<h3>Your Name</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vilma Pillco</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Your position in Valencia Travel</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reservation Manager</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2022/10/07/sin-titulo-970-500-px-1.png" /></div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>How Long have you worked for Valencia Travel?&nbsp;</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;Seven years</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>What do you love about working in the Travel industry?&nbsp;</h3>

<p><br />
I love to create new experiences, go the extra mile to create unique adventures, and pay attention to detail for our valued customers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2022/10/07/sin-titulo-970-500-px.png" /></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>What is your favorite place to visit in Peru?&nbsp;</h3>

<p><br />
<a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/machu-picchu-by-train">Machu Picchu</a> is my favorite place to visit, and although I have been there many times, the energy and experience are different on each occasion.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Where would you like to travel, given the opportunity?&nbsp;</h3>

<p><br />
I would love to visit the<a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/chiclayo-city-tour-and-wizards-market"> North of Peru</a> to places like <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/the-moche-route-from-chiclayo-to-trujillo">Trujillo</a>, Piura, Lambayeque, Loreto, Tumbes, and San Martin to experience our country&#39;s different cultures and coastline.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2022/10/07/sin-titulo-970-500-px-2.png" /></div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<h3>What is your favorite Peruvian Dish / Drink?&nbsp;</h3>

<p><br />
Undoubtedly, <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/taste-of-peru-experience-and-traditional-lunch">Ceviche</a> is the best cuisine and our national dish, accompanied by a Chicha Morada.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>What is your most memorable moment working for Valencia Travel?&nbsp;</h3>

<p><br />
On Christmas day, we donate toys and other gifts to the children of the remote communities of <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/cusco-city-tour">Cusco</a> and celebrate this special day with them. The true spirit of &ldquo;Ayni&rdquo; and reciprocity</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2022/10/07/quelccayaglacier-trek-conts.jpg" /></div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Where do you see yourself in one year?</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moving to the sales department of Valencia Travel to create new and innovative tours for our clients, using the experience I gained in the operations department.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>What is the best travel tip you can give to visitors to Peru?</h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Visit <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/luxury-machu-picchu-express">Machu Picchu!</a>&nbsp; Because it is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is no other place on the planet like <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/machu-picchu-express">Machu Picchu</a>!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2022/10/07/sin-titulo-970-500-px-3.png" /></div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Office Spotlight- Vilma Pillco

