El Valle Sagrado de los Incas, se ubica entre los Andes peruanos y ceja de selva, sus extensas tierras están irrigados principalmente por el rio Wilkamayu que en el idioma quechua significa Rio Sagrado y que en la actualidad adopta el nombre de rio de Urubamba.

Está rio está compuesto por numerosos afluentes pequeños que descienden de los nevados de la cordillera del Vilcanota por quebradas y pequeños valles; el área de este impórtate valle comprende desde Pisac hasta Ollantaytambo el cual posee numerosos monumentos arqueológicos y pueblos alto andinos.

En la antigüedad este valle fue muy apreciado por los incas debido a sus especiales cualidades geográficas y climáticas. En las terrazas de Moray pudieron domesticar una gran diversidad de productos agrícolas.  Entre ellos podemos mencionar el maíz, la papa, quinua kiwicha, y algunas de gran importancia religiosa como la hoja de Coca. El valle sagrado de los incas Fue uno de los principales puntos de producción por la riqueza de sus tierras y lugar en donde hasta hoy en día se produce el mejor grano de maíz en el Perú. Hoy, todos estos lugares son atractivos turísticos muy llamativos para los visitantes, antes o después de la visita a Machu Picchu.

We begin this beautiful day at 7:30 am, when we pick you up at your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas begins in Pisac. We first stop at the Taray Lookout to enjoy a sweeping view of the Urubamba Valley and its traditional farming villages. We’ll see how agriculture and its extensive fields are an important source of income for the region. Continuing, we head to the archaeological site of Pisac (3,300 meters above sea level/10,826 feet), where you can see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the carefully terraced agricultural terraces carved into the mountain. Here, we will spend approximately two hours exploring the Inca city and the colorful Pisac Market (2,972 meters above sea level/9,160 feet), traditional for producing handicrafts and textiles.

Pisac:

This town is famous for its astronomical observatory. In Pisac, on some Sundays, you can attend a mass presided over in the Quechua language among local residents and varayocs, or regional mayors. You can also see how the Andean settlers solved the problem of planting crops on the hillsides. At the traditional market, you can still see how farmers from different communities continue to use the barter system, exchanging one product for another.

Our next stop is the fascinating archaeological site of Moray, at an altitude of 3,500 meters (11,482 feet), also known as «The Inca Greenhouse,» an architectural marvel. The terrace levels are carved like enormous bowls, carefully designed by Inca-era engineers. Some studies indicate that these terraces were used to discover optimal growing conditions for their crops and to experiment with coca beans and leaves.

Moray:

Here you can see concentric circular stone structures forming rings that widen as they ascend. This site is considered one of the main centers of agricultural research, for the experimentation and cultivation of crops from different parts of the Inca culture. The different climates and altitudes vary in temperature by approximately 20°C (from the first to the last). It is believed that they were built with the intention of making it possible to cultivate coastal and jungle crops in colder climates and at higher altitudes.

We will continue our journey to the colonial town of Maras, at an altitude of 3,300 meters (10,826 feet) and its unique history. We will then admire the artisanal salt extraction site, Maras, «the pre-Inca salt mines.» These are thousands of small saltwater wells built into terraces attached to the hillside. Through a process of filtration and evaporation, regular salt for human consumption and pink salt, famous for being rare in the world, can be extracted by hand.

Maras:

The importance of this town stems from its salt extraction. Here are the Maras Salt Mines, also known as the salt mines, whose exploitation dates back to the Tahuantinsuyu. Located on the hillside, the residents use the water that flows from the hill to feed the pools.

The use of Maras Salt dates back thousands of years and is passed down through each family, but is managed communally. There are approximately five thousand pools, each measuring approximately 5 square meters. The water filters into the pools and evaporates due to the action of the sun, releasing coarse salt crystals. Here, the locals demonstrate their ancestral techniques to visitors and allow them to participate in the harvesting process.

