Showing posts with label Maras. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maras. Show all posts

Monday, January 14, 2019

Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 4 days

The Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu “The Famous Inca Trail” still existed and was re-discovered by Hiram Bingham when he realized his clearing work between 1913 and 1915. The Inca trail was a route of pilgrimage to Machu Picchu used by the Inca (or Emperor / King) in the 15th century. There are different sites between Ollantaytambo Inca City and Machu Picchu Inca City where one can note the variety in architectural resources that give rationality, importance and mysticism to the Royal Road. It did not have a commercial use; there were other, more simple, trails to transport products, llamas and people to Machu Picchu. The purpose of the Inca Trail To Machupícchu was religious and ceremonial, a pilgrimage that included rituals to honour the mountains and peaks of the route, like Veronica Mts or Wakaywilka Mts.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 | Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco, Maras Salt Mines and then trek to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, later transfer to Km 82 Piscacucho

DAY 1 | Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco, Maras Salt Mines and then trek to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, later transfer to Km 82 Piscacucho
Piscacucho - Km 82
  • Meals: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities.
  • Distance: 11kms/6.8 mls (6 hours more or less of hiking)
  • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
  • Walking  Time:    Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch en route)
  • Walk and Terrain: Walk, , canter, on open roads, some steep ascending trails

Today begins your adventure of a lifetime, the Classic Inca Trail and the Gem of Maras Salt Mines.  We will pick you up from your hotel in our private van very early in the morning at 5:30am.  Transfer to Maras and a Wonderfull trek to the Sacred Valley along the Salt mines of Maras, a precious gem: The Maras Salt mines.A myriad of salt crusted terraces precariously nestles against the steep mountain sides, while a steady stream of mineral rich water trickles down with a silent gargling that somehow defies time. The ponds, you ought to know, have been in use since the times of the Incas and before. An hour trek to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, where our van going to wait for a transfer to Piskacucho, which is called kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins.  On the way, we stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo at 6:30-7am to load up on energy for our start of the trail.  (Breakfast is not included).Upon arrival at kilometer 82 at 11:30am, we will have some time to organize ourselves,. At the Inca Trail first control point be ready to show your entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) your student card.

At the start of the trail (2720m/8923ft) we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. The first day is relatively easy, a warm-up along the Inca flat terrain.  There are great views of the Incan Fortress (‘Huillca Raccay’), the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, (officially called ‘Patallacta’), and the beautiful snow-capped peak of ‘W’akay Willca’ (5860m/19225ft) known in books as Veronica. Our first campsite Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft) in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night are around 5ºC depending on the month.
During the day, we will enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains Veronica, (5,860m/19,337ft), the lush green valley around us and a myriad of flora and fauna.

Map - DAY 1 | Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco, Maras Salt Mines and then trek to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, later transfer to Km 82 Piscacucho
Map of Inca Trail - First Day


DAY 2 | Trekking “Wayllabamba to Pacaymayuc/ Runkuraqay”

DAY 2 | Trekking  “Wayllabamba to Pacaymayuc/ Runkuraqay”
Inca Trail
  • Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities.
  • Distance: 16kms/10mls (9 hours more or less of hiking time)
  • Difficulty: Moderate/challenge

After waking up at 5 to 5:30am and enjoying a hot breakfast, we start a steep ascent towards the highest pass, Abra de Warrmihuañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ at 4200m/13779ft.  On this day, you will feel a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top! After a well-deserved rest, we begin the descent to where we stop for lunch, which is located at Pacaymayu (3550m/11646ft).
On our way up to the pass, we will be able to see an array of hummingbirds and a combination of other species of bird life. There will be plenty of time to appreciate the incredible variety of native plants and the ´Polylepis´ or Q’ueuña trees which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 3650m/11972ft! After lunch, begins the second two-hour steep climb to Runkuraqay pass (almost 4000m/13,123ft). We arrive at our campsite by 5 pm. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC during the night.
Map - DAY 2 | Trekking  “Wayllabamba to Pacaymayuc/ Runkuraqay”
Map of Inca Trail - Second day

