The Inca empire has treasures that many miss due to the acclaim of Machu Picchu, however with this well structured trip through the culture, you are able to delve into the rich history of the Incas, and still make your way to Machu Picchu on the final day, with a whole new appreciation for the civilization.

Koricancha –
Formerly, the ancient Inca temples of the sun. They were destroyed and rebuilt by the Spanish Conquistadores and fused to create the Santo Domingo Church. View the incredible Inca construction stone, 3 of which have over 30 angles, with one stone boasting 24 angles and 6 sides. The stonework here is second to none and the walls in many chambers are covered by gold and silver leaf.

Sacsayhuaman –
Overlooking the beautiful city of Cusco; the unmissable Sacsayhuaman contains some of the largest monolithic stones of the incan empire. Marvel and wonder at how these master builders moved the stone, and hear theories of why the monumental site was built – Fortress? Temple? You be the judge. The stones were placed with such precision, (without mortar) that a sheet of paper wouldn’t even fit between them.

Qenqo –
One of, if not the largest monolithic stones carved and placed by the Incas at this place of worship. Qenqo shows highly detailed and complex patterns including a Puma design, seats, passageways and more.

Pucapucara –
Accepted as a type of lodging rather than a fortress for the long, frequent Inca journeys, this site boasts stunning views of the Peruvian landscape and beautiful Inca construction.

Tambomachay –
Also know as the ‘Banos del Inca’ or Inca baths, Tambomachay was a site for ritual bathing, most likely by the upper class society and royalty of the culture.

Pisaq –
Písac is a strategic position built by the incas for military and political importance. These ruins are not to be missed and present a beautiful view of the Urubamba valley.

Ollantaytambo –
Inhabited since the 13th century, and a stronghold against the Spanish invasion; Ollantaytambo boasts some of the most amazing Inca construction in Peru. Explore the narrow alleyways throughout the city and be sure to check out the ruins that overlook the valley.

Chinchero – Believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow, with stunning views of the sacred valley of the Incas and the snow capped mount Salkantay.

Maras Moray – The ancient agricultural feats of genius are at different heights which have different temperatures, which catalyze different types of growth. This allowed the Incas to test growing different types of agriculture at different altitudes, and gauge what could grow at different levels across the Inca kingdom.