How to Plan Your Sacred Valley Tour with Pisac and Ollantaytambo from Cusco

If you are planning a trip to Cusco, Peru, you cannot miss the Sacred Valley Tour with Pisac and Ollantaytambo. This full-day experience will take you on a journey through the heart of the Inca Empire, where you will discover the history and culture of this ancient civilization. In this how-to guide, we will explain how to plan your Sacred Valley Tour with Pisac and Ollantaytambo from Cusco.

Experience

The Sacred Valley Tour with Pisac and Ollantaytambo is a small-group tour that offers a personalized experience with a professional bilingual guide. The tour will take you to the Mirador of Taray, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, where you will discover some of the most important sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, you will learn about the history and culture of the Incas and their descendants.

Highlights

The highlights of the Sacred Valley Tour with Pisac and Ollantaytambo include:

– Spectacular views of the Andes and the Sacred Valley from the Mirador of Taray
– Visit to the archaeological site of Pisac to see the agricultural terraces, Inca cemeteries, and royal buildings
– Buffet lunch at a restaurant in Urubamba
– Visit to the fortress of Ollantaytambo to see the impressive Inca stonework and learn about the history of this strategic site
– Visit to the picturesque village of Chinchero to see the remains of the royal estate of Tupac Inca Yupanqui and learn about the traditional process of dyeing alpaca wool with natural plants of the region

Full Description

The Sacred Valley Tour with Pisac and Ollantaytambo starts with a hotel pickup from hotels in the historic center of Cusco. The first stop is the Mirador of Taray for spectacular views of the Andes and the Sacred Valley. From there, you will continue to the town of Pisac, which is famous for its popular market and archaeological site.

At the archaeological site, you will see the impressive agricultural terraces, Inca cemeteries, and royal buildings. Your professional guide will explain the history and significance of the site, including its strategic location in the Sacred Valley.

Next, you will head to Urubamba, where you will enjoy a buffet lunch at a restaurant. This is a great opportunity to try some of the local cuisine and relax before continuing the tour.

After lunch, you will visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo, which was built to guard the entrance to Machu Picchu and to protect the Incas from possible invasions. Here, you will see the impressive Inca stonework and learn about the history of this strategic site.

On the way back to Cusco, you will visit the picturesque village of Chinchero, which is located at an elevation of 3,762 meters above sea level. Here, you will see the remains of the royal estate of Tupac Inca Yupanqui and learn about the traditional process of dyeing alpaca wool with natural plants of the region.

The tour concludes with a hotel drop-off in the historic center of Cusco.

Includes

The Sacred Valley Tour with Pisac and Ollantaytambo includes:

– Hotel pickup from hotels in the historic center of Cusco
– Small-group tour
– Bilingual guide
– Buffet lunch at a restaurant

How to book the tour

To book the Sacred Valley Tour with Pisac and Ollantaytambo, visit the following link: book the tour here. This tour is offered by a third-party company called GetYourGuide, which is a trusted platform for booking tours and activities around the world.

Conclusion

The Sacred Valley Tour with Pisac and Ollantaytambo is an unforgettable experience that will take you on a journey through the heart of the Inca Empire. By following the steps in this how-to guide, you can plan your tour with ease and enjoy all the highlights of this amazing destination. Don’t forget to book your tour in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

An Insider’s Guide to Cusco: Hidden Gems, Local Cuisine, Cultural Experiences, History, and Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. While many tourists flock to the well-known attractions like Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuaman, there are many hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that only locals know about. With this insider’s guide, you’ll discover the best of Cusco beyond the common tourist spots.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems

While Machu Picchu is undoubtedly a must-see attraction, Cusco has many hidden gems that are worth exploring. One such place is the San Blas neighborhood, known for its winding cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Another hidden gem is the Qoricancha Museum, a historical site that was once the most important temple of the Inca Empire. Today, it houses an impressive collection of artifacts and artwork from the Inca era.

For nature lovers, the Rainbow Mountain is a spectacular destination. The mountain’s unique coloration provides a stunning backdrop for trekking or hiking.

Dining Spots: Local Cuisine and Interesting Anecdotes

Cusco is known for its delicious and vibrant cuisine, blending traditional Inca ingredients with Spanish and other indigenous cultures. For an authentic Cusquenian gastronomic experience, head to Mercado San Pedro, where locals gather to buy and sell fresh produce, street food, and unique beverages like chicha, a corn-based drink. One local specialty worth trying is cuy (guinea pig) – in Inca culture, it was only served at special ceremonies.

Legend has it that Cusco’s famous pisco sour cocktail came about in the 1920s, invented by bartender Victor Vaughen Morris, who mixed the Peruvian brandy with lime, sugar, egg white, and bitters. For a pisco sour with a breathtaking view, head to the Belmond Hotel Monasterio, where the cocktail is served in a grand monastery courtyard.

Cultural Experiences: Traditions, Festivals, Art, Music, and Customs

Cusco’s rich history and multicultural heritage offer many opportunities for cultural exploration. One unique experience is the Inti Raymi festival, a celebration of the winter solstice, which was once the most important festival of the Inca Empire. The colorful parade, traditional music, and ancient rituals provide a glimpse into the region’s past and present.

Cusco is also home to many art galleries and museums, showcasing contemporary and traditional artwork and crafts. One such museum is the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, which displays an impressive collection of ceramics, textiles, gold, and silver artwork from pre-Colonial times.

Local History: Captivating Stories Beyond Facts

Cusco has a fascinating history, with many captivating stories that go beyond mere facts and figures. One such tale is the story of Pachacuti, who was the greatest Inca emperor. Legend has it that he witnessed a vision of the sun god Inti, who told him to unite the different regions of the Kingdom of Cusco to create an empire that would last for centuries.

Another captivating historical story is that of Manco Inca, who was the last Inca emperor. He staged a rebellion against the Spanish conquistadors, and his story symbolizes the resistance and resilience of the Peruvian people against colonial rule.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique and Unforgettable Experiences

For a truly unique and unforgettable experience in Cusco, consider a visit to the Moray Maras salt mines. The salt flats, coined “the sacred valley’s white gold,” have been mined since Inca times and the process continues today.

Another unconventional experience is a visit to the high-altitude lagoon of Humantay, located in the Andes mountain range on the Salkantay Trek. The jaw-dropping turquoise waters of the lagoon surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the snow capped peaks of the Andes make for a truly magical experience.

In conclusion, Cusco has much more to offer beyond its iconic landmarks and attractions. With this insider’s guide, you’ll discover some of the city’s hidden gems, delicious local cuisine, rich cultural experiences, captivating historical stories, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will shape your travel experience in Cusco into an unforgettable one.