Machu Picchu

Cusco

Miraflores

Lima

Paracas & Nazca lines

Colca Canyon

Arequipa

Titicaca Lake

Puno

Otuzco Windows

Cajamarca

The Moche Route

Chiclayo

Amazon River Cruises

Iquitos

Manu National Park

Madre de Dios

Kuelap & Gocta

Chachapoyas

The Best of Peru

Multidestination

Peru

The Best of Bolivia

Bolivia

Galápagos

Ecuador

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Travel Alert

The Best of Magical Peru

Colours of Peru

Sacred Land of the Incas

Trek along the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu

Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain & Machu Picchu

Peru Express

The best of Peru

The Wonders of Chachapoyas and Gocta Waterfall

Lares Trek & Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu

Classic Inca Trail

Classic Inca Trail - Premium

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu by Train

Rainbow Mountain

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by Train

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu

Humantay Lake Trek

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Wayna Picchu

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - Private

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Private

Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain to Machu Picchu

Salkantay & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu

Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu

Choquequirao Trek

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu - Private

Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Mountain

Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Exploring the Sacred Valley

Exploring Cusco’s South Valley

Machu Picchu in One

Maras and Moray Tour

Queswachaka and Caving

Cusco City Tour

Huchuy Qosqo Hike

Maras and Moray Tour, by ATV

Maras and Moray Tour, by Mountain Bike

Inti Raymi Festival

Colca Canyon & Andean Culture

Arequipa Walking Tour & Santa Catalina Convent

Views of Colca Canyon and Andean Condors

Arequipa City Tour & Santa Catalina Convent & Juanita Museum

Santa Catalina Convent

Luxury Travel Peru

Luxury Machu Picchu Express

The Best of Peru - 10 Days

Machu Picchu Express

Spondias Amazon Cruise

Floating Islands of the Uros and Taquile

Granja Porcón Community Farming Experience

Cusco Planetarium

Delfin I Cruise to Pacaya-Samiria Reserve

Horse Riding to Four Ruins in Cusco

Pisco Route

Chaparri Ecological Reserve

Palomino Islands

The Moche Route from Chiclayo to Trujillo

Inkaterra Field Station

Folklore Show and Dinner

Mountain Biking from Patapampa to Chivay

Ceiba Tops Lodge

Muyuna Lodge

Delfin II Amazon River Cruise

Lima City Tour and Larco Museum

Sleep on the Side of a Mountain at Sky lodge Adventure Suites

River Rafting and Ziplining at Chuquicahuana

Chiclayo City Tour and Wizard’s Market

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción

Galapagos from Guayaquil

Eco Amazonia Lodge

Highlights from La Paz to Puno

Corto Maltes Amazonia Lodge

Titicaca Islands: Uros, Taquile & Luquina

Amazonas Cruise

The Mystical Temple of the Moon on Horseback

Irapay Luxury Resort

Los Baños del Inca Tour

Maniti Eco Lodge

Isla del Sol and the Communities of Lake Titicaca

Delfin III Amazon River Cruise

Lima City Tour & Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Lima City Tour and Casa de Aliaga

Cabrera Museum

Pisco Sour Tasting

Posada Amazonas / Refugio Amazonas

Lima City Tour and Pachacamac Temple

Adventure

Cultural

Gastronomy

Wellness

Local living

Luxury

<p><strong>Coca Tea- The Andean Cure-all!&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This humble little leaf has somewhat of a bad reputation. Most people, when they hear the word, &lsquo;coca&rsquo; assume that we are talking about the illicit drug cocaine. How wrong could we all be??? This leaf has formed part of the culture and historical foundation of Andean civilizations for thousands of years. It was one of the most respected food products of the Incas due to its incredible natural properties and was even used as an offering to their Gods; In fact, it is still used in rituals and ceremonies in the Andes to this day. The medicinal and nutritional properties of this leaf are way superior to other highly nutritious foods and here are some of the reasons why this leaf is a top superfood!&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>1. It&#39;s a natural energizer. &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This small leaf is filled with natural alkaloids which provide a caffeine-like energy boost. This is why the leaf was so popular in Inca times, because of the long distances the Inca soldiers had to cover and the long working days on the agricultural farms of the Quechua people. To this day it&#39;s a common practice to chew the coca leaves on a hike, for the porters on the <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/classic-inca-trail">Inca trail</a>, long-distance lorry drivers and miners, allowing workers to go harder and longer. There are NO addictive qualities to the leaf and no withdrawal symptoms in its natural form.&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2022/01/05/shutterstock_775952266-1-1.jpg" /></div>

<h4>Hikers on the trail</h4>

<p><strong>2. It reduces appetite.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This leaf is also an appetite suppressant. Traditionally the leaf was used for underprivileged workers who often did not get the chance to eat 3 square meals per day and who could work harder and longer without being distracted by hunger pangs. The coca leaf can be used to treat obesity or problems with overeating.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>3. It is an analgesic.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This leaf is also a natural painkiller and reduces muscular pains and aches. This is once more, why it was popular in Inca times for soldiers and farmers whose arduous work meant the odd ache and pain. This is also why the leaf is used to produce lidocaine for the pharmaceutical industry to this day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>4. It aids altitude sickness.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>If you ever visit <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/cusco-city-tour">Cusco </a>or the highlands of Peru, one of the first things you will be offered is a coca tea. This is a massive help for any altitude-related symptoms and will be your best friend on your visit to <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/machu-picchu-by-train">Machu Picchu</a> Cusco or <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/highlights-from-la-paz-to-puno">Puno</a>. The Incas were a &ldquo;highland &ldquo;civilization and often suffered from stomach upsets, nausea, headaches and breathlessness caused by high altitude or rapid altitude gain and the coca leaf has been used for thousands of years to treat such symptoms.&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2022/01/05/shutterstock_1123701266-1.jpg" /></div>

<h4>Natural coca tea.</h4>

<p><strong>5. Treating tummy upsets&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>A tea made from this leaf is the perfect remedy for any types of diarrhoea and stomach upsets. Traditionally in the Andes, it has been used as an aid for digestion and also for the treatment of ulcers. Food hygiene in Peru can be somewhat different to what we are used to and we will come into contact with germs we have built up a resistance to. So the coca leaf is an invaluable travel companion when you travel in Peru.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>6. Aphrodisiacal qualities&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Coca leaf is said to be an aphrodisiac due to its energizing qualities&hellip;&hellip; maybe we will let you decide if this is the case :)&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>7. High nutritional value.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This tiny leaf has many vital vitamins and minerals necessary to the human body. It is high in vitamin A vitamin B1, B2 and B6, vitamin C and vitamin E. It is also high in magnesium, calcium and phosphorous, protein and fibre, making this little leaf a natural superfood!&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2022/01/05/shutterstock_627284750-1.jpg" /></div>

