Page 39 - Off the Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 1 of 2)

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ANCIENT AND HISTORICAL SIGHTS

Spectacular Inca ruins in the hills behind the market town of
Pisac, Peru
Pisac
Visitors descending the steep stairway leading from the top of
Huayna Picchu mountain, Peru
Huayna Picchu NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION Pisac lies
&$6"%03
on Peru’s Urubamba river,
NEED TO KNOW just north of Cusco
VISITORS
LOCATION Huayna Picchu PER YEAR #3";*-
is situated in southeast Peru, &$6"%03 Fewer than 9,000 5SVKJMMP 1&36
northwest of Cusco, within DAYTIME
the Machu Picchu site -JNB 1*4"$
TEMPERATURES
VISITORS #3";*- Jan: 50°F (10°C); Apr: 57°F 1BDJmD $VTDP
PER YEAR 5SVKJMMP 1&36 (14°C); Jul: 57°F (14°C); 0DFBO "SFRVJQB #0-*7*"
Fewer than 50,000 )6":/" Oct: 59°F (15°C)
1*$$)6
DAYTIME -JNB
TEMPERATURES $VTDP
Jan: 50°F (10°C); Apr: 57°F (14°C); 1BDJmD
0DFBO
Jul: 57°F (14°C); Oct: 59°F (15°C) "SFRVJQB #0-*7*" The tranquil market town of Pisac takes little notice
of the magnificent ruins in the hills behind it. For
that matter, you’d be hard-pressed to recognize its
At 8,920 ft (2,720 m), the cone-shaped pinnacle historic link to the Inca Trail. Which is probably just
of Huayna Picchu is 1,180 ft (360 m) higher than as well for travelers who want to see near-intact
ABOVE The intricately carved Puerta del Sol, or the Gate of the Sun, Machu Picchu below, but receives far fewer remnants of a glorious Inca civilization. To this
located in the Kalasasaya, Tiwanaku
visitors. The view of Machu Picchu is vastly day, the hillside is lined with terraces constructed
superior from this summit, a village of Inca royalty by the Inca and still in use. The ruins themselves
sure, there is no doubt that the people who and priests centuries ago. The climb is quite are divided into four areas, of which Q’allaqasa
inhabited Tiwanaku were among the most challenging and definitely not for the faint of (the citadel) and Intihuatana (the Temple of the
scientifically advanced of any age. heart. Steep stone steps suddenly turn into Sun) are the best preserved. The views from
Whether its many legends are true or not, narrow passages overlooking ravines far below, Intihuatana of the Sacred Valley below are
Tiwanaku is as mysterious a place as it gets. Its and twist their way along slippery, narrow paths nothing short of amazing. Pisac is also something
evocative ruins, vanished civilization, and incredible before abruptly ending at a wonderfully of a trekker’s delight, with the area around ideal
feats of engineering and astronomy, and preserved Inca storehouse. Only 400 visitors a for spring and autumn hikes. Visitors arriving here
surrounding stillness make it one of the most day are permitted; if you’re one of the lucky few, look to combine low-impact trekking with
charmed places on the continent. you’ll see why many claim Huayna Picchu as the cultural tourism – a niche the town fills perfectly.
highlight of their visit to Machu Picchu.
Practical Information Practical Information
Getting There and Around A rental car is the best way to visit Tiwanaku Practical Information Getting There and Around Pisac can be visited as part of a trek on the
and its environs, although there are several daily buses from La Paz that Getting There and Around The trail ascending Huayna Picchu begins near Inca Trail, only it is north of Cusco and can be easily reached by road. If
make the trip. the Sacred Rock at the north side of the Machu Picchu site. you have a private vehicle, you’re better off as there are other nearby sites
When to Go The ideal time for seeing the ruins and the surrounding region When to Go The best time to visit is Dec–Mar. You must sign in at Huayna worth exploring.
is Jun–Aug. Picchu by 1pm on the day of your visit to Machu Picchu. When to Go Dec–Mar, when there is little rain and lots of sunshine.
Website whc.unesco.org/en/list/567 Website www.incatrail-peru.com Website www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/destinations/cusco/pisac.html

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