Super Sacred Valley Review: Plus Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Alright, so you’re possibly planning a trip to Peru and maybe thinking about exploring the Sacred Valley? That is great! Very often, when people go to Machu Picchu, they forget that there are also places you might want to look at around there, that too are gorgeous. I took the “Super Sacred Valley with Transfer to Ollantaytambo” tour and, as a matter of fact, I wanted to give you the lowdown. Is that tour for you? This will really depend. From the vibrant markets to the stunning landscapes, that trip had quite a bit to offer. Let’s jump in and check if it is going to be the best option for your trip!
First Stop: Pisac Market – More than just Souvenirs
Okay, the Pisac Market is very often the first place on this tour, and trust me, it is really an experience. And it isn’t just about buying things, though that is really tempting! Think about it like this, it is a place that overflows with vivid textiles, handcrafted jewelry, and all sorts of local crafts. That is just visually stimulating. The energy? Definitely contagious. Bargaining is just a little part of the fun, and interacting with the local vendors? Absolutely unforgettable. It’s also a fantastic place to observe everyday Peruvian life, you know? The market also has food! You can savor some local flavors here, that is an opportunity to experience authentic Peruvian snacks and drinks.
Spending an adequate amount of time in Pisac really requires getting lost a bit. Stroll through the different stalls, engaging with the locals. So, instead of sticking only to the main tourist areas, meander a little bit through the side streets. I’d say that is where you often find those truly unique things and, like, those moments that stick with you. The colors, the sounds, the smells – you may not expect that blend together for a sensory experience. And do not be scared to try the food; some small empanadas can warm you up on a cold morning.
Exploring the Archaeological Site of Pisac
Next on the tour, very often right after the market, is that historical Pisac Archaeological Site, which is perched high above the valley. The views? Absolutely incredible! The remains of that Incan city? Those things are something to ponder over. You can think a little about the history that happened there. It offers a really unique chance to explore ancient terraces, temples, and residential areas, very. A very great introduction to Incan engineering and architectural skills. When your guide is there giving you some insight it is hard not to let yourself become entirely emerged into that space and time.
When walking the site, be sure to wear strong shoes! Those stones are really uneven sometimes, you know? Give yourself lots of time to roam and take pictures, very much to be sure you grab some of the great views! The tour will usually give you a bit of free time to look by yourself; that’s where you can really feel that amazing energy that flows in Pisac. As a matter of fact, if you’re quite physically able, think about trekking a bit on some of the paths, that, for sure, will give you a better perspective of the place.
Lunch in the Sacred Valley: A Culinary Stop
Basically, all that exploring will make you work up a hungry, right? The tour typically includes a lunch stop in the Sacred Valley, in that place you might find many local restaurants. That offers you time to taste some of the regional cuisine. Now, depending on the tour operator, that meal can vary. In some cases it might be a buffet featuring different Peruvian dishes. Other tours go for a fixed menu in a specifically picked restaurant. Typically you’ll find things like “lomo saltado” or “aji de gallina”.
Do your own study prior to booking. Know the inclusions of your chosen tour package. If drinks are not included, be really aware of budgeting a bit extra for them. The buffet may sound appealing. A fixed menu sometimes ensures a fresher, that, like your tour guide has checked before. Be brave and eat what the area gives. In the highlands, soup is nearly always a safe bet! Soups usually are, just a little, safer because you know the liquid is heated. Do enjoy a coca tea, that should also really help to adjust to the altitude. It’s typically an included drink.
Chinchero: Weaving and History
Chinchero is also very commonly on the schedule, right after you eat lunch. A city that is famed for its weaving traditions and Incan remains. First off, you’ll get the chance to visit a local textile center, very typically run by women. Those women will demonstrate the old ways of creating textiles, you will learn how they shear the wool, the dyes used and even the weaving methods. More or less, you might feel you traveled back in time.
When roaming around Chinchero, be sure you’ve got small change in your pockets to, for example, buy little things or tip artisans, that would be ideal! Most commonly, the community controls the economic practices in the textile centers. Very. Take your time to understand how that art benefits the local population. Don’t be afraid to also buy one thing, in this way supporting them, you know? Beyond textiles, the town also hosts the ruins of what once was a royal estate of Inca Túpac Yupanqui, arguably, the views you see when at this ruin, they are totally gorgeous and ideal for capturing great pictures.
Transfer to Ollantaytambo: The Final Destination
Finally, the tour generally wraps up with a transfer to Ollantaytambo. That town is, too, an awesome place on its own! That stop is particularly practical if you plan to, for example, catch an early train to Aguas Calientes (the city near Machu Picchu) the very next day. The drive itself from Chinchero to Ollantaytambo may last you around one hour to one hour and a half, but like your route features places to look, that drive feels good!
If your hotel is in Ollantaytambo, very typically you can coordinate that the tour bus drops you off right at the doorway! It’s usually on their route, anyway. Use the late afternoon and evening to roam around that attractive town, arguably not as known, yet has plenty to show. You can go to the Ollantaytambo ruins, for example, or maybe have some supper at one of its several great restaurants. You’re able to get an early snooze before hopping on the train to Machu Picchu. That is a win win!
Is the “Super Sacred Valley with Transfer to Ollantaytambo” Tour Right for You?
Okay, now to the million-dollar question: Is the tour actually a fit for your trip? The decision rests upon what is important to you on your trip. That tour works wonders when:
- Time Efficiency: If you’re looking to make the best of a day and also see key spots without the headache of setting up transportation yourself.
- Machu Picchu Bound: You’re planning to leave for Machu Picchu very early from Ollantaytambo the next day and intend to remove an entire leg of travel from Cusco.
- First-Time Visitors: If that’s your first tour in the area and you wish to take the load of logistics.
- You like organised activities: Very well if you’re not one that improvises a ton.
But you want to remember some probable drawbacks:
- Pace: Because it goes to lots of places in only one day, that may feel very rushed sometimes.
- Flexibility: Your capability to stop for prolonged durations in a specific spot is quite limited.
- Authenticity: Lunch and textile centers could feel “touristy”.
Arguably, if you treasure in-depth experiences, flexibility, and getting off the trodden track, possibly think about making a completely bespoke travel schedule. Taking local buses or, I’d say, hiring a private cab permits you greater latitude over your schedule and the destinations you view.
Some Advice for Making the Best of the Trip
If you make the wise decision of taking this travel, very likely there are things you need to know and can plan ahead.
- Altitude Issues: Cusco is set at an altitude, okay, acclimatize yourself very well prior to embarking in tours in that place. Make certain to, as a matter of fact, sip lots of liquids, munch softly and evade exhausting physical exercise on your initial days.
- Wear Layers: As a matter of fact, the temperatures in the highlands tend to alter wildly even within the day; it gets colder very fast! Layers help to keep you comfy.
- Sun Protection: That sun over there? Arguably intense, you should protect yourself by, for example, employing hats, sun specs, and sunscreen.
- Cash is King: Particularly with reference to Pisac marketplace and Chinchero textile center, that will be needed. Tiny denominations will always assist a lot, and be handy.
Super Sacred Valley: Summing Things Up!
All things being equal, the “Super Sacred Valley with Transfer to Ollantaytambo” tour features a super efficient method to soak in main tourist destinations throughout the Sacred Valley when only allocated limited period of time. From lively marketplaces to breathtaking archeological parks, from textile exhibits to gastronomic tasting sessions, this is a total taste regarding Peru. But you would need to consider that swift schedule before anything else, when trying to evaluate perhaps that is perfect according to your personal kind relating to tour and touring approach! I hope your choice can now be, really, one you make from all those data! Enjoy yourself whenever over there!