The day begins with early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco (approx. 6:30 a.m.), heading northwest through scenic highland routes. As you ascend to over 3,700 meters (12,140 ft), the first stop is the traditional town of Chinchero, known for its colonial church built on Inca foundations and vibrant Andean textile workshops. Here, you’ll observe how natural dyes and ancestral weaving techniques are preserved by local artisans — a living heritage of the Andes.
Continuing across the high plains, the journey leads to Moray, a remarkable archaeological site featuring concentric circular terraces carved into the earth. Believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory, Moray showcases the empire's advanced understanding of microclimates and crop adaptation. The guide will explain its engineering marvels while you explore its hypnotic structure.
Just minutes away, the tour descends to Maras, a town famous for its spectacular pre-Inca salt pans. Nestled on the slope of a canyon at around 3,380 meters (11,090 ft), thousands of salt pools shimmer under the sun. You’ll walk along designated paths and learn how locals still harvest salt using ancestral evaporation techniques, offering a rare blend of cultural authenticity and natural beauty.
Afterward, the route continues down into the Sacred Valley to reach Ollantaytambo, a stunning example of Inca city planning and fortress architecture. Towering agricultural terraces and stone structures rise along the mountain slopes. Your guide will walk you through the Temple of the Sun, the royal baths, and the still-functioning Inca-era water channels.
A lunch stop is typically included in Urubamba (either buffet or pre-arranged depending on the tour operator), before the final leg of the tour takes you to Pisac, located at 2,972 meters (9,750 ft). You’ll first visit the Pisac archaeological complex, perched high above the valley, with terraces, ceremonial baths, and royal enclosures that rival those of Machu Picchu in complexity. Afterward, there’s time to explore the Pisac handicraft market, ideal for authentic souvenirs and silverwork.
The tour ends with a return to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 p.m., just in time to rest or enjoy a local dinner with the memories of a day steeped in Andean culture and breathtaking scenery.
