Sacred Valley of the Inkas + Moray Salineras
(Duration 12 hours)
On this day trip, we will travel to the historic Sacred Valley where we will see incredible landscapes; We will visit the Salt wells in Salineras, the agricultural experimentation center of Moray. The Sacred Valley is located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Urubamba Valley is famous for its lush landscape, picturesque colonial towns and magnificent archaeological centers. We will also observe a chain of mountains considered sacred in the Inca religion. This is a tour that has to be included in your visit to Cusco.
Itinerary
We will pick you up between 6:30 to 7.00 am. To start one of the unmissable tours in the City of Cusco, our trip begins with:
Chinchero:
Known as the Rainbow City, it is located 28 km northwest of Cusco with an altitude of 3,792 meters above sea level. Flanked by the snow-capped mountains of Salkantay, Verónica and Soray. The view from here is impressive. This town is dedicated to the cultivation of potatoes and the production of magnificent textiles for export, where we will enjoy the demonstration and production of fabrics with ancestral techniques made from natural dyes. Then we will take a detour to reach an impressive place with circular terraces:
Moray:
It is located about 7 km southwest of Maras and 53 km (Cusco), with an altitude of 3,385 m.s.n.m; Is a unique archaeological group of its kind in the region. These are giant natural holes that were used by the Incas who built terraces or agricultural platforms with their respective irrigation channels, is therefore a prototype of greenhouse. The structures found here are Inca, it is also estimated to be built on a natural rocky formation that facilitates the filtration to the interior of the earth, so that there is no flooding in the rainy season. What is striking is the average annual temperature difference between the top and bottom, it is a difference that gets to have up to 15 ° C in this place were incredible advances in agriculture. After visiting Moray we will visit:
Salineras or “ Salt Mines”:
Located to the northwest of the town of Maras are constituted by about 3000 small wells, which already were exploited from the incanate like means of economic exchange and still still being exploited by the locals. They indicate that the mountain has salt mines and a saline water source emanating from the mountain, which serves during the dry season to fill the wells in the form of “irrigation” every 3 days with salt water for a month to Which solidifies gradually, this salt is exported abroad. Then we will continue our tour to the city of Urubamba where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Afterwards we will go to the archaeological center of:
Ollantaytambo:
Afterwards we will go to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, Inca city that had a religious, political and agricultural function. In Ollantaytambo we can find the only original Inca city in its design still intact. You will enjoy one of the few places in Cusco and Peru where people continue to use Inca constructions as dwellings.
Pisaq:
To finish our tour we will visit the archeological site of Pisaq in the Inca era was a strategic military point due to its location. Then we will descend to visit the colorful artisan market in the town of Pisaq. We can observe men, women and indigenous authorities showing beautiful and elegant costumes. We will also have an exhibition of the works made in silver from there we will return to Cusco.
End of our services
Included/ not Included
INCLUDES:
- Tourist Bus.
- Pick up from your hotel.
- Entrance tickets to all places
- Guided visits to each archaeological center.
- Professional Guide in English/Spanish
- Tourist buffet lunch.
- Return near the main square.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Personal expenses and tips.
Recommendations
IMPORTANT:
- Departure: Every day.
- Duration: 12 hours approx.
- The price shown at the top of the itinerary is in shared service or Pull (Group of 16 to 20 people).
- Prices in private service according to the number of passengers, consult rates.
WHAT TO PACK:
When packing for a Sacred Valley tour in Peru, there are a few things to consider based on the time of year you’ll be visiting and the specific activities you’ll be doing. Here are some general recommendations:
- A small backpack: bring a small backpack to carry all of your essentials during the tour.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat or cap. The high altitude and strong sun in the Sacred Valley mean that sun protection is crucial.
- Light and warm clothes.
- The climate in the Sacred Valley can be cool and changeable, so it’s best to pack in layers. A warm jacket, hat, and gloves are recommended for cooler months, and lightweight clothing and a sun hat for warmer months.
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are also good
- Waterproof jacket (according to the season)
- Water bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated at high altitude, so bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day.
- Optional: Bring some snacks to keep you fueled during the tour. (Cookies, chocolates, sweets, fruit, some good options include energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit.)
- Cash: It’s always a good idea to bring some cash for souvenirs, snacks, to buy the tickets for the sacred valley and tips for tour guides and drivers.
- Personal items: Bring any necessary medications, toiletries, and personal items you might need while on the tour.
Remember to pack light, as you’ll likely be carrying your own bags throughout the tour. And don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you go to make sure you’re prepared for the conditions.
RAINY SEASON:
The rainy season is from November to March.
- Cloudy mornings with light showers are typical and afternoons and evenings can bring heavier rains.
- January and February usually receive the most rainfall.
- On average, nighttime temperatures are warmer in the rainy season, colder in the dry season.
- Daytime Average: 68-70°F (20-22°C)
- Nighttime Average: About 45°F (7.2°C)
