Embark on a day of exploration in the captivating Sacred Valley and immerse yourself in its rich history and customs. Visit Chinchero, a charming village steeped in ancient weaving traditions. Witness skilled artisans at work during a weaving exhibition, where they will unveil their loom techniques and natural wool dyeing. Explore Chinchero's 15th century archaeological site, blending Andean and Spanish influences, including a colonial church before continuing to Moray, a unique archaeological site featuring expansive concentric terraces that served as an ancient agricultural laboratory for the Inca civilisation.
After a stop at the Racchi lookout to get one of the best views of the Sacred Valley, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant AMA. Through their restaurant, alpaca boutique and regenerative tourism experiences, AMA strives to empower Sacred Valley's marginalised communities, by providing job opportunities and first-hand training. You’ll enjoy lunch in the restaurant where local single mothers work in the kitchen and cook delicious homemade meals using traditional culinary techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Following lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the array of traditional handicrafts available for purchase. AMA collaborates with women weavers from remote Andean mountain communities, fostering the preservation of their ancestral techniques and providing fair compensation, along with opportunities for skill development.
The journey culminates in Ollantaytambo, known as the Living Inca Town, a truly enchanting place which boasts profound archaeological significance, a majestic fortress and pristine streets preserving an authentic Inca urban layout, making it the sole inhabited site to maintain its original Inca design to this day. (B, L)