The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-see destination for everyone who visits Cusco, due to its historic significance and the magic that envelops this ancient location. The Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as “Valley of the Vilcanota” is an exceptional and breathtaking place where we will find an endless variety of plants —among them, the best corn in the world: the giant white corn. Additionally, you will be delighted by the beautiful natural landscapes and the sprawling rivers that flow down the valley, during our visit to the most emblematic archeological centers from the Inca period. We will see demonstrations of the advanced Inca engineering and architecture at the Pisaq archeological center, which was built atop a mountain and has a typical Andean market. We will also visit the great Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, which is currently a living Inca city with a traditional craft market. Our tour will end with a visit to the Chinchero archeological complex and its beautiful colonial church. Finally, we will return to Cusco, captivated by the magical places we visited.
Itinerary
DAY 1: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
08:00 – 08:30 am we will go through your respective hotels to start our cultural tour of the Sacred Valley. Here are the places to see:
Pisaq: Picturesque little town where the old town (archeological site) and the modern part, with colonial characteristics, meet to give you an unforgettable experience. The main attraction of Pisaq is the traditional indigenous market, where we will find a great variety of ceramic and textile objects typical of the region. We will also visit the town’s old colonial church, where locals and “varayocs” (local authorities from different cities) gather every Sunday in their colorful typical dresses to hear the mass in the Quechua language. Finally, we will take a look at the interesting irrigation system used in the crop fields, and the fantastic Inca astronomical observatory.
Urubamba: On our way to the city of Urubamba, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, we will cross the towns of Coya, Lamay, Calca, and Yucay. The trip is approximately 45 minutes long and filled with spectacular views of indigenous flora and fauna. Once in town, we will get to appreciate the fertile crop fields and comfortable atmosphere that surround it, and we will seize the occasion to have lunch at a cozy typical restaurant.
Ollantaytambo: In the afternoon, we will head to the Ollantaytambo region, also known as the Tambo valley. It is the only inhabited Inca city, and sprawls along the shore of the Vilcanota river, all the way to Machu Picchu. Here, we will visit the famous Ollantaytambo fortress, an outstanding landmark of the Sacred Valley, and one of the most formidable constructions of the Inca Empire.
Chinchero: On our way back to the city of Cusco, we will visit Chinchero and its small chapel. Like Pisaq, Chinchero is known for its indigenous artisan market, which, despite its smaller size, is richer in tradition and offers a greater variety of textile objects. Finally, we will return to Cusco and take you back to your hotel.
Include
IT INCLUDE
- Touristic transport.
- Official tourist guide.
- Buffet lunch.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Partial Tourist Ticket, tickets only for the Sacred Valley (US $ 25.00), valid only for 2 days:
- Integral Tourist Ticket, tickets for 16 Tourist sites (US $ 50.00), valid only for 10 days.
- Tips
Recommendations
WE RECOMMEND TO BRING:
- Passport or identity card.
- Camera and/or photographic camera.
- Light clothing and comfortable shoes.
- A personal backpack.
- Rain poncho.
- Hat.
- Sunglasses and plastic bag.
- Water flask or mineral water bottle.
- Medicines and personal belongings.
- Extra money.