DAY 3 | Trekking “Pacaymayuc to Wiñayhuayna”

DAY 3 | Trekking “Pacaymayuc to Wiñayhuayna”
  • Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner.
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities and hot showers.
  • Distance: 10kms/6.2mls (5 hours more or less of hiking)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
     

This is the most impressive day so far; keep this in mind as you ascend on day three! We wake up for breakfast at 6am and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’ (meaning ‘Town in the Clouds’).  Here we reach the third highest point on the Inca trail (3680m/). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!. The Inca site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass.  After visiting this site, we continue walking down 3000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive agricultural Incan site of ‘Intipata. After taking some time to visit this site, we continue until we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna. (2680m/8792ft). Today, we will only walk about 4 to 5 hours.  We arrive at camp by lunchtime!  Temperatures during the night are about 12º C. A short walk from our campsite is the famous Incan site of ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Even if you are feeling tired after your day’s trek, it´s a moment you cannot miss, the most impressive site on the Inca trail.
Map - DAY 3 | Trekking “Pacaymayuc to Wiñayhuayna”
Map of Inca Trail - Third day


DAY 4 | Trekking “Wiñayhuayna – IntiPunku & Machupicchu guided Tour”

DAY 4 | Trekking “Wiñayhuayna – IntiPunku & Machupicchu guided Tour”
Machu Picchu
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Distance: 6kms / 3.7mls
  • Difficulty: Easy

At around 4:00am it´s time to wake up, have breakfast and start day 4 on the Inca trail to get to Machu Picchu on time. This is the final part of your journey, arriving by 6:00am to reach Inti Punku or The Sun Gate. At that point, the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel is in front of us with its intense beauty – an incredible sight for all to see. The reality of what the Inca people must have encountered on their taxing journey to this expansive temple of Machu Picchu. At this point, we walk downhill towards the Machu Picchu Citadel. (2400m/7872 ft.) After walking 40 minutes, we enter the citadel from the top through the “House of the Guardians”. From there we proceed to the control point where we register and leave our belongings. Your professional guide will direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made from stone. Machu Picchu is considered as the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom. Once the guided tour is over, you will have free time to explore the site on your own.

You will also have time to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own if you choose (not included in the price)
•    Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there.
•    Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or bathe in the hot springs.

Back to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus (included) and later board the Expedition train by 4:22pm to the Ollantaytambo Train Station where you will meet our private van and be transferred to your hotel in Cusco arriving around 8:30pm.
End of our Services

Map - DAY 4 | Trekking “Wiñayhuayna – IntiPunku & Machupicchu guided Tour”
Map of Inca Trail - Fourth day

