Along the Inca Trail

Discover the Historic Wonders of Peru

By Google Arts & Culture

Ollantaytambo


In the 1500s, town of Ollantaytambo was one of the last Inca hold-outs against the Spanish conquistadors. Today it's a popular starting point for people journeying along the Inca Trail, a five-day hike through mountains and forests of Peru.

Q'eswachaka Rope Bridge

Winding its way through the Andes, the Inca Trail meets many gorges and rivers. 500 years ago, the Inca built hand-woven rope bridges to span these deep valleys. The bridge at Q’eswachaka is one of the last of these traditional crossings.

Moray

The Inca mastered many technologies for living at high altitudes. The stone walls of these mountainside terraces at Moray protected crops from the cold winds, and reflected enough heat to grow summer crops all year round.

Mount Ampato

Mountains were places of life, but also of death. As one of the most sacred sites of the Incan empire Many human sacrifices were carried out here on the barren, rocky slopes of the dormant volcano of Ampato.

Sacsayhuaman

Overlooking the imperial city of Cusco, was the temple fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Today, people visit to see the sights and to celebrate Inti Raymi, the 'Festival of the Sun' which marks the winter solstice.

Písac

The settlement of Písac was built in the Sacred Valley of the Inca, also known as Urubamba. The expansive ancient site was once home to farming communities, baths, altars, water fountains, and a Temple of the Sun.

Wiñay Wayna

Found high above the the rushing waters of the Urubamba River, just off the Inca Trail, the steep terraces of Wiñay Wayna are an impressive sight. The upper and lower complexes of houses are linked by steep stairs and water systems.

Machu Piccu

The Inca Trail ends here, two kilometres up in the Peruvian Andes, at the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Piccu. Once the royal estate of Incan emperor Pachacuti, it thankfully escaped destruction by the Spanish, and remains today one of the most amazing sights in the world.

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