The "From Cusco: Sacred Valley, Pisac, Moray, & Salt Mines Tour" offers an immersive exploration of Peru’s stunning natural and cultural wonders. Visitors can expect to embark on a journey through the region’s rich history, uncovering the archaeological marvels of Pisac and Moray, and marveling at the mesmerizing Maras Salt Mines. With expert guidance, a scenic van ride, and a delectable local cuisine-inspired buffet lunch, this comprehensive tour promises to leave participants with a deep appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Sacred Valley. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or a nature lover, this tour may just have the perfect blend of experiences to captivate your senses.
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Cusco explores the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including visits to the ancient Inca sites of Pisac, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines.
- The tour includes transportation, a guided exploration of the sites, a buffet lunch, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Scenic viewpoints, such as the Mirador Taray, offer panoramic vistas of the Andes and the lush Sacred Valley landscape.
- Visitors can enjoy the vibrant Pisac market, learn about Inca agricultural practices at Moray, and witness the centuries-old salt harvesting process at the Maras Salt Mines.
- The tour concludes with a visit to the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins, providing insights into the cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cusco
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Mirador Taray
- Pisac Archaeological Park and Market
- Moray Circular Terraces
- Maras Salt Mines
- Urubamba Buffet Lunch
- Ollantaytambo Ruins and Rock Formation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Children Participate in This Tour?
- Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites?
- What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?
- Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Buffet Lunch?
- Is There an Option to Skip Certain Stops on the Itinerary?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
Embarking on the Sacred Valley tour, visitors can expect to experience a comprehensive exploration of this awe-inspiring region.
The tour, lasting 11.5 to 12 hours, provides an immersive experience with visits to Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
Accompanied by a live English and Spanish-speaking guide, the tour offers flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Priced at CZK 1,788 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup from Cusco, private transportation, a buffet lunch, entrance fees, and drop-off at Ollantaytambo or Cusco city center.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a scenic 20-minute van ride to the Mirador Taray, where visitors are greeted by breathtaking views of the Andes and the Sacred Valley.
Next, they’ll explore the archaeological park and vibrant market of Pisac, spending 1.5 hours there.
Then, it’s off to the historical circular terraces of Moray for a 45-minute visit.
Afterward, guests will discover the Maras Salt Mines and learn about salt production as they gaze upon over 3,000 salt ponds.
Following a 1-hour buffet lunch in Urubamba, the tour concludes with a 45-minute visit to the ruins and rock formation of the Incan god Wiracocha in Ollantaytambo.
Mirador Taray
Visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the Andes and the Sacred Valley as the tour begins with a 20-minute van ride to the Mirador Taray.
This scenic overlook provides a panoramic vista of the lush, green valley and the majestic mountain range beyond. It’s an ideal spot to take in the grandeur of the Peruvian landscape and set the stage for the day’s exploration.
Visitors can snap photos and savor the serene atmosphere before continuing on to the first stop, the archaeological site of Pisac.
Pisac Archaeological Park and Market
From the scenic overlook of the Andes, the tour moves on to the archaeological site of Pisac.
Guests explore the Inca ruins, wandering through remnants of an ancient fortress and terraced farmland. They’ll discover impressive stonework and learn about the site’s history as a strategic military outpost and center of trade.
After the ruins, visitors browse the famous Pisac market, perusing stalls brimming with colorful textiles, ceramics, and other traditional Andean handicrafts.
The guide provides insights into the local artisanal culture and haggling customs. With ample time to shop, guests can enjoy the vibrant market atmosphere before continuing the journey through the Sacred Valley.
More Great Tours NearbyMoray Circular Terraces
After exploring the ancient ruins of Pisac, the tour proceeds onward to the remarkable Moray Circular Terraces. These mysterious agricultural terraces, dating back to the Inca Empire, are set within a naturally formed bowl-like depression. The terraces’ design allowed the Incas to study the effects of different microclimates on crops. As the tour guide explains, the terraces step down at various levels, creating a temperature differential of up to 15°F between the top and bottom. This unique engineering feat showcases the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and climate.
| Moray Circular Terraces | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Inca Agricultural Site | Temperature | Depth | Purpose |
| Bowl-shaped Depression | Up to 15°F | Multiple Levels | Study Microclimates |
Maras Salt Mines
Next, the tour ventures to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines.
Situated in the Sacred Valley, these ancient salt ponds have been in use for centuries. Visitors can observe the intricate process of salt production, where salty spring water is channeled into over 3,000 small pools and evaporated by the sun.
The vibrant white ponds create a striking visual against the surrounding hills. Guests learn about the historical significance of this unique salt-harvesting technique and have the opportunity to purchase local salt products.
This stop offers a fascinating glimpse into the enduring traditions and resources of the region.
Urubamba Buffet Lunch
Continuing the Sacred Valley tour, the group enjoys a buffet lunch in the town of Urubamba.
The lunch, included in the tour package, provides an opportunity to savor local Peruvian cuisine. Diners can indulge in a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to freshly grilled meats and an array of side dishes. The buffet setting allows guests to sample a range of flavors and culinary specialties.
After the satisfying meal, the tour continues to the final destination, Ollantaytambo, where visitors can explore the impressive Inca ruins and admire the stunning mountain vistas.
Ollantaytambo Ruins and Rock Formation
The tour arrives at the ancient Inca site of Ollantaytambo, where visitors can explore the impressive ruins and admire the stunning rock formation believed to depict the Incan god Wiracocha.
This former administrative center and fortress features massive stone terraces and structures, offering a glimpse into the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization.
Guests will have around 45 minutes to wander the site, taking in the grand scale of the ruins and the breathtaking natural landscape.
The Ollantaytambo segment provides a fitting finale to the day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Children Participate in This Tour?
Yes, children can participate in this tour. The tour is suitable for families, though it may not be recommended for individuals with physical limitations such as back issues or wheelchair users.
Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites?
Photography is generally allowed at the sites visited on the tour. However, visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by the tour guide or on-site staff to ensure a positive experience for all participants.
What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour operates with a minimum group size of 2 people. There’s no maximum group size specified, allowing for flexible group arrangements. The tour can accommodate solo travelers as well.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Buffet Lunch?
The tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions for the buffet lunch, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. Customers should notify the company of any dietary needs when booking the tour.
Is There an Option to Skip Certain Stops on the Itinerary?
Yes, the tour operator allows guests to skip certain stops on the itinerary. This provides flexibility to customize the experience based on individual interests and preferences. Additional fees may apply for any changes to the scheduled tour.
From Cusco: Sacred Valley, Pisac, Moray, & Salt Mines Tour
“We really enjoyed our tour. The guide Umberto was amazing, one of the best guides I ever had – you could tell for him was a passion and a style of …”
Recap
The "From Cusco: Sacred Valley, Pisac, Moray, & Salt Mines Tour" offers an immersive cultural experience, exploring Peru’s stunning landscapes and ancient archaeological sites. With a full-day itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and a delicious local lunch, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the Sacred Valley.
You can check availability for your dates here:
