Our adventure through the Sacred Valley and toward Machu Picchu begins early in the morning with hotel pick-up between 6:30 and 7:00 AM. As we leave Cusco, we drive through the majestic Andes, passing scenic valleys carved by rivers. Our first stop is the town of Chinchero, a place where ancient traditions are still alive. Here, we visit a cultural center where we learn how locals dye alpaca and llama wool using natural methods. It’s a great opportunity to observe Andean customs that have been preserved through generations.

We continue our journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit Moray, famous for its impressive circular Inca terraces. These unique agricultural terraces functioned as an Inca agricultural laboratory, where each level created a different microclimate. This remarkable engineering allowed the Incas to experiment with crops from various ecological zones, demonstrating the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Inca civilization. Next, we visit the spectacular Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras), one of the most iconic attractions in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. Thousands of traditional salt pools cascade down the mountainside, creating a stunning landscape. These salt pans have been used since pre-Inca times and remain active today. As we walk along the narrow paths, we admire the geometric beauty of the terraces and learn about the ancient salt extraction process and Andean traditions that continue to this day.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, a town nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Afterwards, we drive to the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, a remarkable example of Inca military architecture. We explore its well-preserved temples and terraces, soaking in both the history and the views.

To end the day, we go to the Ollantaytambo train station and board a train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride is scenic, offering views of lush valleys, flowing rivers, and the edge of the cloud forest. We arrive in Aguas Calientes in the evening, where we rest and prepare for the next day's highlight, our visit to Machu Picchu.