2 Day Enchanted Inca Towns of Sacred Valley From Cusco

Enjoy the captivating history and vibrant culture of Peru’s Sacred Valley on this 2-day adventure from Cusco. Explore iconic Inca sites, discover traditional artisan crafts, and uncover the enchanting essence of this storied region. With a professional guide leading the way, you’ll explore the rich heritage of the Inca civilization, uncovering hidden gems and gaining insider knowledge. From the awe-inspiring Inkariy Museum to the mesmerizing Maras salt mines, this itinerary promises an unforgettable journey through the enchanted realms of the Sacred Valley. Prepare to be captivated, as you embark on an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s timeless wonders.

Good To Know

• This 2-day tour takes travelers to the enchanting Inca towns of Pisac, Yucay, and Ollantaytambo in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
• Visitors can enjoy Inca culture and history through interactive exhibits, weaving demonstrations, and traditional corn beverage tastings.
• The tour includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and a professional guide, ensuring a personalized and hassle-free experience.
• Highlights of the tour include the Inkariy Museum, Awana Kancha, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines, showcasing the engineering marvels of the Inca civilization.
• The tour culminates with a visit to the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, providing insights into the Inca resistance against the Spanish conquistadors.

Overview of the Tour

This 2-day tour in Peru’s Sacred Valley offers travelers the opportunity to explore enchanted Inca towns and enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage.

With a maximum group size of 15, the tour provides a personalized experience. Visitors will visit Pisac, Yucay, and Ollantaytambo, learning about Inca history, traditional weaving, and Peruvian silver jewelry.

The tour includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and a professional guide. Reviews praise the quality of the experience, though suggest improved organization when combining different tour groups.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours before, this tour provides a flexible and enriching way to discover the Sacred Valley’s charm.

Exploring Pisac and Awana Kancha

Travelers visiting the Sacred Valley will first explore the historic town of Pisac, known for its well-preserved Inca and colonial architecture. Here, they’ll visit the Awana Kancha, a living museum showcasing Andean camelids and traditional weaving techniques. The group will then tour the Inkariy Museum, which offers an in-depth look at Inca culture and history. Finally, visitors can browse the local handicraft market, where they’ll find an array of handmade souvenirs.

Activity	Description	Duration
Pisac Inca and Colonial Town	Explore the well-preserved ruins and colonial architecture	1-2 hours
Awana Kancha	Interact with Andean camelids and learn about traditional weaving	1 hour
Inkariy Museum	Guided tour of the museum showcasing Inca culture and history	1 hour
Handicraft Market	Browse and shop for local handmade souvenirs	1 hour

Visiting Inkariy Museum and Handicraft Market

After exploring the well-preserved Inca and colonial architecture of Pisac, visitors then head to the Inkariy Museum for a guided tour unveiling the rich tapestry of Inca culture and history.

The museum features:

1. Interactive exhibits showcasing traditional Inca weaving, pottery, and metalwork.
2. Informative displays on the Inca empire’s agricultural, architectural, and astronomical achievements.
3. A collection of rare Inca artifacts, including textiles, ceramics, and ceremonial objects.

The tour then continues to the local handicraft market, where travelers can browse an array of handcrafted souvenirs, such as vibrant textiles, carved wood figurines, and intricate silver jewelry.

Discovering Yucay Museo De Cultura Viva

Continuing the tour, visitors next explore the Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva, an engaging cultural museum that illuminates the region’s ancestral weaving techniques and traditional corn-based beverages. At the museum, travelers have the opportunity to learn about the intricate process of weaving and the significance of corn in Andean culture. They can also peruse the artisan crafts on display and purchase unique souvenirs to take home.

Exhibit	Description
Weaving Demonstration	Skilled artisans showcase traditional weaving methods and patterns.
Corn Beverage Tasting	Visitors sample traditional Andean corn-based drinks like chicha.
Artisan Craft Shop	Browse a selection of handmade textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.
Interactive Exhibits	Engaging displays educate visitors about Andean cultural heritage.