INCLUDES

  • Personalized assistance: A private,  hand-crafted and fully personalized assistance and  itinerary  from start to finish.For an authentic experience, our assistance is personalized, 24 hours a day
  • Sustainable tourism encompasses responsible practices for recreation: Conservation of biological and cultural diversity,Sustainable use of ecological resources (should have a minimal impact),Support for local economies through increased local revenue, jobs for local populations, and use of local supplies and services thus helping communities to rise their standards of life.Community empowerment by sharing participation in management local ecotourism activities.Increased environmental and cultural awareness which further encourages the local population to preserve its environment.Minimal environmental tourist industry impact on local resources.
  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel (Cusco only): Please send us your flight information.
  • Briefing of your Tour: At our office or your Hotel; It will be done the same day of your arrival or day according your request
  • Group Size "Private Service": A Private Custom Hiking Tour is your opportunity to hike in perfect company! You pick the place, you tell us what you want, and we put a trip together just for your group. Whether it's a group of friends, associates, or your family, the trip is only open to your group. Choose from our great hiking destinations and get started today!
  • Maras "The Inka Salt Mines": Discover Salt Pans of Maras in Maras, Peru: This Peruvian canyon is filled with geometric salt pools that have been being harvested since the Incan empire.
  • Classic Inca Trail visit: Only 500 spaces per day according regulations of Ministry of Culture of Peru
  • Sun Gate visit: The Sun Gate also called Intipunku in Quechua was once a guardhouse that marked one of the most important entrances to Machu Picchu.
  • Machupicchu sunrise "1st on the Santuary": “Sunrise over Machu Picchu” is such an evocative phrase that it's no surprise that so many travelers are seduced by its promise.
  • Pick up at your hotel: To begin your Experience from Cusco to Piscacucho (starting the trek)
  • Private transport: All ourTransports has Tourism Authorization , and we offer only private transfers
  • Train Experience: The train cars are steeped in the designs of Incan culture, making them the perfect way to start your trip in the unbelievable Andean scenery and take incredible panoramic pictures of a journey unlike any other.
  • Processing of tourism attraction authorizations: As soon as we receive your details and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability, check our Inca Trail Availability link). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can’t be changed, once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • All entrance fees: Admission Tickets to the Classic Inca trail & Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
  • Modern trekking and camping equipment
  • Thick Comfortable Foam Mattresses
  • Duffle bags: You will receive your duffel bag that will stay with your porters, while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and does need to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
  • Warm water: water for washing purposes
  • Regular Table Ware: stainless steel, dinnerware
  • Premium Table Ware: Premium porcelain dinnerware sets, crystal glassware, flatware & stylish Porcelain crockery.
  • Porter to carry tents, food and cooking equipment: Our Porters (The Inka army) - are the best treated and are currently the best paid of all the porters on the Inca Trail. We provide them with good equipment, uniforms, insurance , good pay and vacations but that's the least that should be done for them (but not always the case with other agencies) and it's the extras we provide that really make the difference.
  • Private porter to carry personal stuff (5 kl): We include a personal porter, who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. It means you will need only a day backpack to carry what you will need during day!
  • Regular Classic tent: 4 season Aconcagua Doite Tents, (Large & Comfortable) please see
  • Chef and cooking equipment: Our chefs cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have raved about. We honor all food restrictions. Be sure to remind your tour guide of any food restrictions at the beginning of your trek. Food is typically served family-style.
  • Dining and Cooking Tents: Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs only for our group
  • All meals cooked on the spot with fresh ingredients by our trained chef: Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian diets or other dietary needs upon prior request)
  • 3 Breakfast, 3 Lunch,3 Snack, 3 Dinners You will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the trek, along with a happy hour of tea and snacks. You will also be provided a snack each morning, for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.
  • Drinkable Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, We will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
  • Professional English speaking guides experienced in the mountains & knowledgeable of Inca History: Professional Guides All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and happy.
  • Machupicchu Tour Guide: 2 Hour Guided tour in Machu Picchu Included
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank: Our Inca Trail guides has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training sessions every February, which every single tour guide must attend. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible, if needed, and ensure you get directly to a clinic for treatment.
  • Satellite Phones: Our top priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While we are prepared and all our guides are trained for most of the issues clients have on the mountain, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital or friend helps everyone feel assured that they are safe. Radios, which all our guides have, are limited in how far they can reach, so our Operation department has added Satellite Phones to every trek. Every guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to connect us with our Office.
  • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins to Aguas Calientes (one way): After a 4days Trek and an amazing Machupicchu experience; we just want to relax and enjoy our friends; So We don´t trek more.
  • Transfer Back to your Hotel: Overland private transfer from Train station to your Hotel " for clients only"
  • Give back to Andean communities ."You give an automatic donation of usd 10 for the Inka Foundation": Seize the opportunity to travel and give back to communities or environments in need. With Us, you’ll become part of our ongoing efforts to support long-term solutions to specific challenges. At the same time, you can explore and experience the culture in your free time. We're looking for volunteers (Spanish speakers) who can help teachers in a child school for children mentally disabled and other disabilities "Only from Monday to Friday" from 9am until 12:30pm "only by days. www.inka-foundation.org , if you want more information please send us an e-mail.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Hot Shower: Shower Tent With warm water – Only For Our Group
  • Toilet: Private Toilet Tent With a Seat on the Toilet – Only For Our Group
  • Biodegradable Toiled bags: Disposable Waste Bags for Portable Toilets
  • Towels: Clean Towels changed every day
  • Air bed and Camping cot
  • Sleeping bags: Coleman Sleeping bags -15 c° – US$20 per person
  • Heaters at the bedroom tents
  • Standard walking sticks
  • Glambing Tent "Luxury": Offering a full 360° view of your surroundings the distinctively styled and eye catching Cortes Octagon 8 Orange tent can definitely be called a glamping tent.
  • Wine and Champagne: Best SouthAmerican Wine for celebrate our Trekking Adventure"Customized request of wine on request".
  • Santuary Lodge Restaurant: Last Buffet lunch at Sanctuary Lodge "Exclusive and unique restaurant in Machupicchu" Last day of the trek
  • Inka Massage Session during the camping nights
  • 1 Yoga Session day before the Inca trail.
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: The mountain Huayna Picchu is the one that appears behind Machu Picchu in its classic postal photo; Their Inca trails built on one side of the mountain can be terrifying for people afraid of heights
  • Extras: We believe it's the attention to small details that separates us from other tour companies. Every trekker receives a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their things while hiking and a rain poncho. We will work hard to create your best vacation.
  • Peruvian taxes: The money you pay in taxes goes to many places. In addition to paying the salaries of government workers, your tax dollars also help to support common resources, such as police and firefighters.Tax money helps to ensure the roads you travel on are safe and well-maintained. Taxes fund public libraries and parks. Peruvian VAT tax stands at 18%.

