Hike Moray, Maras & Pichingoto
This easy to medium hike descends through the Sacred Valley from 11,152 ft (3,399 msmn) to 10, 824 ft (3,299 msmn) including the sights of Maras and Moray. Spectacular views of the Vilcanota Mountain range, Andean villages and the bucolic life in the Andes are the highlights of this journey. Set in the peaceful pastures of the Sacred Valley lie several enormous circular, terraced depressions in the earth, whose purpose remains uncertain. Although their crop circle-like appearance invites otherworldly hypotheses, we think these unusual Inca ruins were actually a sophisticated crop laboratory designed to study the optimum growing conditions for different species. Continue on to the salt mines of Maras, where seeing the locals mine for salt by hand is truly a unique experience. You will have the option to buy some salt directly from the source, supporting the local economy and making an excellent souvenir.
Descend to the small Quechua village of Pichingoto including hand-made stone and earth housing attached to the rock sides of the large basalt rock cliffs and overhangs. A gourmet box lunch shall be provided en route.
Please allow approximately six hours hiking (you can decide to hike all the way through or only parts of the hike) and eight hours for the entire experience.