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One Day |
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The trip starts at the Hotel. We leave by van and drive out of the Sacred Valley. During the 45 minute ride we have an impressive view of the snowcapped Vilcanota mountains. The driver drops us off at the ruins of Moray.
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| Our guide will take us down into these ruins and explain their function. It is said that the ancient agricultural terraces of circular and concentric shape, which were built by the Incas, were used as a seed-producing area for the principal crops of the empire: maize and potato. We start walking towards the town of Maras through the countryside, surrounded now by farmlands and the occasional local habitat. The view of the mountain ranges never fades away. The path we take is mostly flat. Once we get to Maras there are several things to see and visit. We have the opportunity to go to a local puba 'Chicheria' where they brew the famous corn beer. The local tools, which are made of stone and were used for food preparation, can be found in the houses. Influenced by the Spanish conquerers some of the doorposts are in colonial style and beautifully worked. We will rest and have lunch. Near the salt pans we take a trail used by the local inhabitants to move their cattle, and also by those who transport the salt from the pans to Maras by donkey. This walk takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival we will spend some time so our guide can explain how the salt-draining process works. We might even have the chance to try making salt ourselves. Our descent into the Sacred Valley starts off on a narrow path, and we need to walk cautiously. We may spot the Cara cara, a typical Andean mountainbird and a member of the falcon family. The path, which runs alongside a gorge, takes us down to the Urubamba River. On our side is the brook which also runs through the saltpans. Because of its high salt content, it turns the earth on its banks white. Other birds we might spot while we approach the river are the Andean gull and the hummingbird. After we cross the hanging bridge, the van picks us up to take us back to the hotel. Group size minimum 2 pax Price includes taxes, snacks, lunch, soft-drinks and professional guide. It does not include transportation from Cusco to Urubamba. Programs |
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