2 days in the Sacred Valley of the Incas around Cusco

Discovery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas around Cusco

Day 1: Ollantaytambo, Moray and Maras

For this first day in the Sacred Valley, we decided to start with the furthest site and gradually approach Cusco.

First, the fortress of Ollantaytambo

After 1h30 on the way, we reach Ollantaytambo. In addition to a tourist market, the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo is before us. This fortress hosted fierce battles between the Incas and Spaniards. As with all Inca constructions, no trace of mortar or joints is impressive! The discovery of the fortress of Ollantaytambo is quite pleasant, but without a guide it is difficult to have information and understand well.

Finally, after the visit of the fortress, we eat a piece in one of the restaurants of the town and go by bus to the second place of the day, Moray.

Then, the Moray agricultural research center

Unfortunately, no collective serves the archaeological site of Moray. To get there, you must take a taxi and it is expensive: 45 PEN for 2 for about 20 km (along with Salinas de Maras). However, the site is worth it.

The Moray site has been used by the Incas as an agricultural research center. It is here, at more than 3,500 m altitude, where they tested different cultures playing with temperature and depth. In fact, it consists of several concentric terraces with a temperature difference of up to 5 degrees.

Finally, after touring Moray, we take our taxi and leave for the last stop of the day.

Then, the Salinas de Maras

On the cliffs are the Salinas de Maras. A set of terraced salt basins. Because yes, at 3200 m altitude runs a salty river. The Spanish had the good idea of ​​installing hundreds of terraced ponds to "grow" and extract salt. Today, the Salinas de Maras site belongs to families organized as a cooperative.

Instead of simply admiring the Salinas from the top, we decided to follow them to the village of Tarabamba (down the mountain). 30 minute walk through the salt water ponds. Upon arriving in Tarabamba, we take a mini van that returns to Cusco.

The Salinas de Maras are not part of the Tourist Ticket, access costs 10 PEN per person. Clearly, the Salinas de Maras are essential in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Try to go to Salinas de Maras before 4 p.m. to see them in the sun and not in the shade.

• how to get to salinas de maras from cusco

Finally, and Chinchero in this story?

Unfortunately, we did not have time to visit the archeological site of Chinchero. For the curious, they are the agricultural terraces of the Incas that are still used today.

If you want to do these 4 sites on the same day, I advise you to leave Cusco around 8 a.m. and that does not stay in the way.

Then day 2 in Pisac

Closer to Cusco than other sites, it only takes us 30 minutes by bus to reach Pisac from Cusco. However, as for Moray and Salinas de Maras, the archaeological site is accessible only by taxi (or climbing the mountain for 3 hours).

Upon arriving in Pisac, we are looking for travelers with whom to share the taxi to the top of the archaeological site. The taxi from Pisac costs 25 PEN. It takes 25 minutes to reach the site, located on top of the mountain.

The Inca archaeological site of Pisac houses the ruins of the town of Pisac, which was built during the expansion of the Inca empire (between the 10th and 11th centuries). A true town with a residential area, a ceremonial zone, a military zone and an agricultural zone.

While most of the travelers (especially those in groups) are happy with the top, we decided to go down the mountain / to Pisac to discover the many points of interest of the site. Small towns, control towers or terraces. A pleasant walk of 2 hours during the descent.

Finally, back to Pisac, we quickly cross the large "artisanal" market that is held in the town's central square on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays to eat at the real market. Amazing prices and only local at the top!