Your day begins early at 6:40 a.m., when our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your first stop is Chinchero, a traditional Andean village and former royal estate of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, the tenth emperor of the Inca Empire. Here, you’ll witness vibrant indigenous culture and explore the well-preserved colonial church built on Inca foundations. Chinchero is also famous for its skilled local artisans who demonstrate traditional weaving techniques, using natural dyes and alpaca wool—a perfect opportunity to learn about Andean textile traditions.

Next, you will travel approximately 30 minutes to the fascinating archaeological site of Moray. This ancient Inca agricultural laboratory features a series of concentric terraces arranged in circular depressions. These terraces create different microclimates at various levels, allowing the Incas to experiment with crop cultivation and agricultural techniques—one of the most innovative legacies of Inca civilization. Your guide will provide detailed insights into the significance and function of this remarkable site.

Following Moray, you will visit the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras), located just 15 minutes away. These salt mines have been in continuous use since pre-Inca times. Here, over 4,000 shallow salt pools fill with salty water from a natural spring. Local families harvest the salt by hand through traditional methods passed down for generations. The stunning landscape of white salt ponds against the surrounding hills is a photographer’s dream and offers a glimpse into sustainable Andean livelihoods.

After soaking in the history and culture, you will head to the town of Urubamba for a relaxing buffet lunch (not included), where you can sample local cuisine and recharge for the afternoon.

In the afternoon, your journey continues to Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca fortress town. Here, you will explore the impressive archaeological complex, including the Temple of the Sun and massive terraces that showcase the architectural and engineering genius of the Incas. Ollantaytambo was a strategic military, agricultural, and religious center during the Inca Empire, and its cobblestone streets still retain their original Inca layout.

Finally, after your tour of Ollantaytambo, you will be transferred to the train station to board your scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel to rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure.