Cusco (3,399 meters / 11,152 feet above sea level) Once we leave at the agreed time we head towards the north of the city of Cusco, passing through some of the modern and growing districts of Cusco as well as the most important traditional neighborhoods of the city such as -Santa Ana- which, built on a hill, has one of the most beautiful views of the Historic Center of Cusco and is located at the exit of the city. From this place we will pass through several districts although still within the jurisdiction of the Province of Cusco.
As we ascend in elevation above sea level we will have opportunities to capture landscapes of the Andes mountain range and its snow-capped peaks that will gradually approach, becoming more and more imposing for our delight. We will see some markets, popular businesses, some rural areas, growing towns and local population in their domestic work.
Chinchero Archeological Site (3,754 meters above sea level or 12,316 feet) Chinchero is known for its beautiful fusion of Inca and Colonial architecture whose foundations of its streets and homes remain frozen in time, built more than 9 centuries ago and even with sites prior to the Inca style.
We can access the ticket office on this site to buy the Turistic Cusco full ticket that includes 16 sites including museums and historical places valid for 10 days with a price of S/ 130 Each (Like 35 USD) or otherwise purchase the Turistic Cusco Half ticket for the Sacred Valley at S/ 70 each (like 19 USD) valid only for two days.
Important: The tour does not include entrance tickets to any site and these are purchased in local currency (Peruvian Soles) in places authorized by the government.
After visiting for around 30 min. At the Archaeological Site of Chinchero we can walk a little through the picturesque cobblestone streets of the town, where we will find many workshops, markets and shops of artisans and artists of textiles, ceramics, paintings and souvenirs.
And let me know if you would be interested in visiting an entrepreneurship project of native women weavers from different communities within the Chinchero district and learning about their customs and how they inherited techniques and styles from pre-Hispanic times. We could visit my good friend Marleny Callañaupa from Awanallaqta Tocapu who will be happy to welcome us and show us the innovations that riot girrrrrrrl, feminine power in community may achieve.
Well, well, it will be difficult for us to leave this picturesque place but staying here longer works against us taking advantage of the other places and we still have more things to see, with a lot of luck and your cooperation we will have stayed 1 hour. 30m.
We will leave Chinchero heading to the circular terraces of Moray which will take around 35 - 40 minutes, but there is a kind of mantra around these parts that repeats “It is not the destination but it is the journey” and literally the route will be set by beauty spectacular landscape, accompanied, surrounded and protected by the Apus or Mountain Spirits of the Andean worldview, filling us with strength, enthusiasm and telluric energy that is sometimes confused with symptoms of altitude sickness and dizziness for which it is recommended to take a lot, a lot water the night before and regularly during the day to avoid time in the toilets, give sugar and caffeine to the blood so that the blood flows faster, there are different vendors offering sweets based on coca leaves that have all these components.
Circular Terraces in Moray (11,500ft (3,500 m) above sea level)
We are already beginning to see the entrance to Moray from afar, we will use the same ticket to enter and once inside we will take a tour and a light flat walk with some steps, choosing the circuit between easy to moderate or long, where we will try to explain the purpose of this site addressing different scientific theories, popular and mythical beliefs whose real meaning is lost in time and lost due to lack of written records that we can understand.
Maras Salt Mines (3,400 meters above sea level or about 11,155 feet)
After spending a good time we will continue to Las Salineras de Maras, this private sector cooperative is the association of several communities and residents whose memories of the heritage of the place are lost in many generations of ancestors and who, not belonging to the government, have an amount in cash and with local currency of S/ 20.00 (6 USD Approx.) to cover per person to access (Not included in the Tour)
Traditional Andean Brewery in Maras Then, if you would be interested, I would love to show you an Authentic Aqha Wasi (House of Chicha in Quechua) or chichería (Where chicha is served in Spanish), one of the most preserved inheritances of ancestral wisdom over time, considered as an alcoholic beverage and not oldest alcoholic on the American continent, whose production dates back even before the Inca civilization with the Wari Culture around the 9th century BC.
In that place we can try a sip with a slightly acidic and bittersweet flavor of the Chica de Jora as well as its sister with a lower percentage of alcohol mixed with strawberries or strawberries that grow in the Sacred Valley and that give the name Frutillada to the drink..
Recommendations:
-Bring money in local currency, you can change in advance or we can do it before leaving the city of Cusco although it could take away our time to stay at the historical sites.
-Some establishments accept credit cards.
-Entrance tickets (BTGp S/ 70 or BTGc S/130 and Maras S/ 20) are not included and are purchased in cash and local currency.
What to pack for the Sacred Valley?
The Sacred Valley region is marked by two seasons, a dry winter and a rainy summer. The weather in this part of the country is very unpredictable. If you travel during the rainy season (December - April), this is what you should bring:
- Rain poncho and umbrella. Even if it's a sunny day, keep these two things in your backpack at all times.
- Windbreaker jacket. It tends to be very windy during this time of year.
- Light and warm sweaters. Although it is usually warm during the day, it can be very cold when it rains and even more so at dusk.
- Trekking shoes. They are designed to combat a deep puddle and are a MUST for those who are planning to do hiking activities.
- Insect repellent. Trust us, you'll thank us later.
If you are planning a day full of activities, check the weather reports and prepare your backpack according to the information. It should be noted that the weather changes drastically from one hour to the next during this season.
Traveling during the dry season? This is what you need:
- Warm clothes. Although no rain is expected during this period and the days are mostly sunny, be sure to stay warm during your stay as temperatures can reach up to 16°C during the day and drop to 0°C at night.
- Scarves, hats and gloves. Please note that you would not need to bring any of this from home as you can buy these things at any local market.
- Trekking boots and sports shoes. Remember that you are visiting the Trekking Capital of Peru and it is optimal to give your feet the best support during these activities.
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