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Embark on an unforgettable full-day bike tour, the “Sacred Valley of the Incas by BIKE from Cusco,” which combines the thrill of active travel with the rich tapestry of Andean culture and history. As you pedal through the Urubamba Valley, known historically as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will be surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes, including towering mountains and lush fields that have sustained these communities for centuries.
Unique Highlights of the Tour:
Active Exploration: Ditch the confines of a vehicle and mount a bike to truly immerse yourself in the Sacred Valley’s breathtaking scenery. Cycling allows you to experience the natural beauty of the area up close, feeling the Andean breeze and the warmth of the sun, adding an invigorating layer to your exploration.
Unveiling Inca Wonders: One of the tour’s key stops includes Moray, an archaeological site that features remarkable Inca ruins known for their large circular terraces. Historians believe these terraces were used by the Incas for agricultural experiments, taking advantage of varying microclimates to enhance their farming techniques. This site provides not only a glimpse into Incan ingenuity but also offers spectacular photographic opportunities.
Salt of the Earth: Visit the Salineras de Maras, an ancient network of salt evaporation ponds that are as visually extraordinary as they are historically significant. These pre-Inca salt pools have been mined for their white gold since ancient times and are still actively used by local communities today. Witness the intricate patchwork of shimmering pools and learn about the traditional methods of salt extraction that have been passed down through generations.
Charming Villages: As you bike along the valley, you’ll pass through several quaint villages where life moves at a slower pace. These communities maintain many of the traditions and customs of their ancestors, offering cyclists a unique cultural experience. Engage with local artisans and farmers, perhaps stopping to sample traditional Andean cuisine or to purchase handcrafted souvenirs.
Bonus:
Consider extending your adventure by staying overnight in the Sacred Valley. This allows you to explore more at your own pace, visit additional Inca sites like Ollantaytambo fortress, and experience the tranquility of the valley after the day trippers have departed.
The bike ride from Chinchero to Salinas de Maras is approximately 2 hours long.
The main attractions visited during the bike ride include Moray, with its unique concentric circular terraces used for agricultural experimentation, and the Salineras de Maras, where thousands of salt evaporation ponds are situated on the mountainsides.
Moray was an Inca site that served as an agricultural laboratory for experimenting with different crops at varying elevations. The concentric circular terraces were used to simulate different microclimates, allowing the Incas to study crop adaptation and development.
Participants are typically expected to arrive back in Cusco by approximately 5:00 PM after the bike tour.
For those interested in extending their adventure in the Sacred Valley, staying overnight allows for exploration of additional Inca sites like Ollantaytambo fortress and experiencing the tranquility of the valley after day trippers have departed.
I highly recommend the Sacred Valley biking tour! Starting in Chinchero, the bike ride through the valley offered stunning landscapes and a glimpse into the rich Inca heritage. Moray’s agricultural terraces were a highlight, showcasing the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. The ride to the Salinas de Maras was a unique experience, with the salt ponds providing a striking visual and interesting historical context.
The journey through the valley’s villages was serene, and the lunch in Urubamba was delicious and well-deserved after a morning of biking. Returning to Cusco by bus in the afternoon allowed us to rest and reflect on the day’s adventures. This tour was a fantastic mix of activity, culture, and history, making it a memorable part of my trip to Peru.