Sacred Valley of the Incas

PISAQ: This very old and beautifulcolonial village lies on the left bank of the Urubamba river at an altitude of 2972 meters above sea level. It is a center of ceramic production as well as being noted for its handicraft and agricultural produce fairs, held on Tuesday, Thrusday and Sundays of every week, where the highland people from several villages bring their wares to market and barter or trade for similar commodities. Above 1000 m above the Spanish Colonial village of Pisaq, are located the impressive archaeological remains of the pre- Hispanic Inca Citadel of Pisaq. These impressive ruins are characterized by enormeous agricultural terraces, very fine quality stonework-particularly in the uppermost sector which included remains of palaces and temples enclosures, small plazas and a very large cemetery with several hundred graves. After moving on from Pisaq, we pass through the traditional and quaint villages of Coya and Lamay Calca, followed by Yucay where there are the remains of the palace of the Inca Sairy Tupac, and finally arrive to Urubamba where international cousine can be enjoyed. We arrive to the wonderful archaeological complex of .

OLLANTAYTAMBO: This is a very unique site, called Living museum for the inhabits continue dwelling in the original enclosures where the Inca population lived centuries ago.The town sits an altitude of 2792 meters above sea level and is divided into two distinctly separate parts by the Patacancha River. The first part of the town consists of the residential sector, crossing the river lies the second part, this is a large fortress temple building rising along a hillside to its summit about 150 meters above. At the top is an impressive construction of finely carved poligonal stonework wall, the topmost consisting of a retaining wall facing east which is probably one of the finest and remarkable works of masonryin the world: consisting of six monolithic upright blocks. Each of these giant monoliths is separated by a narrow vertical course of stone beading, or wedges, composed of the same material and very perfectly fitted so that there is virtually no space for even a knife blade to be inserted Historically, one other battle between Incas and Spaniards took place here. After visiting this truly unforgettable and noteworthy site, we shall visit yet one more very old and beautiful village.

CHINCHERO: This colonial village was one an important residence of an Inca king Sinchi Roca. The population of this area continues divided into ten ayllu. These Ayllus were in inca times basically akin to old world highland clans; kinship groups involving land tenure. The village stands at an altitude of 3762 meters above sea level. The overlapping of colonial structures atop pre-existing Inca constructions is everywhere visible, there are well built terraces, with an attractive church built on an Inca Temple. The most impresive view of all is that of the high snowcapped and glacial peaks of the Eastern Andes, which were also sacred Apus (tutelaty spirits) of the indigenous population: to the northwest lie Chicon (5750 meters), Veronica or Wakay Willke ( 6000 meters); Sawasiray (5900 meters), Colquecruz ( 6000 meters) and to the great Salkantay (6300 meters). A very spectacular sight. Nearby, two large highland lakes are also seen. The return to Cusco takes place around 6:30 p.m

INCLUDED

• Transport in group
• Professional tour guide
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba
• Permanent asistant

NOT INCLUDED

• General tourist ticket S/ 130.00