SHORT SACRED VALLEY

ITINERARY

Our guided Short Sacred Valley tour starts by collecting you from your hotel. We transfer you in approximately 40 minutes to Pisac archaeological complex which is located at approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) towards the northwest of Cusco. Its altitude is at 3,400 meters (11,000 ft). The Inca and pre-Inca settlements are on the upper side of the mountain. There is a cemetery with original Inca graves, Inca trails, tunnels, storehouses, towers and many stairways.

We then walk around The Pisac Market. This market is highly recommended on market days and on Sundays. The peasants from the surrounding communities descend from the mountains in order to perform their commercial transactions. The colorful clothing of peasants is very showy. Their native hats make it very easy to distinguish them. At 11:00 A.M. there is a catholic mass held in the church for the local populace in Incan language.

We have a packed lunch.

In de afternoon, after having enjoyed our lunch, we will visit Tambomachay located at about 9 kilometers (6 miles) towards the northeast of Cusco city. Its altitude is at 3,750 meters (12,200 ft). Tambomachay is the sacred bathing place for the Inca rulers; “The Incas Bath”, and was probably a centre of water worship. It is known that the Incas referred to water as one of the principal elements of life.

From here we continue our tour with a visit to Pucapucara at approximately 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles) from Cusco and with an altitude of 3750 meters above sea level (12300 ft). It was originally thought to be a military checkpoint. It was also a collective lodge offering food and shelter for travelers, as well as for the retinue escorting the Inca to his retreat in Tambomachay. From here we can see the Huayllarqocha community and we will have a spectacular view point of one of the highest mountain of the region, Salkantay. Then we start descending about 2 kilometers towards Q’enqo southeast of Pucapucara. This used to be an Inca shrine (huaca) with a circular amphitheater and a stone block that is said to be representing a puma. This ceremonial center was dedicated to the worshipping of mother earth (Pacha Mama) One kilometer northwest we will find Sacsayhuaman. This site is situated towards the northeast of Cusco with an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level (11800 ft). It is a bold demonstration of ancient construction skills. Made of massive stones weighing up to 17,000 kg (125 tons), this ruin was called “The Fortress” by the Spanish. It was more than simply a military structure. Some historians say the zigzagging shape of the walls represented the god of lightning, an important Inca deity.

Half way down hill we find the church of San Cristobal and next to it the imposing remains of the palace of Manco Capac, the first Inca.
After our guided tour, we will return to Cusco where we will leave you again in your hotel.

Service Included:

• Private Transportation by vehicles
• Tourist Ticket fee to visit historic sites
• Private guide and bilingual on your tours
• A packed lunch on the way

Service No Included:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Extras
• Tips
• Taxes
• Additional tours
• Laundry service
• Insurance
• Air tickets