WHAT TO TAKE

  • Original Passport
  • Day Pack
  • Full rain gear or poncho
  • Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves)
  • Trekking pants
  • Breathable dry fit top-wear
  • Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
  • Cold-weather jacket
  • Long-sleeve fleece/sweater
  • Wool hat
  • Hiking boots
  • Baseball cap, sombrero and bandana
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Hiking socks
  • Sunscreen
  • Bathing suit
  • Casual Mountain wear for evenings
  • Photo/video cameras and chargers
  • Binoculars
  • Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended)

Saturday, July 7, 2018

Moray, Maras and Machu Picchu in 2 days

Visit two of the most interesting and unique Inca archaeological sites in Peru, the "green houses" of the Incas in Moray with an impressive deep amphitheater like terrace swirling around in agriculture beauty; and the Salt Mine of Maras, watch the salt streams naturally evaporate as they bask in the sunshine to be harvested by the local farmers as they have done for centuries.

Salt mine of Maras
Salt mine of Maras

ITINERARY

Day 1 : Cusco – Moray – Salt Mine – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley navigating through the hairpin bends each motion in change of direction stirring the pot of excitement within as we arrive at the stunning Inca site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouses of the Incas” which is unique and fascinating.

Different levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, part of which was further excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are and so they were thought to have been used by the Incas to discover the optimal conditions for their crops.

With energy enhanced full of positive vibrations the mind is open to exploring this next beautiful Inca sight, the colonial town of Maras and to the Pre-Inca Salt Mine (Salineras). Thousands of salt pans have been used for salt extraction since before Inca times.

A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce a salt that is used for cattle licks.

Continuing to enhance your journey of discovery we travel to the quaint Ollantaytambo, following on the cobblestone covered pathways to where you will explore the Massive Inca remains with our guide.

In preparation for our connection to the legend Machu Picchu we board our train to Aguas Calientes. On arrival the hotel representative will greet and transfer you for your night in the hotel.


Moray - the greenhouses of the incas
Moray - the greenhouses of the incas

Day 2 : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Bursting out with excitement on your final surreal day, we take the 5.30am bus to Machu Picchu archeological site making sure we tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site the master Machu Picchu what an unforgettable experience.

Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Then on your own, wander around the town squares of the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Or stay still and find the samsara within as you sit in the pure delight of the moment.

