones are so precisely fitted that a single piece of paper won´t fit between them.  Some stones align perfectly along 12 sides.  It’s hard to imagine how they were able to cut, stack and fit these stones. 

Sacsayhuaman Ruins

Just a few blocks away from the Plaza de Armas is the Temple of Koricancha.  This is the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated primarily to Inti, the Sun God.  The walls and floors were once completely covered in sheets of gold, and the courtyard was filled with golden animal statues.  Inside are impressive examples of architectural strategies used by the Incas to create such sound structures.  All the gold was quickly taken and melted into gold blocks and sent to Spain by conquistadors. 

Koricancha, Temple of the Sun

Purchasing a Cusco Tourist Ticket, Boleto Turístico del Cusco

Visit the Municiple Building at the address below:

Av. Sol 103 Of. 102
Galerias Turisticas
Telefax: 051-84-261465
e-mail: info@cosituc.gob.pe

http://www.boletoturisticocusco.com/

Sites you can visit with the Boleto Turístico del Cusco

Sacsaywaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara, Santa Catalina, Tambomachay, Pikillaqta, Arte Popular, Tipon, Qoricancha, Chinchero, Arte Nativo, Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, Contemporaneo, Historico Regional, Inka Pachacutec

Click the photos above for more pictures.

Related Posts

1. Photo of the Day: Moray Inca Ruin, Peru
2. Photo of the Day: White Christ Overlooking Cusco Peru
3. Photo of the Day: Children of Cusco, Peru
4. Photo of the Day: The Impressive Salinas Mara
5. Hiking With Condortrekkers In Sucre Bolivia

Written by Aracely

Co-founder of TwoBackpackers.com. Aracely has been traveling, writing and taking photos since 2024, when she departed on his first year long travel backpacking journey. When she isn't seeking new adventures, Aracely is usually building Excel models as a financial analyst professional. Visit my website