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1 day
3400 M.S.N.M
8 person(s)
Group
Group
The Sacred Valley is a treasure trove of timeless ancient Inca archeological sites and stunning natural landscapes that will simply take your break away. As you can imagine, agriculture presented a massive challenge for the Incas because of the craggy, mountainous terrain of the Andes. However, the Sacred Valley is a fertile and lush stretch of land with endless sources of fresh water. This was the heart of Inca land; the temperature is mild compared to the rest of Cusco and the views are incredible.
Our tour takes you on a comprehensive journey through traditional weaving villages and the Inca ruins of Pisac that remain a true representation of Inca agricultural practices. We explore a camelid farm surrounded by llamas, alpacas and vicunas among many other camelids. Driving of the main road, we visit the experimental farming terraces of Moray and the Pre- Inca Maras Salt mines, that’s still function as a main source of income for this small community and supplies Peru with over 90% of its salt. As the sun begins to set, we visit the archeological site of Ollantaytambo, where the ultimate and most intense battle between the Inca Empire and Spanish invaders took place.
Our relaxed tour through the Sacred Valley begins at 7:30am. We will pick-up up from your hotel lobby, we recommend having breakfast beforehand, our next meal is only later in the day. We begin our scenic drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping along the way at a camelid farm just outside of Cusco . This amazing farm keeps about 7 different species of the camelid family. The four main species of Peru include the Llama, Alpaca, Guanacos and the Vicuna which is the National Animal of Peru.
Inside the farm, you get to pet, feed and take pictures with these weird and wonderful animals. Going through the center, you can watch the ladies in their traditional garments weaving different garments, using the wool from the camelids. You also get to experience the natural way in which they dye the wool, using roots and indigenous plants. At the exit, there is a museum with a souvenir shop where you can purchase authentic alpaca garments and if your budget allows, the more luxurious and protected Vicuna creations. The Vicuna has super soft material and feels lush and luxurious. Because Vicunas are protected animals, all garments made from their wool have to be sold with a certification of trade and authentication.
Our first stop in the valley is the stunning Mirador of Taray, where we get to enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the valley. Pisac is regarded as the gateway to the valley and the view from this outlook is a glimpse into what you have to look forward to for the rest of the day. As you look down you can see every inch of the valley carpeted with modern farming terraces. The peaceful Urubamba River flows below, majestic snow-capped mountain peaks like the Ausangate mountain (6 384m/20 945ft) make their presence felt and straight ahead is the Pisac Archeological site in full view.
Next, we drive to the top entrance of the archeological site, that sits perched at the top of the mountain side. The view from the top accents the Urubamba Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. The Sacred Valley was agriculturally important to the Incas and still plays a major role in the sustenance of the Cusco region. You can find evidence to support the theory of agricultural practices at the top of the hill, which is laden with many food warehouses that were used by the Incas to store food at top where the temperature is much cooler compared to the bottom of the valley. You also come across the biggest Inca cemetery with over 2000 tombs decorating the mountain side. It is said that if you visit these tombs, you can still find human skeletal remains.
We drive through the small indigenous towns of Coya and Calca before stopping at the foot of Urubamba for a delectable buffet lunch. The restaurant has an impressive spread of different foods and is vegan and vegetarian friendly. There is a variety of fresh vegetables, salads, protein dishes, desserts, a selection of teas and coffee. (Lunch is not included)
After lunch, we continue our journey to the colonial town of Maras, walking downhill to the Pre-Inca Salt Mines. The locals use over a thousand salt pans to collect water from the salt stream at the top of the hill. They extract the salt by allowing the water to evaporate naturally until only salt remains in the pool and is than collected for distribution. This technique stems back Pre Inca, the Incas also used the same technique and the locals now maintain this ancient technique. This is Peru´s main salt supply, supplying over 90% of the country with the salt.
This a rich custom and tradition and the saltpans have been passed down from one generation to the next. This is the community´s main source of income and they have exclusive rights to these mines. Salineras is one of the very few salt mines left in the world to have not switched to more modern salt extraction techniques. The communal company of Maras (cooperative) packages and distributes the salt and splits the profits with the families according to the number of saltpans they own.
