Chinchero

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 am. Then we will drive to the Sacred Valley where we will make our first stop at the village of Chinchero. This small town is famous in the region for its multicolored textile works. During our tour we will learn about the traditional techniques used by the artisans to manufacture and dye their textiles. You will also visit the main square of the town, with its beautiful colonial buildings, which were built on top of ancient Inca ruins.

Salinas de Maras

Our next stop will be at the Salt Mines of Maras. These mines have been used by the local population since the Inca times. According to the legends, the salt comes from the tears of the legendary hero Ayar Cachi, who was encased by his brothers inside a nearby mountain. Maras contains around 3000 salt wells, which come from the Qaqawiñay mountain. This place produces the precious "Pink Salt", which obtains its unique colors due to the minerals present in the soil.

Moray

Moray comprises of a series of circular agricultural terraces located near Maras. Experts believe that this site was used by the Incas as a research center for growing plants of different regions. Some historians also theorize that Moray constituted a center for performing astronomical observations and for predicting weather.

Urubamba

After visiting Moray, we will arrive at Urubamba to have a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. The town of Urubamba, also known as the "Pearl of the Vilcanota", is located at the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Urubamba is a small colonial town with a picturesque main square. The square stands out for its palms, which have been planted together with other native species of plants.

Ollantaytambo

After lunch, we will continue our journey through the magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our next stop will be the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. This Inca site stands out for its massive stone buildings, some of which reach a height of 4 meters. Ollantaytambo also has numerous platforms built around the site, which are easily visible from the nearby town. We will explore the astounding Ollantaytambo until the afternoon. Then, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes.

Aguas Calientes

After arriving to Aguas Calientes, we will take you to your hotel. You will have time to relax and prepare for the next day.

Machu Picchu

The next day we will wake up early to board a bus to Machu Picchu. After a short trip of around 30 minutes, we will reach the Inca citadel. Our staff will give you a guided tour through the citadel, after assisting you at the security checkpoints located at the entrance. Machu Picchu is located at the heart of the Peruvian Andes, near the Amazon basin. The citadel was built in the 15th century, but later abandoned after the Spanish conquest of the region. Machu Picchu was later rediscovered in 1911 during an expedition led by Hiram Bingham, an American explorer. Machu Picchu stands out for its beautiful buildings, made entirely of stone. Its buildings are the perfect example of the Inca architecture. After the tour, you will be free to explore the citadel on your own. It's also possible to take a short hike to the Machu Picchu or the Huayna Picchu mountains, however the entrance tickets to this zones must be purchased in advanced. Then, we will return to Aguas Calientes.

Aguas Calientes

After returning to Aguas Calientes, you will be free to explore this small town. You can have lunch at one of the numerous restaurants, or you can taste some local dishes at the market. Also, you can visit the hot springs, which give Aguas Calientes its name. Later in the evening, we will board a train to Ollantaytambo, and then we will drive back to Cusco. We will be arriving at Cusco at around 9:00 pm.