09/21/2025
Our Sacred Valley adventure kicked off in Chinchero, and ohhh boy… if I thought it was hard to breathe in Cusco, this place said hold my coca tea! At 3,762 m (12,343 ft), it’s even higher, and climbing those stairs to the main plaza felt like I was about to leave my soul behind. But once at the top—wow. The views of the valley and snow-capped mountains were totally worth every breathless step.
💡 Fun fact: Chinchero is called the “Birthplace of the Rainbow” and is famous for weaving. Locals still dye wool with plants, insects, and minerals—just like the Incas did.
Next stop: Maras Salt Mines. Getting there was its own thrill ride—the narrow dirt road twists along the mountain like it’s auditioning for a rollercoaster. Then suddenly you see it: over 3,000 sparkling salt pools, fed by a natural spring that’s been flowing since before the Incas. Families still harvest the salt by hand, letting the sun do the work.
💡 Must-buy: Pink Peruvian salt, salted chocolate, or bath salts—perfect little souvenirs.
Last stop: the mind-blowing Moray terraces. These giant circular “bowls” aren’t just pretty—they were an Inca science lab for farming. The temperature can change by 15°C (27°F) from top to bottom, creating mini climates for different crops.
💡 Check the video—those tiny dots way down there? Yep, people. That’s how massive it is!
If you’re heading to Machu Picchu, I highly recommend this Sacred Valley tour. We took the one that ends in Ollantaytambo, which was perfect for catching the train the next day.
