The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour is perfect for those with limited time but a strong desire to delve into the wonders of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Guided by a professional, you’ll have the opportunity to explore several of the valley’s most significant ancient sites. These include Chinchero & Textile Center, Maras Salt Mines, and the agricultural testing grounds of Moray. Most notably, you’ll visit the renowned Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Departures are flexible, available any day throughout the year. A minimum of two participants is required to commence this enriching journey through these historically important locations.
A fundamental and renowned excursion in Cusco is the journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, leading to the iconic Machu Picchu sanctuary. On the initial day of this excursion, you’ll explore the traditional local craft market in Pisac village and the historic Pisac archaeological site.
Subsequently, you’ll follow the course of the Vilcanota River until you arrive at the town of Urubamba, where a traditional Peruvian lunch buffet awaits. Afterward, you’ll tour the Ollantaytambo archaeological site and proceed by tourist train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, where you’ll stay overnight in one of our accommodations. On the second day, you’ll embark on an early morning visit to the Machu Picchu sanctuary, returning to Cusco in the evening.
Upon being picked up from your hotel around 8:00 am, we’ll commence The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour with a journey to Chinchero. Our initial stop will be the main square, adorned with its remarkably preserved Inca walls and altars. Following this, we’ll head to the Textile Center for an immersive introduction to the art of Andean textiles. Local artisans will walk you through the intricate process of Andean weaving, a skill passed down through generations predating the Incas.
Subsequently, we’ll traverse verdant agricultural landscapes and quaint rural communities. Weather permitting, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of distant snow-capped peaks gracing the horizon. Our next destination is Moray, renowned for its panoramic terraces resembling concentric rings. These terraces served as an experimental agricultural site, designed to study the diverse climates and temperatures suitable for various crops, potentially aiding in the domestication of different vegetables.
Descending to a lower elevation, we’ll visit the Maras salt mines, a crucial production hub dating back to pre-Inca eras. Here, you’ll find over 3,000 salt pools meticulously carved into the mountainside, replenished daily by water seeping from the Earth – often referred to as the tears of Mother Earth! In the afternoon, our journey continues as we board a train at Ollantaytambo station bound for Aguas Calientes. Before retiring to your hotel, you’ll have the option to unwind at the Machu Picchu hot springs.
Places Visited:
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes: Golden Sunrise Machu Picchu *** or similar.
We’ll kick off the day by convening at sunrise for breakfast, followed by a trip to the bus station to catch the earliest buses ascending to the awe-inspiring Citadel of Machu Picchu, often referred to as “The Crystal City”. We highly recommend arriving early to witness the sunrise before embarking on a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours. If arranged in advance, we can facilitate your climb to either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. Later, we’ll set a rendezvous time in Aguas Calientes to board the return train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private bus or van will transport you back to Cusco, concluding our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour.
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