About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Pick up from centrally located hotels in Cusco city
- Boleto Turistico Parcial (optional)
- Maras Salt Mines Entrance (optional)
Excludes
- Gratuities
- Lunch
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Pick up available for hotels located in the historic center of Cusco
Itinerary
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin this fascinating excursion through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be the town of Chinchero, located approximately 28 km from Cusco. Here, we will visit a local textile workshop, where you will discover how traditional artisans use ancestral techniques to create beautiful textiles.
Then, we will visit the salt mines of Maras located on an open hill in Urubamba’s valley. This place has an impressive process created by Incas, where a subterranean stream evaporates salty water and it emerges at a spring. The flow is then directed into an intricate system of tiny channels constructed so that the water runs gradually down onto the several hundred ancient terraced ponds. The water, which is exposed to the sun, leaves salt on the land.
After visiting the salt mines near Maras, head to the Moray ruins, which are made up of three coliseums thought to have been used by the Incas as a sort of open air crop laboratory. The coliseums consist of several enormous terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is about 30 meters (98 feet) deep. Admire these terraces which are arranged in concentric circles and are reminiscent of an ancient Greek theater. The Sacred Valley of the Incas has extensive fertile lands perfect for cultivation, as well as impressive archaeological sites. This place will show us the lifestyle of the Inca Empire and its advanced construction techniques. After the tour you will return to Cusco at Plaza El Regocijo.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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