As expected, after these visits, our bodies will be asking for a break. It would be ideal to take a break and have lunch at a tourist restaurant carefully selected for its fresh, high-quality ingredients.

After lunch, we will head to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, at an altitude of 2,792 meters (9,160 feet) to explore this important archaeological site and its Temple of the Sun at the summit. You will also learn a little about the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will learn about its importance before and during the beginning of Spanish rule.

Ollantaytambo:

The archaeological site of Ollantaytambo is a monumental work of Inca architecture. It was built on two mountains in a strategic location overlooking the entire valley. It constituted a military, religious, administrative, and agricultural complex.

Ollantaytambo is the only Inca city that remains almost intact, and its houses still serve as dwellings for their descendants. The city’s design, its axes, its urban structure, the beauty of its volumes, and its interplay of light and shadow attract tourists.

The main temple has a facade with six pink granite monoliths brought from another location and perfectly assembled in stone.

This beautiful day, with the sunset on the horizon, will return to Cusco amidst fond memories of this Sacred Valley. We will return to your hotel so you can enjoy your stay and dinner.

• Difficulty: Pleasant – Moderate.
• Duration: Full Day.
• Cusco Altitude: 3,400 masl/11,145 ft.
• Pisac Altitude: 3,300 masl/10,826 ft.
• Moray Altitude: 3,500 masl/11,482 ft.
• Maras Altitude: 3,300 masl/10,826 ft.
• Ollantaytambo Altitude: 2,792 masl/9,160 ft.
• Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,060 masl/6,758 ft.
• Meals: not included

SAMIN EXPEDITIONS will ensure that you return to your hotel.

• Experienced, professional, bilingual guide.
• Private transportation.
• First aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank.

• Entrance Ticket: Many sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley accept the Tourist Ticket, which is a bit pricey but grants access to many of our most notable areas. This tour includes the Inca sites visited on this tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The ticket can be purchased.

  • • A one-day pass costs 70 PEN.

    • A 10-day pass costs 130 PEN.

    • A valid STUDENT ID card offers a discount on the 10-day pass for 70 PEN.

Only soles are accepted, and payment must be made in cash. You can purchase this directly at the first archaeological site you visit.

• • • Lunch: not included.

Essentials:

• Passport.
• Valid STUDENT ID (if you booked as a student).
• Immigration card (given at the airport upon entering Peru).
• Backpack (the smaller the better).
• Water Storage: A reusable water container is recommended.
• Comfortable boots (lightweight with good soles).

Toiletries

• Sunscreen.
• Facial moisturizer.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Wet wipes.
• Toilet paper.

Inside Your Backpack.

Backpacks can be any size, but we always suggest the smaller the better.

• Water: Our private transportation will always have water containers so you can refill your containers.
• Personal medication.
• Some snacks such as chocolate bars and dried fruit.
• Sun hat.
• Rain gear.
• Rain poncho and a hat.
• Camera.
• Music (cell phone).
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.

What to see in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers beautiful landscapes, Inca archaeological sites, and Inca villages steeped in history. It is notable for the Inca sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Maras.

How to get to the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

There are two possible routes from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas: via the route to Pisac and via the route to Chinchero.

Where to take the best photos on a trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

The viewpoints of Taray and Chinchero offer two of the best views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Tourists can also get incredible photos in Moray and the Maras salt mines.

What sports can you do in the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

On a trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you can enjoy various adventure sports, such as trekking, rock climbing, ziplining, canoeing, cycling, or ATV tours. The best way to explore these routes is with SAMIN CUSCO TRAVEL.

When is the best time to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas?

Knowing that the weather in the Peruvian Andes is unpredictable, this route is open year-round. Rain gear is recommended for the months between October and March.

Is the trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas dangerous?

The trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas is very safe. If you are hiking, it is recommended to hire a professional guide.

Do you have any questions or concerns about this destination?

Don’t hesitate to contact us. At SAMIN CUSCO TRAVEL, we will be happy to help and guide you with everything you need to get to know this place without complications.