With our guide and private transport we will be driven to Chinchero through the plains of Anta. On route, if the skies are clear we will hopefully see the snow-capped Urubamba Mountain range. Some of the holy mountains of the Sacred Valley.

 

Our first stop is in Chinchero, a lovely town traditionally renowned for its spectacular weaving. Here we will see and learn about the art of Peruvian weaving, a colour riot and feast for the eyes. 

 

Next is a drive to the circular Inca ruins of Moray, an extraordinary Incan earthwork. Three natural, crater like depressions are lined with a series of concentric circular terraces that get smaller as they disappear down into the earth. This is thought to be one of the Incas ‘Green houses’, where they experimented with the different temperature zones (created by the terraces) and developed new varieties of staple Andean foods. 

 

We continue the day by foot as we follow an old mule trail through agriculturally rich plains, where we will see examples of the finest Andean farming. 

 

Our next stop is the Salinas de Maras the naturally occurring, yet mysterious salt pans that cover the entire side of a canyon made of red rock. They have been in continual operation since pre-Incan times. After a leisurely hike down to the Sacred Valley our private transportation will be waiting for us.

 

 

Hiking time: 6 Hrs 

Altitude range: 2900-3540m 

Degree of difficulty: Moderate

Meal: Picnic lunch, box lunch or restaurant