Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A visit to the community of
Patabamba
offers a fascinating participative demonstra-
tion of the weaving process, all the way from picking the plants to making dyes, to shear-
ing sheep and setting up a loom - with explanations of the meanings of colors and pat-
terns. There are also excellent trekking options. Campsites and homestays are available
with advance notice. Prices vary wildly, depending on group size and transport needed.
Both
Journey Experience
( 084-60-1203;
www.thejoex.com
)
and
Chaski Ventura
(
23-3952;
www.chaskiventura.com
; Manco Cápac 517; overnight with 3 meals S156
per person)
offer visits.
In Huarán, adventure tour operator
Munaycha
( 984-770-381;
www.munaycha.com
;
Km 60.2 Carretera Pisac-Ollantaytambo, Huarán)
comes highly
recommended. Among other trips, it guides Lares treks, as well as more local options, and
a variety of mountain bike trips. We have heard rave reviews about trek-bike combina-
tions to Huaipo Lake near Chinchero.
Buses running between Pisac and Urubamba pass regularly.
Urubamba
084 / POP 2700 / ELEV 2870M
A busy and unadorned urban center, Urubamba is a transport hub surrounded by bucolic
foothills and snowy peaks. The advantages of its lower altitude and relative proximity to
Machu Picchu make it popular with both high-end hotels and package tours. While there
is little of historical interest, nice countryside and great weather make it a convenient base
from which to explore the extraordinary salt flats of Salinas and the terracing of Moray.
Since Urubamba is quite spread out, the mode of transport of choice are
mototaxis
(three-wheeled motorcycle rickshaw taxis). The Plaza de Armas is five blocks east and
four blocks north of the terminal, bounded by Calle Comercio and Jirón Grau.
Sights & Activities
Many outdoor activities that are organized from Cuzco (
Click here
)
take place near here,
including horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding and hot-air bal-
loon trips.
Perol Chico
HORSE RIDING