If you wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own (not included in the price)

Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu
You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku.
Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs.
You will descend to Aguas Calientes and later on, board the train at 4:22pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Station and be driven back to your hotel.

Optional: If you would like to spend an extra day in Machupicchu, please let us know so we can change the date on your return train ticket to Cusco. ITEP Eco Travel can provide a guide and hotel for the extra day at an additional cost. Please be aware that you will have to pay for a second day entrance ticket to the Machupicchu Inca City.


Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu


END OF OUR SERVICES





INCLUDES


  • Transfers In / Out
  • Tourist Train Tickets (Round trip)
  • Professional tour guide
  • Excursion on Maras and Moray
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
  • Bus tickets to Machupicchu Inca City and to Machupicchu town (Aguas Calientes)
  • First aid kit
  • 1 night in a touristic hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco


NOT INCLUDED


  • First breakfast before the transfer on the first day – lunch at the last day at Aguas Calientes.
  • Extra porter for personal items.
  • Tips are not included but it is optional


EXTRAS


  • Upgrade to Single room in Aguas Calientes (35$).
  • Upgrade to Vistadome train (80$ ).
  • Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu (65$) – There is only a limited space at Huayna Picchu (400 persons per day), so it is a good idea to book in advance.
  • We can help you to book hotels (standard and luxury) in whole Peru.
  • Hotels in Cusco: no matter what the standard you would like (Standard, Economy, First Class, or Luxury) you should ask us to book your room as we know all the different rates for every hotel in Cusco and might secure you a pretty sweet deal.


DISCOUNTS


  • To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a Student Visa. Scan the card and email us the copy at the time of your booking. We will then offer a $20 discount per student.
  • For children younger than 16, we offer a $20 discount (you also need to scan and email us a copy of the passports).
  • For children younger than 7, we offer a $50 discount (same here: you need to scan and email the passports).

Monday, March 12, 2018

Moray and Salt Mines of Maras Tour in Half Day

Salt mines of Maras
Salt mines of Maras

MARAS

Maras is a district of the Urubamba province, possible to be reached through a paved road from kilometer 50 on the road Cusco - Chinchero - Urubamba. It is located towards the west of Qosqo at an altitude of 3300 mts. (10824 feet); over a plain that in prehistoric times was a huge plateau, from which it is possible to observe the range of mountains of Urubamba including the snow capped mountains of Weqey Willka (today "La Veronica", 5682 mts., 18641 ft.) and "Chikon" (5530 mts., 18143 ft.).

It seems that in Maras there was a pre-Inkan settlement with subsequent discontinued occupation. All over this zone there is a large amount of pottery pieces of the "Chanapata" culture, as well as obsidian scrapers and knives. The town was founded in colonial times by Pedro Ortiz de Orue, and its important occupation began when the Cusquenian Inkan noblemen were dispossessed of their palaces in Qosqo and had to move settling some other small towns such as San Sebastian and Maras. Likewise, during the war started by Manko Inka willing to recover his Quechua nation, it served as stronghold for invaders that raided against the Ollantaytambo town that was occupied by the Inka during 2 years.

Many of its houses are emblazoned with Spanish nobility coats of arms on their lintels, which indicates the importance gained by the town in colonial times. By that time, it was an obliged way for muleteers and their mule droves transporting tropical goods and especially coca leaves from the higher jungle for supplying the markets of the city and the country. It was declared "Villa of Saint Francis of Assisi of Maras" (Villa: city or town that had certain privileges).

By that time it had much more importance than the Urubamba settlement; but, today it is a town that languishes due to its isolation and development of modern life. It has a church made with sun dried mud bricks, typical of the village religious architecture, in which front patio is a cross carved in granite. Inside the church are Cusquenian school canvases representing the Apostles, and some other very nice ones, the artist being Quechua painter Antonio Sinchi Roqa Inka. He was native from Maras and painted carefully for its church; he was contemporary of bishop Mollinedo y Angulo and became famous by the middle of XVII century.

