Valle del Sur

The Río Urubamba runs northwest and southeast from Cusco. The northwest sector of the river basin is the romantically named Sacred Valley of the Inca, but along the highway that runs southeast of Cusco to Sicuani, the region that locals call the Valle del Sur is just as interesting. The area abounds with opportunities for off-the-beaten-path exploration. Detour to the tiny town of Oropesa and get to know a self-proclaimed capital of brick-oven bread making, a tradition that has sustained local families for more than 90 years. Or you can side-trip to more pre-Inca and Inca sites. Apart from Andahuayillas, you’ll have the ruins almost to yourself. Only admission to Tipón and Pikillacta is included in the Boleto Turístico. A common tour offers an excursion to all three sites.