Later, we visit Moray, which was an experimental farming site built in the form of an amphitheater with different temperature at each level which grows different types of crops. These levels of terraces were carved before the Incas took control of the Sacred Valley. Then the Incas used it for their experimental farming, to research optimal growing conditions for their crops. The Incas brought in different soil samples from other regions, in order to optimize their research. The locals were still using it for growing their crops, until the Peruvian government decided to preserve and protect it for tourism in the 1970s .
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo to explore this quaint Inca village and the amazing Inca Ruins on the hilltop hovering above the town. These ruins are where the Incas fought their last battle with the Spanish conquerors, before they had to retreat and flee into the dense jungle. Most of the structures were unfortunately incomplete or destroyed by the intense battle. There is a section with a number of boulders that were carved, but didn’t make it to their destination. We stop here to learn the fascinating history of the final days of the Inca Empire. Also, settle down and watch the sun set over the valley.
To end the day, we drive back in our private van to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at around 6:30pm.
The Sacred Valley Tour is available on any date as long as we have a minimum of 2 people to book.
No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
2 people | $ 65 USD per person |
3 people | $ 55 USD per person |
4 people | $ 50 USD per person |
+5 people | $ 45 USD per person |
Price for a private Sacred Valley tour 1 day: US$187 in total for a group up to 4 people.
You have the option to purchase a 1 Day or a 10 Day Boleto Turistico.
The partial ticket, or 1-Day ticket costs 70 soles (about US $20) and is valid for 1 day. You can visit as many sites as you like in one day with no further charge. There are no discounts with this ticket.
Both tourist tickets, 1-day or 10-day, allows the access to different archeological sites in and around Cusco, the Sacred Valley, various museums in Cusco, the Main Cathedral, the Qoricancha and more. This is the best way to visit all the archeological sites of the region and the Sacred Valley. Most of the main archeological sites are not accessible for free.
The general ticket, or 10-Day Ticket is 130 soles (about US $35) and is valid for 10 days. This is the cheapest and most convenient way to plan to see different sites in a few days.
Here is a list of sites where you can use your Boleto Touristico:
The entrance ticket to the main archeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Tipón and Moray cannot be sold individually. You must buy the Boleto turístico to visit them. Tickets are available in Avenida el Sol near our office or at the entrance of the first archeological site. YOU MUST PAY IN SOLES, NO CREDIT CARDS OR US DOLLARS ARE ACCEPTED.
Important: These entrances are not included in the Boleto Touristico.
*** Find the best information about Boleto turistico here!
Please fill in our BOOKING FORM carefully with your correct personal details.
Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!
Our group of 8 did the 3-day Inca trail tour. From the very beginning Ray demonstrated his knowledge by answering all our questions thoroughly. Trekking the Inca trail was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. I can say for certain that I would not have finished the trail, if not for Ray. I am not active at all, and hiking up and down a mountain, for 7 hours, seemed impossible. Within the first 10 minutes I was ready to be done. That sentiment was shared within most of my group.
Our tour guide Ray was excellent and very helpful. And we did the short inks trail to machupicchu thanks for the experience
Ray was absolutely amazing 😎 would definitely recommend him to anyone that wants to travel to Machu Picchu !!! Best experience of my life and off my bucket list🙏🏾
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Éramos un grupo de tres que decidimos realizar un recorrido de un día por el Valle Sagrado de Orange Nations, contemplando Ollyantaytambo y terminando en Cusco. La mejor decisión que tomamos fue que fuimos recibidos por nuestro increíble guía Miguel justo a tiempo, quien nos llevó a este increíble día lleno de diversión, risas y con un gran conocimiento sobre el área.
Gracias Jhony y Grober por sus recorridos entusiastas y conocedores. Definitivamente ambos guías turísticos del siguiente nivel con una compañía del siguiente nivel. Hicimos la caminata Laures y Machupichu con Sam Travels / Orange Nation y lo recomendamos encarecidamente :)
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Wow, what a wonderful trekking experience! My trip to Peru was amazing thanks to this awesome tour that i took with Orange Nation. I did multiple tours with this company. I'm a solo traveler and everyone in my group was always still friendly and did not make me feel left out.
Excelente Anghely una nueva oportunidades de trabajo me siento feliz por estos logros