The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a glorious start to your visit to Cusco and Machu Picchu; sublime weather, overwhelmingly beautiful landscapes, colonial towns, ancient Inca settlements, and very friendly people reflect why so many people travel thousands of kilometers to visit this valley. These colonial cities, mostly inhabited by artisans, artists, farmers, and those tired of the city hustle, are some of the best places to explore not only in Peru but in South America.