Sacred Valley: Ancient Sites, Salt Pans and Pachamama
This morning we visit the Salt Pans of Maras. The views of this fully operating salt mine will amaze you with the view of the stark-white steeply descending salt pans against the lush green of the surrounding mountain slopes. It is jaw-dropping. We follow on to the archaeological site of Moray. It is believed that this was used as an agricultural testing ground and stands as a testament to the level of advancement achieved by the Incas who excelled at building masterful construction in harmony with nature.
We then continue on to Ollantaytambo, one of the only continuously inhabited settlements since Inca times. The ruins form a fortress that can only be entered by a steep stone staircase. The entire town still has its original Inca-built stone walls, narrow streets, and water system flowing down a central channel cut in every street. In Ollantaytambo, you get a good look at the Inca's best-known skill—dry masonry. Their astounding craftsmanship was able to fit the huge blocks of stone together so precisely that even after centuries of earthquakes, a knife cannot be slipped into the seams.
Special Experience
Here we visit with a local family and learn about their daily life. We also pay a visit to a local ‘chicheria’, or pub, where we can sample the locally made chicha, and possibly eat a local delicacy, guinea pigs.
Before our dinner, we enjoy a ‘Pachamama’ (Mother Earth) ceremony. Ancient rituals revolve around the idea of ‘giving back’ to nature, in order to satisfy the spirits and to ensure a healthy harvest in the months to come.
Note
For our trip to Machu Picchu tomorrow you will need to pack an overnight bag weighing no more than 5 kilograms Due to limited space on the trains there is no room for our big suitcases, and they will be transferred and waiting for us at our hotel in Cusco.
[Breakfast, Brunch and Dinner]