Itinerary for Uncover Ancient Wonders Chincheros, Maras, and Ollantaytambo Tour
Embark on a captivating journey through time with our guided tour of Chincheros, Maras, and Ollantaytambo. Our expert team will pick you up at 8:30 a.m., beginning an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Inca civilization.
Our first stop is Chinchero, a charming town known for its Inca terracing that once supplied the entire Inca civilization with potatoes. Witness the ingenuity of the Incas as you explore these terraces, perfectly situated for potato farming. Marvel at the unique colonial church, which stands atop an ancient Inca palace, blending the influences of the Inca and Spanish cultures. Before we leave, we’ll visit a textile center, where you can witness the traditional craftsmanship of the local artisans.
Next, we’ll journey to Maras, where a mesmerizing sight awaits. Behold the 3,000 salt pools that cascade down the mountainside at a breathtaking elevation of 12,000 feet. These evaporation chambers, owned by local farmers, have become the backbone of the local economy. Immerse yourself in the unique landscape and learn about the traditional salt extraction methods passed down through generations.
Continuing our expedition, we’ll visit the Moray Inca Archaeological Center. Discover how the Incas used Moray as an agricultural laboratory, experimenting with different crops on terraced platforms. Observe the variations in growth across each terrace, showcasing the Inca’s advanced understanding of farming techniques.
Our final destination is Ollantaytambo, a living Incan town brimming with historical treasures. Marvel at the impressive Temple of the Sun, the Moon, and the Temple of the 10 Niches, adorned with second heaviest Inca monoliths. Explore the narrow walkways adorned with water channels, offering a glimpse into the intricate urban planning of the Incas.
Unveil the secrets of the past with our Chincheros, Maras, and Ollantaytambo tour. Book your adventure today and immerse yourself in the captivating legacy of the Incas.
Includes
- Professional Local tour guide
- Private transportation
- First aid kit in the car
- Oxigen in the car
- Water available in the car
Not included
- Entrances fees.
- Meals.
- Extra expenses.
Our day tours are done privately and the cost is based on your group size.
2 – 6 people: $200 total per group
7 – 13 people: $250 total
14 or more: Will be arranged and priced by your representative.
Note: We sometimes offer to combine private tours (with your permission) into smaller groups with a discount. Let us know if you would be open to others joining you.
Getting to Cusco
The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.
The best way to get to Cusco is by air and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive, but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.
Luggage Storage
Even though this is an overnight tour by train, your luggage allowance is still limited due to restrictions on the train. All bags brought to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) need to be carry on size. Any extra luggage you have with you can be left safely in Cusco at either your hotel or with us at our deposit while you trek. We will grab from you the morning of your tour and return once you are back in Cusco. Make sure your bags have some kind of identification on them so they are easy to locate.
Altitude
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office and we will help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or muña tea. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
Weather
Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves.
Also prepare for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm, winter-weight jacket.
Travel Insurance
To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before you leave home is strongly encouraged and very easy. In fact, we work with a great agency in the United States that has helped to make it easy and affordable.
