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Peru's Hidden Gems

Beyond the famous trails, the Cusco region contains the salt evaporation ponds of Maras and the last remaining Inca grass rope bridge at Q'eswachaka, which is hand-woven annually. Explore the Temple of Wiracocha at Raqch'i and the remote ruins of Choquequirao, often called the sister city of Machu Picchu. The list includes Huchuy Cusco, a high-altitude site overlooking the Sacred Valley, and the artisanal market of Pisac, known for traditional Andean textiles and ceramics.

McKay Savage / CC BY 2.0

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Pisac Market

In this beautiful Andean village, there is a small handicraft market in which you can buy souvenirs and typical Peruvian products.

ESkog / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Salinas of Maras

Maras is a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, 40 kilometers north of Cusco, in the Cusco Region of Peru.

Antisoc1al / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Q'eswachaka

The last remaining Inca rope bridge, hand-woven annually from grass fibers by local Quechua communities. Spanning the Apurímac River, this UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site follows ancient engineering techniques preserved for over five centuries.