The town of Lamay has the Sacred Valley’s best restaurants for eating cuy, which are guinea pig. Though considered pets in other countries, raising and eating cuy is an important link between modern Quechua people and their Inca ancestors. If you’re an adventurous eater, this is a great place to try cuy.

The best way to arrange a Lamay visit is with La Base Lamay, which connects tourists with cultural experiences in nearby rural villages. There are only a few hostels in town, so most tourists stay in Urubamba or Pisac. Lamay Lodge (below) is the best place in town and bookable as part of an experience with Mountain Lodges of Peru.

Lamay is also the trailhead for the hike up to Huchuy Q’osqo. This is a miniature Inca city whose name literally translates to “Little Cusco.” The town is so small, that there’s only one bridge across the Urubamba river. Cross that bridge and you’re on the trail to Huchuy Q’osqo. It’s a steep trail, often either dusty or muddy. Read the information about the trek that’s linked above.