The Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour with Moray and the Salt Mines offers a captivating exploration of Peru’s extraordinary heritage. Visitors embark on a guided journey through the region’s ancient ruins, intriguing agricultural terraces, and mesmerizing salt ponds, gaining insights into the ingenuity and resilience of the Inca civilization. With a focus on personalized attention and culture, this small-group excursion promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to uncover the mysteries and natural wonders that have long captivated the imagination of those drawn to the rich tapestry of Peruvian history.
Key Points
- Comprehensive tour of the Sacred Valley, including visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras, and Chinchero, to explore Inca ruins and natural wonders.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba and roundtrip transportation from Cusco, with a maximum of 9 travelers for a personalized experience.
- Guided tours by knowledgeable bilingual guides providing insights into Inca culture and history.
- Opportunity to visit local handicraft markets and explore traditional Andean textiles.
- Tour has received 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Highlights of the Itinerary
- Pisac Exploration
- Lunch in Urubamba
- Additional Stops
- What’s Included
- Booking Details
- Traveler Feedback
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
- What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
- Can I Get a Refund if I Cancel Last Minute?
- Is There an Option to Add Additional Services?
- 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
The Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour with Moray & the Salt Mines is a highly-rated small-group excursion from Cusco, Peru.
Boasting a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this tour takes visitors through the stunning Sacred Valley, including stops at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras, and Chinchero.
Along the way, travelers can admire Incan ruins, explore a local handicraft market, and learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage from a licensed guide.
The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a buffet lunch in Urubamba, and entrance fees, though some additional costs may apply.
With a maximum of 9 travelers per tour, this experience offers a personalized and immersive exploration of the Sacred Valley’s natural and historical wonders.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Highlights of the Itinerary
Kicking off the itinerary, visitors start their Sacred Valley exploration at Pisac, where they’ll enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Inca site overlooking the valley.
From there, they travel to Urubamba, the lowest part of the Sacred Valley, where they’ll indulge in a delicious buffet lunch.
The tour also includes visits to:
- Ollantaytambo, an important Inca fortress
- Moray, the mysterious Inca agricultural terraces
- Maras, the stunning salt mines
- Chinchero, known for its vibrant textiles and Inca ruins
Throughout the day, travelers learn about Incan culture from a knowledgeable, bilingual guide, making for an immersive and enriching experience.
Pisac Exploration
Where does the Sacred Valley tour begin? It starts with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 AM.
The first stop is a quick visit to the Taray viewpoint, where you can admire the stunning vistas of the Sacred Valley.
Then, you’ll explore the Inca ruins of Pisac, which overlook the valley. On weekends, you’ll also have the chance to browse the local handicraft market.
The guided tour of the Pisac ruins lasts around 1.5 hours, and entrance is free.
After Pisac, the tour continues to the town of Urubamba, the lowest part of the Sacred Valley, where you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant.
Lunch in Urubamba
After exploring the Inca ruins of Pisac, the tour continues to the town of Urubamba, the lowest part of the Sacred Valley.
Here, the group enjoys a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant. The lunch provides an opportunity to:
- Sample traditional Peruvian dishes and flavors
- Recharge with a hearty meal after the morning’s activities
- Engage with fellow travelers and the guide over the meal
- Take in the scenic views of the surrounding Andes mountains
This midday break allows the tour participants to refuel and prepare for the additional stops planned in the afternoon, including visits to Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras, and Chinchero.
Additional Stops
The tour continues with visits to several additional sites in the Sacred Valley. After the buffet lunch in Urubamba, the group will travel to Ollantaytambo, an important Inca fortress. Next, they’ll visit Moray, an ancient agricultural site featuring circular terraced pools. Then, it’s on to the Maras salt ponds, where salt has been harvested for centuries. Finally, the tour includes a stop in Chinchero, known for its traditional Andean textiles. Throughout these additional stops, the knowledgeable guide will share insights into Inca culture and history.
| Site | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ollantaytambo | Important Inca fortress | – |
| Moray | Ancient agricultural site with circular terraced pools | – |
| Maras | Salt ponds where salt has been harvested for centuries | – |
| Chinchero | Known for traditional Andean textiles | – |
What’s Included
This tour’s inclusions provide travelers with a well-rounded Sacred Valley experience. The roundtrip transport and bilingual local tour guide ensure a seamless and informative journey.
A delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba offers a chance to refuel and take in the local cuisine. The tour also covers entrance tickets to the archaeological sites, which is an essential aspect of exploring the region’s rich Incan heritage.
Additional highlights include:
- Admission to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines
- Visits to Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and other iconic Sacred Valley locations
- Opportunity to learn about Incan culture from the knowledgeable guide
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Booking Details
Travelers can easily book the Sacred Valley Tour through the tour operator, Machu Picchu Tours.
The tour has a maximum of 9 travelers per group, ensuring a personalized experience. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the tour starts without any penalties.
The price of the tour starts from $99.00 and includes roundtrip transportation, a bilingual local guide, and a buffet lunch in Urubamba. Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and the Maras salt mines are additional costs of approximately $20 per person.
Traveler Feedback
Based on the 58 overwhelmingly positive reviews, travelers have consistently praised the Sacred Valley Tour for its amazing views, informative guides, and delicious lunch.
The tour has earned a 5.0 overall rating, with specific mentions of guides Adolfo and driver Luis for their helpfulness and safety.
Highlights of the tour include:
- Breathtaking vistas of the Andes and the Sacred Valley
- Insightful commentary from the licensed guides on Incan culture and history
- A satisfying buffet lunch in the town of Urubamba
- Opportunities to admire local Andean textiles in Chinchero
This combination of stunning scenery, educational experiences, and culinary delights has resulted in the tour’s 100% traveler recommendation and Badge of Excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary can be customized, though it may incur additional costs. Travelers should discuss their preferences with the tour operator to see what modifications are possible within the tour’s structure and pricing.
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas tour has a maximum group size of 9 travelers. The small-group format allows for a more personalized and intimate experience as travelers explore the historical sites and cultural highlights of the region.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour does not have any age restrictions. It’s open to travelers of all ages, from children to seniors. The small-group size of up to 9 participants ensures a personalized experience for everyone.
Can I Get a Refund if I Cancel Last Minute?
According to the tour details, travelers can get a full refund if they cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the tour starts. This flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind for last-minute changes.
Is There an Option to Add Additional Services?
Yes, there may be options to add additional services for this tour. Travelers should contact the tour operator, Machu Picchu Tours, to inquire about adding extra activities or transportation to customize their experience.
Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour With Moray & the Salt Mines
“This was the last tour we took after spending 30 days touring South America. We were physically exhausted especially after multiple high elevation…”
Recap
The Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour with Moray and the Salt Mines offers an unforgettable journey through Peru’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Travelers can explore the ancient Pisac ruins, savor a delicious buffet lunch, and discover the mesmerizing Moray and Maras sites, all while enjoying personalized attention from knowledgeable guides. This small-group excursion promises an immersive and memorable experience for those seeking to enjoy the wonders of the Inca Empire.
