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.
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 pub 'Chicheria' where the 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. Due to the
Spanish conquerers some of the doorposts are in colonial style and
beautifully worked. We will rest and have lunch.
Onwards towards
the salt pans we take the trail which is used by the local inhabitants
to move their cattle, but 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 here so our guide can explain to us how
the salt draining process works. We might even have the chance to
do it ourselves.
Our descent
into the Sacred Valley starts off on a narrow path and we need to
walk cautiously. We have the possiblity of spotting the Cara cara,
a typical Andean mountainbird which is part 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 the salt it contains it turns the earth white. Other
birds we might spot while we approach the river are the Andean gull
and the hummingbird.
After crossing
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.