<h4>Recently harvested coca leaves</h4>

<p>Coca leaves have been used traditionally and culturally for thousands of years in Peru and the Andean region. For this leaf to resemble anything like an illicit drug, it needs to go through several solvent and chemical processes for it to become a &ldquo;hard &ldquo;drug. In its natural form, this leaf is abundant with health properties and a main part of Peruvian culture to this day. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the leaf will be allowed for export due to the relative ease it can be turned into the illegal drug. However, the coca leaf is legally grown in Peru and <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/the-best-of-bolivia">Bolivia</a> due to traditional, historical and cultural reasons and is widely exported to this day for the pharmaceutical industry for medications such as lidocaine, novocaine and the coca leaf is even said to be the &ldquo;secret ingredient&rdquo; in Coca Cola! So when you are visiting <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/the-best-of-magical-peru">Peru</a>, give this humble little leaf a try!&nbsp;</p>

The coca leaf often has a bad reputation, but the nutritional properties of this leaf are way superior. Here are some reasons why this leaf is a top superfood!

Coca Tea- The Andean Cure-all!

Coca Tea: The Andean Cure-All! | Valencia Travel Cusco

<p>Going alone or travelling solo is certainly on the rise. For women travellers, we need to keep our wits about us, especially when travelling by ourselves, as is the case with any travel destination. Peru is quite possibly one of the safest places I have travelled alone. Here are a few tips for solo female travelers to keep you and your belongings safe whilst &ldquo;on the road&rdquo; in Peru.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>1.&nbsp;Top of my list is &ldquo;Confidence&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Walking around, like you own the place certainly has its benefits! Even if you are not sure where you are going, this emits the idea that you know exactly where you are and &lsquo;undesirables&rsquo; are less likely to focus on you as an easy target.&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2022/01/03/shutterstock_1035773533-1.jpg" /></div>

<h4>Conquering Vinicunca, the rainbow mountain, in Cusco.</h4>

<p><strong>2.&nbsp;Learn the local lingo.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Even a few basics in Spanish will help you go a long way and also add to your confidence when you actually have a decent grasp of what is going on around you. With all the Spanish Apps available download the best one for you and have it handy if you need to ask a question.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>3. Common sense and lots of it!&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p> The basics of solo female travel in Peru are a must and should be engrained in the brain!&nbsp;Keep your valuables close, only carry the money you need each day on your person, avoid storing valuables in easily accessible pockets of clothing or backpacks, keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy with you, avoid wearing expensive jewellery, are only some of the practical, common sense things to do. Dress casually and err on the side of the conservative dress for less attention, don&rsquo;t wander around dark areas or deserted streets and especially if you have a had a drink, check-in with family members regularly, and always be aware of your surroundings. Cell phones, tablets or laptops should never be left at a table unattended. &nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2022/01/03/shutterstock_575641660-1-1.jpg" /></div>

<h4>The view of Machu Picchu</h4>

<p><strong>4. Plan ahead and know where you are going, in advance. &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This is especially useful for taxis and knowing where you want to go. Taxi drivers earn commissions from hotels to take travellers to certain hotels and they may sometimes be almost too eager to take you somewhere you don&#39;t want to go. Having a hotel name or at least a street /block name can be a lifesaver. Also, stick to official taxis-ask an airport or bus station official if you are unsure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>5. Unwanted admirers.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Always follow your gut&hellip; if a situation feels &ldquo;off&rdquo; then it usually is. Whether you are walking down the street or in a bar, there will be some unwanted attention and one of the best ways of dealing with it is ignoring it totally, or avoiding eye contact. I stick out like a sore thumb being 1.75cm and blonde, in a Latino community so my &ldquo;male, imaginary friend&rdquo; is always a great companion to have for the over-eager Latin &ldquo;lover&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>6. Get Off the beaten track.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/cusco-city-tour">Cusco</a> for example has a million and one travel agencies looking for people to join a group. Go with an organised group and get out into the countryside. There are so many beautiful treks both 1 day and multi-day to keep you busy, such as the <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/salkantay-trek-machu-picchu">Salkantay trek</a>. Family homestays in rural locations tend to be much safer than bigger cities and the smaller towns of the <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/exploring-the-sacred-valley">Sacred Valley</a> can often be a lot safer than Cusco itself, with all its security. &nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2022/01/03/shutterstock_1115560520-1-1.jpg" /></div>

