The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most enchanting places in Peru — a magical corridor filled with ancient ruins, living traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. With the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Circuit 3), travelers have the unique chance to explore four of the most fascinating sites: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray. Each destination offers a glimpse into the genius of the Inca civilization and the living culture that still thrives today.
🏞️ Pisac – The Gateway to the Sacred Valley
Located just 33 km from Cusco, Pisac is one of the Valley’s most iconic towns. Its vibrant traditional market is famous for colorful textiles, ceramics, and silver jewelry — perfect for travelers seeking authentic souvenirs.
But beyond the market, the real treasure lies in the Pisac Archaeological Complex, perched high on the mountainside. With impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and sweeping views of the valley, Pisac showcases the Inca’s mastery of engineering and astronomy. It is also believed to have been an important spiritual center, making it a must-visit for history lovers.
🏯 Ollantaytambo – The Living Inca Town
Known as the “Living Inca Town”, Ollantaytambo is a place where history and modern life blend seamlessly. It is the only town where original Inca urban planning is still in use, with cobblestone streets, water channels, and traditional houses dating back hundreds of years.
The Ollantaytambo Fortress dominates the town with its massive stone terraces and temples. This site was the stage of one of the most famous Inca battles against the Spanish, and today it offers incredible panoramic views of the valley. Beyond history, Ollantaytambo is also the starting point for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, making it a vital hub for adventurers.
🎨 Chinchero – The Land of Weavers
At 3,800 meters above sea level, Chinchero is a charming highland town known as the “Land of Weavers.” Visitors are welcomed with demonstrations of traditional textile-making techniques, passed down for generations. Here, you can witness how alpaca and sheep wool is dyed with natural plants and transformed into stunning fabrics.
Chinchero is also home to important Inca ruins and a colonial church built on top of Inca foundations, blending indigenous and Spanish heritage. The landscapes are breathtaking, with views of snow-capped mountains like Salkantay and Veronica.
🌱 Moray – The Inca Agricultural Laboratory
Unlike any other Inca site, Moray is a masterpiece of agricultural innovation. Its circular terraces, descending into the earth like a giant amphitheater, are believed to have been an experimental agricultural laboratory. Each terrace created a unique microclimate, allowing the Incas to test and adapt crops at different altitudes.
Walking through Moray feels like stepping into a science experiment of the past — one that demonstrates the Inca’s unmatched knowledge of agriculture and sustainability.
✨ Why Choose Circuit 3?
Circuit 3 is perfect for travelers who want to dive deep into the Sacred Valley’s history, culture, and landscapes. From the bustling markets of Pisac to the agricultural genius of Moray, this route brings together the essence of the Inca legacy in just one ticket.
🌿 Best for: Culture seekers, history lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting to experience the heart of the Sacred Valley.