Purchasing Peruvian Silver Jewelry

Often, visitors will find time to browse the renowned Joyeria Pisac Pachamama, a local jewelry shop renowned for its exquisite Peruvian silver craftsmanship.

This is an opportunity to purchase a variety of silver jewelry, from delicate filigree earrings to intricate Inca-inspired necklaces.

The shop features:

1. A wide selection of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings crafted using traditional Peruvian silversmithing techniques.
2. Unique, one-of-a-kind designs inspired by Inca symbols and motifs.
3. Knowledgeable staff who can provide insight into the cultural significance and craftsmanship of each piece.

Visitors can take home a piece of Peruvian heritage and support local artisans during their visit to the Sacred Valley.

Marveling at Moray and Maras Salt Mines

The second day of the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey to uncover the ancient Inca engineering marvels of Moray and the timeless Maras Salt Mines.

At Moray, guests will be awestruck by the site’s concentric terraces, designed to create microclimates for agricultural experimentation.

The tour then proceeds to the Maras Salt Mines, where visitors can witness the millennia-old salt extraction process and marvel at the picturesque salt ponds.

This immersive experience allows travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the Inca’s innovative agricultural and mining techniques that have endured for centuries.

The tour culminates with a visit to the fortress town of Ollantaytambo, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the Sacred Valley’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Exploring Ollantaytambo Fortress

Concluding the tour’s captivating itinerary, visitors explore the ancient fortress town of Ollantaytambo. This Inca settlement boasts impressive stone structures, including the temple-fortress that served as a stronghold during the Inca resistance against the Spanish.

Visitors can:

1. Admire the imposing terraced walls and impressive stonework that characterize Ollantaytambo’s impressive architecture.
2. Discover the Inca site’s strategic location, nestled between the Urubamba River and towering mountains, which made it a formidable defensive position.
3. Gain insights into the town’s rich history and its role in the Inca Empire’s final stand against the Spanish conquistadors.

After this immersive experience, the tour provides convenient transfer options to Sacred Valley hotels or the Ollantaytambo Railway Station for further exploration or departure.

Inclusions and Additional Information

As part of the "2 Day Enchanted Inca Towns of Sacred Valley from Cusco" tour, travelers can expect a well-rounded experience with a range of inclusions. These include two lunches, an overnight stay in the Sacred Valley, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a professional English-Spanish speaking guide. Plus, a train ticket for Machu Picchu is included. The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. However, certain activities may have a smaller group size limit of 9 travelers. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves moderate walking, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Start Time	Accessibility	Travel Group Size
07:30 am	Not wheelchair accessible	Maximum of 15 travelers, 9 for certain activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t mention any discounts for children or seniors. Prices are listed as starting from $183.10 per person, with no special rates indicated for different age groups.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Dietary Requirements?

The tour can accommodate special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or gluten-free meals, with advance notice. Travelers should inform the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking to ensure their needs are met during the experience.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Travel Dates?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Customers can modify their travel dates without penalty, subject to availability. It’s best to contact the tour operator directly to discuss any changes to the itinerary.

Do I Need a Visa to Participate in This Tour?

No, a visa is not required for this tour. Peru allows many nationalities to visit for up to 90 days without a visa. As long as you have a valid passport, you can participate in the 2-day Sacred Valley tour from Cusco.

Are There Any Optional Activities or Add-Ons Available During the Tour?

The tour includes a comprehensive itinerary, but there aren’t any optional activities or add-ons mentioned. Travelers can likely purchase additional souvenirs or experiences on their own during free time, but the core tour activities are fixed.

The Sum Up

This 2-day tour of the Enchanted Inca Towns of Sacred Valley from Cusco offers a captivating immersion into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore iconic sites, discover Inca history, witness artisan demonstrations, and marvel at stunning natural landscapes. With comfortable accommodations and flexible policies, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Sacred Valley.