An hour outside the city of Cusco lays the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is an unforgettable setting of picturesque towns and archaeological sites of great importance. The valley is also home to three of the most important artisan markets: Pisac, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo.
This tour begins with a hotel pick up before venturing to the artisanal market of Pisac, located 32km from Cusco. There you have the opportunity to admire the work of local artisans and purchase from their regional specialties of ceramics, leather, and woven goods. Afterwards, we will visit the ruins of Pisac, located on the top of the mountain behind the town.
Continuing on the tour, we will pass through the towns of Coya, Lamay, Calca, and Huara, where we will stop for lunch. After our meal, we will travel past Yucay and Urubamba, towards the ruins of Ollantaytambo. Later, we will visit the ruins of Chinchero and its small chapel before returning to the city of Cusco.
Pisac market: Best known for its colorful Sunday bazaars and indigenous market, this artisanal market is located in the main plaza of this small city and is home to a great variety of textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and other items. Another important tradition is the Sunday “Mayorial March” where all the mayors of surrounding towns gather to march to church where the leader blows on a conch shell to announce the start of services.
Pisac ruins: This impressive set of ruins is located on the mountain behind the city. The first group of buildings is Pisaq, marked by a thin curved wall. The central part of the ruins, the Intihuatana, are the Temples of the Moon and Stars. Finally, the baths and water channels lead to Kanchiracay, where the agricultural workers were lodged.
Ollantaytambo: One of the few vestiges of Incan urban design we can see to this day. This site was of great importance as a temple and fortress and is a magnificent example of the Incans architectural style.
Chinchero: A marvelous Incan town with an impressive colonial church which also houses an artisan market. Chinchero is a small, indigenous, Andean town with stunning views of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcabamba mountain range, and the snow-capped peaks of the Salkantay peak which dominates the western horizon.