Embark on an immersive two-day adventure that unveils the complete story of the Inca civilization, from its agricultural innovations and cultural heartland to its crowning achievement, the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu. This comprehensive journey takes you through the most iconic sites of the Sacred Valley, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo, before culminating in a guided exploration of the world-famous Lost City of the Incas.
Tour Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Start Time: 6:20 AM – 6:50 AM (Day 1)
End Time: Approximately 7:00 PM (Day 2)
Difficulty: Moderate (Involves extensive walking and stairs at various archaeological sites)
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 3,762 meters (12,343 ft) in Chinchero
The day begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Cusco between 6:20 and 6:50 AM. Our first destination is the historic town of Chinchero, the former residence of Inca emperor Túpac Yupanqui. We will explore its impressive agricultural terraces and then visit a Textile Interpretation Center, where a local community demonstrates ancient weaving techniques, a sacred act the Incas connected to Mother Earth (Pachamama).
Our journey continues to Moray, a fascinating site believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory. You will see its unique circular terraces, which created distinct microclimates for experimenting with crops. Next, we visit the picturesque town of Maras to witness its famous salt mines, a network of over 3,000 salt ponds that have been harvested since pre-Inca times and are still a vital community activity today.
We will stop in Urubamba, the “Pearl of the Vilcanota,” for a delicious buffet lunch. This area was significant for the Incas due to its fertile lands and is the perfect place to savor fresh, traditional Peruvian dishes.
After lunch, we head to Ollantaytambo, a remarkable town that still preserves its original Inca urban layout. We will explore its massive fortress, which served as a military, religious, and agricultural center. Your guide will share the local legend of the warrior Ollantay, a tale of forbidden love and rebellion central to the town’s identity.
The day concludes with a scenic train journey to the base of Machu Picchu. You will board either the IncaRail Expedition at 3:37 PM or the PeruRail Voyager at 4:36 PM. The 1.5-hour ride offers spectacular views of the Urubamba River, considered sacred by the Incas. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 8:00 AM and accompany you to the bus station. A 25-minute scenic bus ride will take you up the winding road to the entrance of one of the world’s most spiritual and famous locations: the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Once at the entrance, you will begin a comprehensive 3-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, meaning “Old Mountain.” Believed to have been built by the emperor Pachacútec as a royal estate and sacred sanctuary, the site may have also served as an astronomical observatory. You will explore its temples, plazas, and residential areas, learning about the history and mysteries of this incredible place.
After the guided tour, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Here, you will have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore the town’s popular craft market, an ideal spot to purchase textiles and souvenirs that reflect the local culture.
To conclude your adventure, you will board the PeruRail Expedition train at 2:55 PM or the IncaRail Voyager at 2:30 PM for the journey back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting to transport you back to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 PM, marking the end of an unforgettable experience.
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The Chinchero Archaeological Site is significant as it was the residence of the Inca emperor Túpac Yupanqui and offers a blend of Inca history and vibrant culture. Visitors can learn about traditional weaving techniques at the Textile Interpretation Center, where the weaving process is connected to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
At Moray, visitors can observe unique circular terraces that created different microclimates for agricultural experimentation. The Maras salt mines are historically important as they have been exploited since Inca times and were believed to be created by the mountain god Apu.
Ollantaytambo preserves its ancient Inca urban design and was the site of an Inca victory over the Spanish. The story of Ollantay, an Inca warrior who fell in love with the daughter of Inca Pachacútec, is integral to the town’s identity, reflecting themes of love and struggle.
The train journey to Aguas Calientes can be taken via the IncaRail Expedition train or the PeruRail Voyager train, offering views of the Urubamba River, which is sacred and associated with the god Wiracocha.
During the guided tour of Machu Picchu, insights can be gained about its role as a sacred sanctuary and retreat for the Inca elite, possibly built by Pachacútec. Theories about its function range from an elite university to an astronomical observatory, with its stones aligned to coincide with important solar and lunar events
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