Moray - The agricultural terraces
Moray
MORAY

About 7 kms. (4.3 miles) away southwest from Maras is Moray, a very unique archaeological site in the region. It is possible to reach it by car through the dusty road and the path departing from the town. Those are enormous natural depressions or hollows in the ground surface that Inkas used for constructing irrigated farming terraces around them. What is surprising is that the difference of average annual temperature between the top and the bottom reaches even about 15°C (59°F) in the main depression that is about 30 mts (100 feet) deep. In those natural formations, nature has created an environment, conditions or micro climates that in modern times people create in greenhouses or hothouses. Moray, because of its climate conditions and many other characteristics, was an important center of domestication, acclimatization and hybridization of wild vegetable species that were modified or adapted for human consumption.

Therefore, it is a prototype of a greenhouse or experimental biological station, very advanced for its age that helped so that the ancient American Man could leave for mankind about 60% of the vegetable goods that are consumed; so that the Andean Man could consume three thousand different potato varieties, one and a half hundreds of maize, and many other rich goods. Nevertheless, there are still many enigmas about this site, enigmas that rise because of the lack of serious scientific researches that could clear present doubts. Structures found over here are typically Inkan; although, some authors suggest that they are earlier ones, at least in the lower terraces.

One of the enigmas is the way how drainage for water flowing through the aqueducts worked; it is suggested that there must be underground channels built by the depressions' bottom allowing water to drain. It is also argued that the bottom is over a very porous natural rock formation that enables water filtering toward the earth's interior; the truth is that even today, in the depressions' bottoms there are no floods neither inundation in the rainy season. It is indispensable to carry out serious palynology studies; that is, divers analysis of the pollen samples that are found in Moray, thus it will be possible to know the nature, species, quality and some other characteristics of the vegetables cultivated over here.

SALINERAS (SALT MINES)
Towards the northwest of the Maras village are the famous "salt works", which are possible to reach walking by the trail or by car through a dusty road that is almost useless in the rainy season. The Maras "salt works" to which some people call "salt mines" are constituted by about 3000 small pools with an average area of 5 m² (53.8 ft²), constructed in a slope of the "Qaqawiñay" mountain. People fill up or "irrigate" the pools during the dry season every 3 days, with salty water emanating from a natural spring located on the top of the complex, so that when water evaporates the salt contained in it will slowly solidify. That process will be carried out approximately during one month until a considerable volume of solid salt is obtained; about 10 cms. (4 inches) high from the floor. That solid salt is beaten thus granulated, then packed in plastic sacks and sent to the region's markets; today that salt began being treated with iodine, thus, its consumption is not harmful.

ITINERARY
We pick you up at 8:30am or 12:30pm drive in our private transport until the village of Maras where they still keep a good part of its colonial architectural beauty. You can see made of thin stone, lintels with sculptures in bas-relief.  Then we go to Salineras where the salt mine is located consisting of 3,000 small pools roughly 5 square metres (53.8 ft²) in size. Every three days, during the dry season, workers fill the pools with salt water that comes from a natural hot spring at the top of the Maras complex. When the water evaporates from the pool, the salt is left for collection. This process is carried out over a one month period until the pools reach an approximate volume of solid salt that is 10 centimetres (4 inches) in height. The salt is ground up, treated with iodine packaged and sent to various markets in the region. It is a short picturesque walk downhill from Salineras taking approximately 40 minutes back to our transport.

Then we go to the Moray ruins located at 3,450m, where we find the agricultural terraces of Moray with their complex system of irrigation and terraces. Different levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, part of which was further excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are and they were thought to have been used by the Incas to discover the optimal conditions for their crops. These terraces served as a natural green house to grow an extraordinary variety of crops at an altitude that they would typically only grow in the tropical Andes. It has also been suggested that they had a cosmological meaning.

Then we return to your hotel in Cusco.

END OF OUR SERVICES


View complete details of tour at Moray and Salt mines of Maras Tour in half day

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Imperial Cusco in 6 days

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu


Departure every day.

