Super Sacred Valley Tour Full Day – Cusco Sacred Valley Tour

Super Sacred Valley Tour which is a complete sacred valley tour is a good introduction to Incan civilisation and the history of Cusco. The full day tour takes you to all the main sites of the Sacred Valley of Incas.

Chinchero:

Chinchero is a small town near Cusco. This town is renowned for its weaving traditions which is preserved over decades. Chinchero houses a white washed adobe church which was built in 1607, during the Spanish rule.

The church is believed to be built on top of the site which one served as a palace of the renowned Incan emperor, Tupac Yupanqui.

Also, Chinchero has one of the most fertile soils in the whole Sacred Valle of Incas. There are many agricultural terraces near the church which were built during Tupac Yupanqui’s empire and are in use till date.

Maras Salt Mines:

Maras Salt Mines is a very distinct site in the Sacred Valley of Incas. These salt pools are very peculiar. Maras Salt pools were built during pre Incan civilisation by Chanapata culture between 200AD-900AD.

The traditional techniques of salt farming is practised even today. Maras Salt Pools are built on the hill slope. There are over 5000 salt pools and each are managed by the local families of the community.

Spring water are passed on these salt ponds through the thin water channels. Once the pond is filled with water, they wait for the pond to dry. Once these spring water evaporates in the arid Andean Weather, it leaves behind pink crystals of Salt.

Moray Agricultural Terrace:

Another impressive sight on the Sacred Valley of Incas is the Agricultural Terrace of Moray. Moray once served as an agricultural laboratory to the Incas. These circular shaped terraces have different layers where the climate varies, in fact the difference in climate from the top of the terrace to the bottom is roughly 15 degrees celsius.

Incas experimented growing different crops at different level which affected widely because of the winds and quality of soil.

Ollantaytambo:

Ollantaytambo has been a prominent site since the Incan Empire. It served as an administrative centre during the Incan Empire. During the Spanish invasion, Ollantaytambo was the last stronghold of Manco Yupanqui

Ollantaytambo progressed under the leadership of Inca Pachacutec who rebuilt the town after conquering in the 15th century. He built agricultural terraces and irrigation channels.

After the death of Inca Pachacutec, Inca Manco started governing the town. He used Ollantaytambo as a retreat from Spanish invaders. The fortress that once served as a religious place turned to be a battle ground.

Pisac:

Pisac is a peaceful town. The ruins of Pisac are vast and are only second to Machu Picchu. Pisac is known for its Sunday market. The main square, Plaza de Armas of Pisac turns into a bustling market place.

The farmers from the nearby community sell their produce. The market is especially known for its handicrafts which can be bought at a much cheaper price than in Cusco which makes it an ideal place to stack up on souvenirs.

Needles to mention, the ruins of Pisac has a charming beauty. The archeological site sits up on top of a hill at 3347 meters around 3.5 kilometres away from the town.

Still wondering the reason to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas? Here are the reasons.