Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Moray & Maras Terraces of Salt Hike – Train to Aguas Calientes
Breakfast at the hotel; pick up from your hotel at 8:00am for a private guided tour to the Sacred Valley.
Excursion to the Inca agricultural experimental center of Moray, famous for its sunken amphitheater, made up of four circular terraces, which appear to disappear into the earth like an artificial crater. The site was apparently an Inca agricultural research station designed for experimenting with crops at various altitudes (some of which run down to depths of 100 meters). It is believed that the terraces, built over containing walls filled with fertile earth and watered by complex irrigation systems, enabled the Incas to grow more than 250 plant species.
We arrive at the circular Inca ruins of Moray where we enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.
After this very atmospheric place Mule trails then takes us to the ancient town of Maras with its out-standing Spanish door arches and vast church. Maras is famous for its spies – due to its strategic location above the Sacred Valley. We then drop down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the salt pans of Salineras. Here more than 5000 terraces are still in production and many families of Maras bring their salt to the market of Urubamba on mules. We finally meet our vehicle again beside the Urubamba River for the drive back to Cusco. Stop in Ollantaytambo where you’ll take train to Aguas Calientes (Vistadome Train), upon arrival reception and transfer to the Hotel – Overnight at Aguas Calientes Hotel
Day 2 – Full Day Machu Picchu & Back to Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel; full day Excursion to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, early transfer at 5:30am to the Bus Stop for the short ride (25 minutes) up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (the most important preserved Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, houses, warehouses, a large central square; and all connected by narrow roads and steps that are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side. After the tour you’ll have time to stroll around the Archaeological Site at your leisure.
Then, you will have time to perform some of the following activities by yourself (not included in the price):
- 1. Climb to Wayna Picchu; for the most adventurous people, we suggest to go up the Wayna Picchu from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant.
- 2. Walk to Sun Gate; opportunity to walk (approx. 1 hour) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant in Machu Picchu (included in the price)
Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you’ll return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Cusco – train departure to Cusco; upon arrival to Cusco reception and transfer to the Hotel
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart Cusco – Our representative will assist you and transfer to the airport and say goodbye.
