We will embark on a captivating journey. Our sacred valley tour from Cusco begins in the historic city and then leads us to the storied Sacred Valley of the Incas. This is a premier tour proudly presented by Machu Picchu Tours.
This enchanting excursion transcends a typical tour. It is a passage through time. We will traverse the breathtaking landscapes of South America, where the Urubamba River carves its majestic path beneath the towering Andes.
Our Sacred Valley tour from Cusco will commence in the former heart of the Inca Empire, the city of Cusco. From here, we will ascend into the valley, where the robust foundations of the Inca ruins beckon. We will explore the town of Pisac, renowned for its bustling market and impressive archaeological site.
Our visit here will set a precedent for the many wonders we will encounter. As we delve deeper into the valley, the famed agricultural terraces will come into view. These terraces will unveil the advanced understanding the Incas had of their land.
On our Sacred Valley day trip from Cusco, we will journey north of Cusco to discover the time-honoured town of Ollantaytambo. Here, we’ll explore the ruins in Ollantaytambo, where Inca walls still stand tall. Local people keep the rich tapestry of their culture alive. We will navigate through this living Inca site, where the stones whisper tales of a bygone era.
Our journey through the Sacred Valley takes a fascinating turn as we arrive at Moray, a truly unique archaeological marvel. These aren’t your typical Inca ruins. Instead, Moray presents a series of striking concentric circles carved deep into the earth. Imagine a giant, multi-level bowl, with each step descending further into the cool depths.
This captivating design wasn’t merely for aesthetics; it served a crucial purpose. Studies suggest that the temperature within these sunken structures varies significantly, creating a natural microclimate gradient.
The Incas, with their remarkable understanding of agriculture, are believed to have used Moray as an innovative agricultural laboratory. By planting different crops at various levels, they could test the impact of varying temperatures and microclimates.
This allowed them to develop a sophisticated understanding of which crops thrived in different elevations and conditions. In essence, Moray stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization, a place where they experimented and perfected their agricultural techniques, ensuring the continued prosperity of their empire.
Prepare to be marvelled by the Incas’ foresight and resourcefulness at Moray, a place where the past whispers secrets of innovation and adaptation.
On our Sacred Valley day trip from Cusco, not far from Moray, we will find ourselves at the salt pans of Maras. This panoramic vista of glistening salt mines against a backdrop of emerald mountains is a sight to behold. We will learn how local workers have preserved salt extraction techniques through the ages, a testament to the harmony between the local people and their environment.
For an unforgettable experience in the Sacred Valley, timing is everything! To ensure you fully capture the region’s breathtaking beauty, we’ll steer clear of the rainy season, which typically runs from November to March. During this time, while the valley boasts a lush green landscape and vibrant wildflowers, frequent showers and potential cloud cover can sometimes obstruct the majestic views.
Opting for the dry season, from April to October, offers several advantages. Crystal-clear skies and minimal rain translate to unobstructed panoramas. Imagine gazing out at the Sacred Valley bathed in golden sunlight, the snow-capped peaks of the Andes standing guard in the distance. It’s a picture-perfect moment, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the grandeur of the landscape.
No adventure in the Sacred Valley is complete without indulging in its vibrant culinary scene. We’ve carefully curated a delightful lunch experience that goes beyond a simple buffet. Savour a feast showcasing a selection of local specialties, each dish bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Imagine digging into a steaming plate of Lomo Saltado, a stir-fry featuring tender marinated beef, vibrant vegetables, and a touch of zingy vinegar. Perhaps you’ll find yourself captivated by the delicate flavours of a freshly prepared trout dish sourced directly from the Urubamba River and seasoned with fragrant Andean herbs.
To ensure a seamless and enriching experience, we’ll pay all entrance fees in advance. This allows you to relax, savour the moment, and fully immerse yourself in the unique flavours and traditions of Sacred Valley cuisine. Remember, food is often a window into a culture’s soul, and this culinary journey promises to be a delightful cultural exchange.
The Sacred Valley is more than just a collection of stunning landscapes and historical sites. It’s a vibrant tapestry woven from the rich heritage of the Inca and the enduring spirit of the Andean communities. As we journey through this remarkable region, every step will be an opportunity for connection.
Engage with local artisans, their nimble fingers weaving intricate textiles using techniques passed down through generations. Witness the continuation of ancient agricultural practices as farmers tend their terraced fields, a testament to the Inca’s profound understanding of their land. Perhaps you’ll even have the chance to learn a few words of Quechua, the language spoken by the descendants of the Incas, fostering a deeper cultural connection.
This isn’t just another sightseeing tour; it’s a transformative experience. With Machu Picchu Tours as your guide, the Sacred Valley awaits, ready to unveil its timeless wonders. Together, we’ll embark on a journey of discovery, where the enduring legacy of the Inca Empire comes alive and leaves an indelible mark on your memory. This is a journey you’ll cherish forever.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
07:00 AM
We will begin our Full Day Sacred Valley and Maras Moray Tour with an early departure. Our journey starts from Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Our first stop will be the town of Chinchero. Here, we will witness the fascinating blend of Incan and Spanish colonial influences.
Next, we will journey to Moray. There, we will explore the remarkable circular agricultural terraces. These terraces illustrate the Incas’ ingenuity in farming. Here, we will observe the variations in microclimates and understand how the Incas used these for crop experimentation.
Our adventure continues as we visit the stunning salt mines of Maras. Amidst thousands of salt pans, we will stand and learn about the traditional salt extraction methods employed since pre-Inca times.
Moving forward, we will drive to the heart of the Sacred Valley, Urubamba. Here we will enjoy a nourishing lunch while surrounded by the magnificent Andean mountains.
After lunch, our tour will take us to Ollantaytambo. It is a town boasting an impressive archaeological site with terraces that climb the steep mountain sides. We will explore this area and gain insight into its past. This site held strategic military, agricultural, and religious significance during the Inca Empire.
We will then make our way to Pisac. Here, the extensive ruins will captivate us. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to interact with the modern-day Andean community.
At the Pisac Market, we will discover a myriad of handcrafted goods. These are perfect for taking a piece of the Sacred Valley back home with us.
Our tour will end with a scenic return to Cusco. We will reflect on a day filled with history and rich cultural experiences.
By choosing to embark on this journey, we will immerse ourselves in the heart of the Peru Sacred Valley. We will trace the steps of the Incas from Cusco to Sacred Valley and back. This will all take place within a day filled with adventure and discovery.
Honestly, I was nervous about traveling to South America but John honestly takes such good care of you. Not only does he make sure you’re safe at all times but he has a genuine passion for his job. He truly does love his country and it is so evident when he explains things.
John goes above and beyond in each of his tours, not only with his incredible knowledge of their history but even with the little things. He will point out restaurants to try, or certain food and drinks that are traditional that he reccomend off the menu.
I had the great trip to Peru.
He was so easy to get along with and by the end of my 3 weeks with John he felt more like a friend then a tour guide. If I ever return to Peru, I would immediately go to John and I would 110% reccomend him over anyone else. His love for his country is contagious and you end up loving it just as much as he does. If you’re considering booking with John, please do, you’ll have the best adventure of your life!