<h4>Contemplating the&nbsp;Humantay lake</h4>

<p><strong>7. Choose a reputable tour company. &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>A lot of Peruvians are employed as &ldquo;jaladores&rdquo; which means they get a commission by pulling in tourists of the street. They could be the nicest person on the planet as this is their job, however, the integrity of the travel agency is an unknown. Always choose a travel agency that has a decent reputation or a personal recommendation or usually from a reliable guidebook who usually have a list of recommended tour companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>8. Look for other female travellers.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>If you are looking for company on your adventure, keep an eye open for other women traveling alone in Peru, they will usually be in similar locations as yourself and may also be looking for a travel partner for certain adventurous activities.</p>

<p><strong>9. Make friends with a Peruvian family.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This is where the level of Spanish will help. If you are alone and feel uncomfortable at any point in a given situation, strike up a conversation with a family or group of Peruvian women, 99% of the time they will take you under their wing and be fascinated by you and where you are from. Who knows, you may become friends forever as Peruvians, on the whole, are warm, genuine and extremely friendly by nature.&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2022/01/03/shutterstock_639767161-1.jpg" /></div>

<h4>Greeting the inhabitants of Machu Picchu!</h4>

<p><strong>10. DON&rsquo;T Google &ldquo;is Peru Safe&rdquo;!&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This is the best way to make sure you never leave your home! There is so much misinformation that it is easy to fall into the trap of not travelling at all! Or at least make sure that you will be a little ball of paranoia on your trip. Follow the above recommendations and you will have a blast! I have lived here for 20 years and have had the most amazing time and could not even see me living anywhere else on the planet. Be bold, be safe and most of all be your beautiful self!&nbsp;</p>

Traveling alone in Peru is certainly on the rise. Here are a few tips for solo female travelers to keep you and your belongings safe whilst on the road.

Solo women travelling in Peru

Traveling Alone in Peru | Tips for Solo Female Travelers

<p>Arequipa&rsquo;s central&nbsp;Plaza&nbsp;de&nbsp;Armas,&nbsp;remains&nbsp;unblemished by modern interference,&nbsp;is in itself, a museum of the city&rsquo;s&nbsp;architecture&nbsp;made of &ldquo;Sillar&rdquo; (volcanic rock). Its characteristic white, robust&nbsp;and aesthetically unique consistency, is why this city is locally known as the &ldquo;white City&rdquo; and is representative of the city of Arequipa. Impressive colonnaded&nbsp;balconies line three sides of the plaza and the 4th&nbsp;side&nbsp;is occupied by&nbsp;Peru&rsquo;s&nbsp;largest&nbsp;cathedral, a humongous construction&nbsp;with two soaring&nbsp;bell&nbsp;towers. Even this is dwarfed by the dual snow-capped sentinels of&nbsp;the&nbsp;El&nbsp;Misti&nbsp;and&nbsp;Chanchani&nbsp;volcanoes, both&nbsp;of which are&nbsp;visible from various points in the central park of the plaza.&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2021/12/31/shutterstock_1045277485-1.jpg" /></div>

<h4>Aerial view of Arequipa&#39;s main square</h4>

<p>When you visit Arequipa, you&#39;ll see exactly in the centre of the square, there is a bronze pool that carries the sculpture of a pixie carrying a trumpet.&nbsp;The size of the plaza is what is possibly the most impressive and one of the main reasons to relax and enjoy this plaza is there is no vehicular access.&nbsp;So you can sit and enjoy the relative calmness of Peru&rsquo;s 2nd&nbsp;biggest city.&nbsp;As is the norm in Peru, the plaza is the best place to hang-out, meet up with friends, catch up on the local news and lets the children run loose in this family orientated centre of the city. It&rsquo;s a tradition to drink hot chocolate in the plaza, especially on a chilly evening or watch the activities from one of the balconies in&nbsp;the many&nbsp;restaurants situated on the plaza.&nbsp;</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2021/12/31/shutterstock_7328422-2.jpg" /></div>

