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Machu Picchu |
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Cusco (Cuzco) |
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Sacsayhuaman – The Inca fortress above Cusco, where massive
blocks of stone were fitted mysteriously, perfectly together centuries
ago. Here is where Pizarro defeated Manco Inca in 1536.
Today, start your explorations at the three big red stone circles, remains
of large tower foundations. Drop down to the huge zig zag stone walls
that look like gigantic puma teeth. Cross the big dirt field area (the
Esplanade), to the Rodadero, a perfect natural rock slide for kids. You'll want to slide down a bunch of times (it's fun for adults
too).
Before you go to the ruins, shop in town for a kite – the hilltop
location of Sasayhuaman is perfect for kite flying.
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Puca Pucara – This circular ruin, the "Red
Fortress," brings to mind a ruined Scottish guard tower, but the Andean
mountains are a far cry from Scotland. It's worth a stop to run around the
ruins, kids can imagine they're the Inca guard, monitoring anyone coming
or going to Cusco. |
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Tambomachay – When the Inca nobles
wanted to get out of town, they headed for Tambomachay. Here water from
a spring is diverted to three stone tiers, water pouring from one level
to the next. The Inca weren't all that tall, and could stand under the water
for ceremonial baths. It's a peaceful spot for a picnic. |
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Ride horses around the ruins – Take a day trip to ride horses
around the ruins (Saysayhuaman, Puca Pucara, Qenko and Tambomachay). It's
a very pleasant way to explore the wide open countryside around Cusco.
Ask at your hotel for arrangements.
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Pisac – Pisac, the Citadel, was once a key Inca fortress
that guarded routes to the jungle and protected Cusco. Today, it's a steep
climb up terraces to reach the top of the saddle. From there, you climb
up to the ruins. On top there are stunning views of red volcanic peaks
across the valley and fields that go straight up the mountain! The climb
to the top is pretty steep; it could be a bit much for small kids. |
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 Down
in the valley, the town of Pisac has a busy Sunday market. |
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Ollantaytambo – Ollantaytambo was
an Inca town, topped by a spectacular fortress overlooking the Urubamba
River. The ruins are quite stunning, but as an added bonus, to the east
of the fortress is an "aqueduct" that brought water to main plaza.
Take a picnic lunch to munch while you relax along the small stream that
flows at the base of the ruins. It's a pastoral spot to spend hours playing
by the water. |
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Rafting
on the Urubamba River – In summer months, when the water is low,
the river is wide and smooth flowing in this section, good for a rafting
trip with kids. You can arrange for day trips at the rafting office in the
plaza in Ollantaytambo. |
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Tip: Buy a Boleto Turistico,
a tourist ticket for entrance into many of the sites in and around Cusco.
The ticket includes Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Tambomachay, Ollantaytambo, Pisac,
Chincherro, the cathedral, Museo de Sitio del Koricancha, Museo Historico
Regional. The ticket is good for ten days and kid's tickets are half price. |
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Get
to know Tomasino, a Quechua boy who lives in the Andes – meet
his family and five brothers and sisters, their favorite animals
(horses, a little donkey, lambs), working in the fields and going
to school, preparing food and playing soccer. Excellent photographs
capture family life in high mountains of Peru. (Picture book)
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Scientists
try to rediscover Inca stone building techniques and local villagers
construct a grass suspension bridge in three days! Fascinating
background, before you visit the Andes.
(DVD video)
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Check
out the latest archeological discoveries about the Inca, Read about
the Inca capital of Cusco and sites in the Sacred Valley – Machu
Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and research on the frozen Inca
mummies. Excellent photographs from National Geographic. (Illustrated
chapter book)
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Get the scoop on the Inca civilization – history and society, food and feasts
(corn on the cob, roast duck, tropical fruits), clothes and jewelry (fabulous
textiles and tons of gold), temples and sacrifices, warriors and weapons,
plus 15 arts-and-crafts activities to do. Rich, detailed illustrations.
(Picture book)
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(More children's
books on other Peru pages) |
