Journey through the majestic heart of the Inca Empire.
Flowing alongside the vital Urubamba River, the Sacred Valley of the Incas was the agricultural, spiritual, and political heart of the Andean world. With its lower elevation, pleasant microclimates, and exceptionally fertile soil, this breathtaking valley sustained the empire and continues to produce some of the finest crops in Peru today.
On this comprehensive, full-day private tour, we escape the standard bus routes to provide a deeply immersive experience. You will uncover the secrets of ancient Andean textiles, marvel at mysterious circular agricultural terraces, walk among thousands of pre-Inca salt pools, and explore a monumental fortress in the last living Inca city. It is an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty.
Our day begins in the picturesque town of Chinchero. Famous for its masterful weavers, you will witness a traditional textile demonstration, learning how local women use natural elements like purple corn and insects to dye alpaca wool. We will also explore the impressive Inca terraces and the beautiful colonial church built directly over the palace of the Inca Emperor Tupac Yupanqui.
Next, we travel to the enigmatic ruins of Moray. Unlike any other Inca site, Moray consists of massive, concentric circular terraces carved into the earth. It is widely believed to have been an advanced agricultural laboratory. By creating distinct microclimates at different depths, the Incas successfully adapted thousands of plant varieties—a true testament to their profound connection with nature.
A short drive away lies a truly surreal landscape: over 3,000 brilliant white and pink salt pans cascading down the mountainside. Mined since pre-Inca times, this warm saltwater spring continues to provide the world-famous Maras Pink Salt. (Fun fact: This is the exact same high-quality salt we use to season our dishes during our Cusco cooking classes!).
By midday, we will head down into the lush valley of Urubamba. While lunch is not included in the tour price, we take care of the details. Your guide will recommend and reserve a table at a top-tier local restaurant where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy authentic Peruvian flavors overlooking the Urubamba River.
Our final destination is the magnificent fortress of Ollantaytambo. This site is famous for being one of the only places where the Incas successfully defeated the Spanish conquistadors in battle. We will climb the steep, monumental terraces up to the unfinished Temple of the Sun. As you walk through the town below, you will notice it is perfectly preserved; locals still live in the original stone dwellings built by their ancestors centuries ago.