<h4>Close-up of the central fountain</h4>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This UNESCO World heritage site has had its ups and downs and has survived a number of earthquakes over the years. The cathedrals towers have had to be rebuilt on a number of occasions, however you wouldn&rsquo;t know it unless you had been told. Just down the road is the famous Santa Catalina monastery which is a city within the city and is definitely worth a visit if you are spending some time in this amazing city. The other main place to visit in Arequipa is the museum of the &ldquo;Ice maiden&rdquo; Juanita, the famous frozen Inca Mummy, found on the top of the Ampato volcano and still in a decent state of preservation. We invite you to discover these sightseeing sites in Arequipa with your own eyes, through our <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/arequipa-city-tour-santa-catalina-convent-juanita-">Arequipa City Tour</a>!</p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2021/12/31/shutterstock_170029271-1.jpg" /></div>

<h4>Santa Catalina Monastery</h4>

Visit Arequipa to experience all the beautiful locations the "white city" has to offer! Take a trip with Valencia Travel and go sightseeing in Arequipa with us.

Arequipa, the White City

Visit Arequipa | Sightseeing in Arequipa | Valencia Travel

<p>The main South American attraction for most people is of course, Machu Picchu; this is a bucket-list destination for most travellers and is usually the highlight of anyone&rsquo;s trip to Peru, of course! But what happens if you are looking to avoid the &ldquo;gringo&rdquo; trail? If you are looking for a more remote experience? If the last thing you want to see is other tourists? Here are some of the top things to do in Cusco for those who are looking for a more far-flung option around the Cusco area...</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>1. Ausangate&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2021/12/29/shutterstock_1529928140-1.jpg" /></div>

<h4>A view from the Ausangate</h4>

<p>The&nbsp;Ausangate&nbsp;region is in a totally different direction from Machu Picchu and you can do a&nbsp;5 day&nbsp;trek around the base of the&nbsp;Ausangate&nbsp;mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region. If mountains, glaciers, turquoise lagoons and the starriest of skies sound like you &ldquo;thing,&rdquo; then this incredibly picturesque, dramatic, sacred mountain trek, may just well be one of the best treks you can do! Adequate acclimatization is a must of course, but the trek is not that technically difficult, just be prepared for the sub-zero temperatures! If you want to challenge yourself, you <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/ausangate-rainbow-mountain-to-machu-picchu">can hike the trek to the Ausangate</a> with us!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>2. Choquequirao</strong></p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2021/12/29/shutterstock_691851439-1-2.jpg" /></div>

<h4>Panoramic view of Choquequirao</h4>

<p>Choquequirao&nbsp;is considered &ldquo;Machu Picchu 2&rdquo; due to its similar architectural design and you can only reach these ruins by foot, at least for now! There is a proposed cable car to be built to the site, which would dramatically increase the number of visitors, so NOW is the time to visit. The <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/choquequirao-trek">Choquequirao trek</a> is at a lot lower elevation than the&nbsp;Ausangate, trekking through the high jungle region; however, there are a lot&nbsp;more steeper&nbsp;ascents and descents, so a decent level of fitness is recommended. Archaeologists are still uncovering a lot of the site, which is now estimated at being 70% excavated and a phenomenal sight to behold!&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>3.&nbsp;Tipon</strong></p>

<p>Tipon&nbsp;is one of the lesser-visited sites on the &ldquo;Boleto&nbsp;Turistico&rdquo; tourist ticket that allows entrance into a number of historical and archaeological places to visit in Cusco. This impressive Inca system of irrigation and agriculture is representative of the symbiotic relationship between &ldquo;man&rdquo; and his natural surroundings and is found in the Southern valley of Cusco. The immaculate system of waterfalls and canals built into the natural geography of the area is thought to have been built in honour of the Inca&nbsp;Yawar&nbsp;Waqaq, the 7th Inca of Cusco.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>4. Maras and Moray&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div><strong><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2021/12/30/shutterstock_1762934975-1.jpg" /></strong></div>

<h4>Workers at Maras Salt mines</h4>

<p>The villages of Maras and Moray is another must-do in Peru. They can be found close to the town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Maras is home to the famous salt pans and the natural mineral salt is still extracted to this day using the traditional ancient methods. Moray is a series of circular experimental crop growing terraces plunging deep into the ground and using the natural microclimates of the area. They look remarkably similar to the ancient Roman amphitheatres and their setting within the rolling hills of the Sacred Valley, make this a beautiful combination of nature and Inca architecture. You can enjoy both destinations in the <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/maras-and-moray-tour">Maras Moray tour</a>!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>5.&nbsp;Lares&nbsp;trek and hot springs</strong></p>

