Our tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 8 am, then it’s a 30-minute drive to our first destination, Chinchero, a picturesque Andean village known for its rich textile traditions and remarkable colonial church built upon the foundations of an Incan palace. Wander through the local market brimming with handwoven textiles, each piece a vibrant testament to the skills passed down through generations. Witness firsthand the intricate process of weaving and dyeing textiles using techniques that have endured for centuries. The town is also notable for its terraced Incan ruins, offering a glimpse into the agricultural practices of the past.
After enjoying all about Chinchero, we venture to Moray, an archaeological site that features a striking series of terraced circular depressions in the earth. Once an innovative agricultural testing ground for the Incas, these terraces created a variety of microclimates, allowing for the experimentation of crops at different altitudes. The site’s symmetry and depth are a testament to the Incan ingenuity and understanding of the environment.
Then continue to the Maras Salt Mines, an extraordinary landscape of over 3,000 salt pools etched into the mountainside. Used since pre-Incan times, these salt pans are fed by a natural spring and are still harvested by the local community today. The patchwork of glistening white pools makes for a surreal and beautiful sight, offering a unique perspective on the resourcefulness and continuity of traditional practices. After that, you will have time to enjoy lunch.
And finally, we will conclude our tour with a visit to Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Incan town that is also home to a majestic archaeological site. Climb the terraced ruins to admire the Temple of the Sun and gaze across the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo’s layout and structures are some of the best surviving examples of Incan city planning, with narrow cobblestone streets and water channels running through the town.
Throughout the tour, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Peruvian Andes, with its lush valleys and towering peaks. Engage with the history and legends narrated by your guide, and immerse yourself in the enduring spirit and traditions of the local communities. As the sun sets on the Sacred Valley, you’ll return to Cusco, carrying with you a profound sense of wonder and a deeper understanding of the ancient and living cultures of Peru. Alternatively, you may stay in Ollantaytambo, from where you may continue your adventure to the Inca Trail or take a tour by train to Machu Picchu.
Entry fees: Included
Meals: No include