Essence alive in the capital of the Incas.

This package is designed for those who would like to know all about the secrets of the capital of the Incas "Cusco".

In this package you can enjoy more free time, walk the streets of Cusco, visit its handcrafted neighborhoods, in addition observe more of Cusco people and its intimate habits.

You'll be delighted to see all the beauty of Cusco and its energy.

Advice: Be prepare to receive the magical energy that only Cusco can give.

Day 3 : Cusco City Tour

INCLUDES


  • Personal assistance in English and Spanish.
  • Excursion of the City tour in Cusco.
  • Hotel for 5 nights in Cusco.
  • All the breakfasts in hotel.
  • Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
  • Tour Maras Moray and Salt mines of Maras.
  • Tour to the South Valley of Cusco.
  • Excursion to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
  • Entrance fees to the different tourist centers.
  • Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
  • Bus round trip (Consettur to Machu Picchu)
  • Train tickets round trip Expedition's tourism service.
  • Lunch in Machu Picchu
  • Lunch in the Sacred Valley
  • Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish) for all tours.
  • Personalized assistance for your entire time in Cusco.

Day 4 : Tour Sacred Valley of the Incas - Archaeological Park of Pisac

View complete details of tour at Imperial Cusco in 6 days

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Peru, Lima and Cusco Classic in 6 days

Machu Picchu Panoramic

Tours: City tour of Lima, City tour of Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Maras - Moray tour, South Valley of the Cusco and Inka City of Machu Picchu.

Departure every day.

Essence alive in the capital of the Incas.

In this program you will be showed the best of Peru's capital Lima and Cusco the Inka Capital.

This package is designed for a six days experience to enjoy the most interesting attractions in each destination, the outputs are confirmed on a daily basis and you will be delighted of the two capitals of Peru.



INCLUDES

  • Transfers In / Out (airport - hotel - airport)
  • Staff transfer and attention in our office in English.
  • Transfers In / Out
  • Hotel for 2 nights in Lima
  • City tour and main attractions of Cusco
  • Sacred Valley excursion.
  • Entrance fees to tourist attractions.
  • Touristic train ticket to Machupicchu round trip.
  • Entrance fees ticket to Machupicchu.
  • Buffet lunch at Machupicchu
  • Hotel for 3 nights in Cusco.
  • Bus up and down (Concetur to Machu Picchu)
  • Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley.
  • Professional bilingual guide (English - Spanish) for all excursions.
  • Touristic bus for all excursions.
  • Personalized attention for our visitors.
View complete details of package at Peru, Lima and Cusco Classic 6 days

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Magical Cusco Tour in 5 days

Cusco by night


The essence alive of the capital of the Incas.

Cusco is the capital of TahuanTinsuyo, the Inka´s Country, the center of the empire of the four regions and the "navel of the Inka world." one of the most remarkable empire in the history of humanity. The Incas expanded in less than one hundred years from its northern borders of Quito in Ecuador to the far south of Santiago, Chili, and towards the direction of Argentina. The beautiful city of Cusco is one of the most beautiful in America.

INCLUDES


  • Transfer in/out (airport – hotel – airport)
  • Excursion of the City tour in Cusco.
  • Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
  • Tour to Maras Moray and salt mines of Maras.
  • Excursion to the Inca city of Machu Picchu tour.
  • Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
  • Entrance fees to the different tourist centers.
  • Hotel for 4 nights in Cusco.
  • All breakfasts in Hotel.
  • Train tickets round trip expedition's tourism service.
  • Bus round trip (Consettur to Machu Picchu)
  • Lunch in Machu picchu.
  • Lunch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
  • Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish) for all tours.
  • Personalized assistance for your entire time in Magical Cusco.
  • Personal assistance in English and Spanish.


NOT INCLUDES


  • Entrance at recreational sites, such as "Clubs" "Hot Springs, Amusement Parks"
  • Others not specified in the program.
  • Not programmed supply.

View complete details of tour at Magical Cusco 5 days