SACRED VALLEY OF THE INKAS - PERU MYSTERIES

Cusco, the most important pre-Columbian metropolis on the continent, is the depository and heir to a cultural tradition, developed throughout the Peruvian territory since 18 thousand years before Christ. It is a living museum where in its atmosphere the greatness of ancient times is still perceived. Making a complete description or interpretation of Cusco and its privileged inhabitants would be a gigantic work of hundreds and even thousands of volumes. It is that fate has rewarded this "Navel of the World" with a privileged and excellent quality of nature, geography and people; capable of having developed one of the most advanced civilizations for its time.

 

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION: From 08:30 to 19:00 Hrs.

We pick you up from your hotel and then start with our guided visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, spending most of our tour surrounding the Vilcanota River and enjoying the panoramic view of this magical place.

 

• Pisac or Pisaq, will be the first archaeological center to visit, which is located approximately 30 km to the northwest of the city of Cusco. The name of "Pisaq" is genuine because it is deposited in some chronicles; Some scholars suggest that the pre-Hispanic city had the shape of a PISAQ or P'ISAQA, which means PARTRIDGE (a very abundant gallinaceous bird in this area). Písaq combines mystical Inca constructions and the natural wealth of the Urubamba Valley. Cities were built on the basis of figurative lines of animals. Písaq, had the shape of a partridge, as its name indicates. The original names of the different sectors of P'isaq are unknown; they were established by tradition, historians and archaeologists. In many cases the names do not represent their real nature; the reason is that there is no precise information, or documents that serve as authentic testimony.

Then we will visit the traditional market of Pisac; where we will have the opportunity to make bargains (sales) with handicraft and souvenir vendors, we will enjoy their customs and traditions, then we will arrive in Urubamba (Lunch), always traveling near the Vilcanota river.

 

• Ollantaytambo, will be the second archaeological center to visit, which is located approximately 76 km from Cusco along the Chinchero road, and at an altitude of 2700 meters above sea level. Ollantaytambo is a compound Quechua word derived from "Ollanta" personal name, and "Tambo" Spanish form of "Tanpu" city that offers accommodation, food and comfort for travelers. "Ollanta" is the name of an Inca Captain whose story was kept as an oral and written tradition and as a drama by Antonio Valdez, priest of Urubamba, in the mid-18th century, adapted for a theatrical work in 1780. Ollantaytambo was a Very important fortified city, built as a "tanpu" to enable roads to the "Antisuyo" (La Selva). According to many historians also to allow the protection of the great capital of the Inca from the attacks of the "Antis", who were his worst enemies. Today its name as "fortress" is common but improper because it did not have a war or protectionist duty. It was rather a complex city with a large urban sector and religious temples. As a fortified city, it had some protectionist elements, including a protectionist wall surrounding the town with many "pukaras" or fortresses and a strategically located clock.
• Chinchero, will be the third and last archaeological center to visit, it is located 28 km. northwest of the city of Cusco, over 3,762 meters above sea level. Chinchero, the most typical population of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is a distinctly Inca town that the ambitious conquerors wanted to civilize in order to implant their culture, but they never fully achieved it. Its inhabitants inhabit almost intact Inca constructions, in the same place where their ancestors lived and formed the largest and most prosperous civilization in America. Chinchero has a rich monumental and cultural heritage. It is one of the few places that conserves the Inca urban layout in a visible way. The remains of the Inca palace, the colonial church built on a stone base, its impeccable terraces and a colorful Sunday fair are its main attractions.

After Chinchero, we will return directly to the city of Cusco.

 

THE SERVICE INCLUDES:

1. Private transport
2. Specialized and bilingual tour guide
3. Lunch (Prior coordination)
4. First aid kit

 

THE SERVICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

1. Tickets
2. Drinks such as: water, sodas, wine or beer
3. Tips and souvenirs

 

THINGS TO BRING:

1. Camera
2. Warm clothes (in case of cold)
3. Rain gear or raincoat (long poncho)
4. Wide brim hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny days
5. Medications and / or personal supplies
6. Small backpack
7. Water

 

Enjoy the tour…

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MAP - CUSCO SACRED VALLEY OF THE INKAS - "PERU MYSTERIES"

 

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CUSCO SACRED VALLEY OF THE INKAS - "PERU MYSTERIES"