The Sacred Valley of the Incas is an amazing place full of rich history, culture and tradition. The whole valley has numerous Inca sites and snow-capped mountains surrounding , which offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about the local customs and traditions. On the other hand, the Machu Picchu citadel is located between two mountain peaks, near the Amazon jungle. The location of the citadel creates breathtaking views, which are enhanced by the beautiful architecture of the place.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 am. Then we will drive to the Sacred Valley where we will make our first stop at the village of Chinchero. This small town is famous in the region for its multicolored textile works. During our tour we will learn about the traditional techniques used by the artisans to manufacture and dye their textiles. You will also visit the main square of the town, with its beautiful colonial buildings, which were built on top of ancient Inca ruins.
Our next stop will be at the Salt Mines of Maras. These mines have been used by the local population since the Inca times. According to the legends, the salt comes from the tears of the legendary hero Ayar Cachi, who was encased by his brothers inside a nearby mountain. Maras contains around 3000 salt wells, which come from the Qaqawiñay mountain. This place produces the precious "Pink Salt," which obtains its unique colors due to the minerals present in the soil.
Moray comprises of a series of circular agricultural terraces located near Maras. Experts believe that this site was used by the Incas as a research center for growing plants of different regions. Some historians also theorize that Moray constituted a center for performing astronomical observations and for predicting weather.
After lunch, we will continue our journey through the magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our next stop will be the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. This Inca site stands out for its massive stone buildings, some of which reach a height of 4 meters. Ollantaytambo also has numerous platforms built around the site, which are easily visible from the nearby town. We will explore the astounding Ollantaytambo until the afternoon. Then, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes.
After arriving to Aguas Calientes, we will take you to your hotel. You will have time to relax and prepare for the next day
The next day we will wake up early to board a bus to Machu Picchu. After a short trip of around 30 minutes, we will reach the Inca citadel. Our staff will give you a guided tour through the citadel after assisting you at the security checkpoints located at the entrance. Machu Picchu is located at the heart of the Peruvian Andes, near the Amazon basin. The citadel was built in the 15th century, but later abandoned after the Spanish conquest of the region. Machu Picchu was later rediscovered in 1911 during an expedition led by Hiram Bingham, an American explorer. Machu Picchu stands out for its beautiful buildings, made entirely of stone. Its buildings are the perfect example of the Inca architecture. After the tour, you will be free to explore the citadel on your own.
After returning to Aguas Calientes, you will be free to explore this small town. You can have lunch at one of the numerous restaurants, or you can taste some local dishes at the market. Also, you can visit the hot springs, which give Aguas Calientes its name. Later in the evening, we will board a train to Ollantaytambo, and then we will drive back to Cusco. We will be arriving at Cusco at around 7:00 pm
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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