Encompassed
Peru – American Inca TrailEmail: americanincatrail@gmail.com
Website: https://www.americaninkatrail.com/
Book here
https://americaninkatrail.com/tour/Sacred-Valley-full-day
Nestled between the elevation of Cusco and the glory of Macchu Picchu, the Sacred Valley - El Valle Sagrado - rests in divine tranquility. Millions of travelers flock here each year to experience the historic towns and villages that mark the points between Inca Ruins.
A quick Google search will leave even the most seasoned traveler wondering: "What is the best way to approach an area so rich in history?"
As a self-proclaimed "I'll figure it out myself" type of traveler, I figured it out for you! Follow this one day itinerary by going on a full day tour with Inca Trail or any of the other tours boasted by Get Your Guide.
Note: You do not have to book your tours ahead of time. You can arrive in Cusco, visit any travel agency, and be good to go on the tour the next day! This works if you're a leave-it-up-to-fate backpacker (like me.)
PROTIP - BRING SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY. On top of being notoriously buggy, the sun is strong in the Sacred Valley due to the elevation.
Count on a shuttle picking you up from your accommodation bright and early between 7-8 am. The Sacred Valley is a leisurely drive from inner Cusco. Bring headphones and an external phone battery to use on your van cruise!
You'll witness Andean mountains, valleys, glaciers, and an entire street of guinea-pig-meat restaurants from the shuttle. Half of your day, or more, will be spent in the shuttle.
You can expect to return to Cusco around 7-8pm that night.
Your first stop will be the elevated ruins of Pisac. With terraced fields and a view stretching to glaciers beyond, you'll feel like you're in a gateway to another world.
Pisac was once used as a strategic military and religious site due to its unique position. Let the tour guide give you the full run-down and then explore the area on your own. The Pisac ruins are multi-leveled, meaning that you should prepare for ups-and-downhills on uneven stone. Wear comfortable shoes and don't forget to enjoy the alpacas on your way!
Travel girls, make sure you get the perfect Instaglam shot!
After Pisac, you'll descend into the town below to learn about the precious stones and metals of the area. This is one of the best places to get souvenirs on your trip!
If you're a fan of silver jewelry, splurge here! Meaningful souveniers come from the philosophy of: "wear the world."
By this point you'll be ravenous and ready to indulge in Peruvian delicacies. The tour guide will drop you off at a decadent buffet. While you indulge in seconds (and thirds), Peruvian musicians will serenade you with traditional music. Make sure you tip the hard working artists!
For the final stop of the day, you'll swing by Ollantaytambo - a divine ruin that has withstood the test of time. Ollantaytambo was established in the 15th century and served as a military site, agricultural hub, and religious space. I hope you came prepared to climb some stairs! Though not too difficult, Ollantaytambo is mostly uphill. The view from the top is more than worth it!
Take time to marvel in the remarkable Mayan architecture. Don't forget to snap pictures!. From the shallow canals lining the paved roads to the rainbow lined streets, Ollantaytambo belongs immortalized in your photos.
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Head out of Ollantaytambo just before sunset and venture towards your final destination - a cute alpaca warehouse!
You'll be greeted by women in traditional, rainbow Andean wear. These are your teachers! Here, you'll learn all about the industry - from wool type, dye making, and marketing. Don your alpaca gear and learn all about the ancient art of alpaca wool dyeing.
Alpaca gear deck the walls and shelves. Shop for stylish and top-quality gloves, socks, and sweaters.
On your way out, grab your second unique souvenir for the day. There's no better way to remember Cusco by picking up something to stay warm in your country's cold season! Remember, wear the world.
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The itinerary on Inka Trail states that you'll get back at about 6:30, but you'll likely arrive back closer to 8pm due to rush hour traffic.
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