<p>The&nbsp;Lares&nbsp;valley is the next valley along from the Cusco valley. This remote, high altitude area is the home to the native weaving communities and the Quechua people to this day! These native communities still use traditional dress and each community has its own signature design for the typical clothing they use. You can hike along many different trekking routes through the valley and the main highlight of these treks is to have a soak in the wonderfully hot, natural springs in the small town of&nbsp;Lares.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>6.&nbsp;Pallcoyo&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2021/12/29/shutterstock_1798996825-2.jpg" /></div>

<h4>A group of trekkers in Pallcoyo</h4>

<p>Pallcoyo&nbsp;is found in the&nbsp;Ausangate&nbsp;region, in the Red Valley. You can make a day trip from Cusco to this alternative rainbow mountain and there are a number of rainbow mountains to be found in the area. The main reasons why this is a better option than the&nbsp;Vinicunca&nbsp;rainbow mountain is that there are fewer visitors and there is a lot less hiking involved than the&nbsp;Vinicunca&nbsp;rainbow mountain. Still, whichever you choose, you can guarantee some incredible photos of these stunning mountains!&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>7.&nbsp;Sacsaywaman&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Sacsaywaman&nbsp;is the Inca fortress that protected the Inca capital of Cusco and is one of the best examples of the incredible Inca architecture, still visible to this day. The immense stones used to build this site were brought from miles away, which only adds to the mystery of this archaeological site, close to Cusco. This site is where the famous festival of the Sun or &ldquo;Inti&nbsp;Raymi&rdquo; takes place each June and you can include this site on a City tour of Cusco. If you are interested in visiting this incredible site, you can join us on our <a href="https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/cusco-city-tour">Cusco city tour.</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>8.&nbsp;Waqra&nbsp;Pukara</strong></p>

<div><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2021/12/29/shutterstock_1963641481-2.jpg" /></div>

<h4>WakraPukara on a sunny day</h4>

<p>Wakra&nbsp;Pukara&nbsp;is a pre-Inca archaeological site south of Cusco, consisting of both pre-Inca and Inca archaeological traits. It looks likely that the Incas invaded this ancient city of the&nbsp;Canchis&nbsp;as part of their domination of the South American Andean region as it was a strategic, geographical location protecting the gateway into Cusco. This stunning site, once more, is a mixture of incredible natural scenery and beautiful rock formations and the original purpose of&nbsp;Waqra&nbsp;Pukara&nbsp;remains a mystery to this day. This off the beaten path day trek is not for vertigo suffers, but the surrounding scenery is a remote,&nbsp;breathtaking&nbsp;experience and worth every second you spend there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>9.Queswachaka bridge&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div><strong><img alt="" class="img-fluid" src="/media/uploads/2021/12/30/shutterstock_557468743-1.jpg" /></strong></div>

<h4>Crossing the Queswachaka bridge</h4>

<p>The&nbsp;Queswachaka&nbsp;bridge is one of the few remaining handwoven Inca bridges in existence to this day. The bridge spans the Apurimac river and is made from woven grass from the area. These handwoven bridges formed a major part of the Inca road building system and they have to be rebuilt every year to maintain a decent level of preservation. There is a yearly ceremony and bridge rebuilding in June every year however, you can visit this incredible feat of Inca architecture at any time of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>10.&nbsp;Vilcabamba/Vitcos&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This archaeological site also known as &ldquo;the lost city of the Incas&rdquo;, was built in&nbsp;approximatley&nbsp;1539 AD and was the last refuge of the Incas when the Spanish arrived to Peru. There is evidence to suggest that the pre Inca&nbsp;civilsation&nbsp;of the &ldquo;wari&rdquo; had started to build this site many years previously and the&nbsp;The&nbsp;Incas finished the construction. This is&nbsp;a&nbsp;a&nbsp;technically difficult trek as there are some mountain passes to climb before you can drop down into the jungle region, which is where&nbsp;Vilcabamba&nbsp;can be found. However, the views are some of the most incredible to be seen in the region and definitely worth a visit if you are looking for and Andean adventure.</p>

Looking to explore other options around the Cusco area? Here is a list of some must-do's in Cusco for those who are looking for more far-flung options.

10 Cusco “MUST-DO'S” that DON'T include Machu Picchu

10 "Must-Do's" in Cusco | Top Things to Do in Cusco

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POPULAR POSTS

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