The Best of the Sacred Valley PRIVATE Tour

Exploring the Sacred Valley of Peru is a must-do for any traveler seeking to enjoy the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Best of the Sacred Valley PRIVATE Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to discover the region’s most captivating sights, from the ancient Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo to the intricate salt ponds of Maras. With personalized service, expert guidance, and a delectable lunch, this comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable day of adventure and enlightenment. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking to experience the essence of Peru, this exclusive tour is sure to leave you with lasting impressions that will inspire you to…

Key Points

• A comprehensive 12-hour PRIVATE tour that visits the iconic sites of the Sacred Valley, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
• Immersive cultural experiences, such as learning traditional textile-making from a master weaver in Chinchero and witnessing ancient salt-harvesting processes in Maras.
• Includes a buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off from any Cusco city hotel.
• Led by an English-speaking guide who provides insightful commentary and maximizes the enjoyment of the Sacred Valley adventure.
• Highly rated by previous clients for its exceptional guides and cultural experiences, with a 5.0 overall rating from 16 reviews.

Contents

• Key Points
• Tour Overview
• Inclusions
• Chinchero Experience
• Moray Archaeological Site
• Maras Salt Pools
• Ollantaytambo Fortress
• Pisac Market and Ruins
• Tour Quality and Reviews
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Private Tour?
• Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Lunch Options Available?
• Can the Tour Start Time Be Adjusted to Accommodate My Schedule?
• Is It Possible to Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?
• Do the Tour Guides Offer Any Discounts or Packages for Repeat Customers?
• Recap
• Our Top Picks in Cusco
• More Private Tours 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 private full-day tour whisks travelers from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of Peru, showcasing the region’s top sights.

Over 12 hours, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, guests will visit Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.

Highlights include Incan and colonial structures, weaving demonstrations, ancient salt pools, and traditional cuisine.

Priced starting from $225 per person, the tour includes a buffet lunch, hotel pickup/drop-off, and an English-speaking guide.

With 16 reviews and a 5.0 rating, the tour is praised for its exceptional guides and engaging cultural experiences.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.

Inclusions

Included in the tour package are a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, hotel pickup and drop-off from any Cusco city hotel, an English-speaking tour guide, and admission tickets for all the sites visited.

The buffet lunch allows you to sample traditional Peruvian cuisine, while the hotel transfers ensure a seamless experience.

The knowledgeable English-speaking guide will provide insightful commentary throughout the tour, enriching your understanding of the Inca and colonial history.

With admission tickets included, you can explore the magnificent sites without the hassle of purchasing them separately, maximizing your time and enjoyment on this comprehensive Sacred Valley adventure.

Chinchero Experience

Visiting Chinchero, an Andean village nestled amidst stunning mountain vistas, offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy the traditional art of textile-making, learning from a master weaver. The experience includes:

• Observing the process of raw material gathering, washing, and natural dyeing
• Gaining insight into the intricate techniques used to create vibrant, intricate textiles
• Browsing a colorful Sunday market, showcasing the community’s artisanal wares
• Purchasing local products as a memento of this authentic cultural encounter

This immersive experience at Chinchero provides a deeper appreciation for the enduring traditions that have shaped the Sacred Valley.

Moray Archaeological Site

Located 4.5 miles from the town of Maras and 39 miles from Cusco, Moray’s archaeological site features a remarkable series of circular agricultural terraces, some extending up to 330 feet deep.

Believed to have been an Inca laboratory for experimenting with crop growth conditions, the site’s unique microclimate and terraced design allowed the Incas to test the effects of altitude, temperature, and solar radiation on a variety of plants.

Visitors can spend around 30 minutes exploring the impressively engineered terraces, marveling at the Incas’ advanced agricultural techniques and their understanding of environmental factors crucial for crop cultivation.

Maras Salt Pools

The Maras salt pools are a captivating highlight of the Sacred Valley tour.

These ancient salt evaporation ponds, nestled in the Andes Mountains, have been in use since the time of the Incas. Visitors can witness the traditional salt-harvesting process, which remains largely unchanged over the centuries.

The pools’ terraced design and shimmering white surfaces create a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

Key features of the Maras salt pools include:

• Over 3,000 individual pools spread across the mountainside
• Salt harvested through a natural evaporation process
• Stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks
• Opportunity to purchase locally-made salt products

This unique and well-preserved site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s long-standing cultural traditions.

Ollantaytambo Fortress

Perched atop a towering hillside, the grand Ollantaytambo Fortress stands as an enduring testament to the engineering prowess of the Incas.

This impressive archaeological site features massive stone terraces, massive stone blocks, and the impressive Temple of the Sun. Visitors can explore the ruins, imagining the bustling city that once thrived here.

The fortress also offers stunning views of the surrounding Urubamba Valley, with the Urubamba River flowing below. Guests will have ample time to wander the site, learning about its history and significance from the knowledgeable guide.

The Ollantaytambo Fortress is a must-see highlight of the Sacred Valley, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated Inca civilization.

Pisac Market and Ruins

After exploring the grand Ollantaytambo Fortress, the tour continues to another captivating highlight – the Pisac Market and Ruins.

Set at the base of towering Andean peaks, the Pisac ruins showcase impressive Inca architecture and engineering. Visitors can wander the extensive terraced agricultural fields, sacred plazas, and impressive stone fortifications.

Nearby, the lively Pisac Market offers a vibrant showcase of local Quechua culture. Shoppers can browse colorful textiles, intricate handicrafts, and freshly harvested produce.

Key highlights include:

• Exploring the Inca citadel ruins with expert guided commentary
• Browsing the bustling Sunday market for unique souvenirs
• Observing traditional weaving demonstrations
• Sampling local Andean cuisine at a traditional restaurant

Tour Quality and Reviews

With 16 reviews and a perfect 5.0 overall rating on platforms like Viator and Tripadvisor, this Sacred Valley tour has earned rave reviews from previous participants.

Positive feedback consistently highlights the exceptional knowledge and engagement of the tour guides, as well as the immersive cultural experiences provided. Travelers particularly enjoy the weaving demonstration in Chinchero and the opportunity to purchase local handicrafts.

The tour’s flexibility, with hotel pickup and drop-off, also earns praise. This Sacred Valley tour is renowned for its quality, allowing visitors to discover the region’s Incan and colonial heritage in a personalized, hassle-free manner.

Customers can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior to the tour start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Private Tour?

The tour accommodates private groups of any size, with the price varying based on the total number of participants. There’s no maximum group size specified in the overview details provided.

Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Lunch Options Available?

Yes, the tour provider offers vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options. They cater to various dietary needs, ensuring all guests can enjoy a delicious buffet meal during the tour of the Sacred Valley’s top sights.

Can the Tour Start Time Be Adjusted to Accommodate My Schedule?

The tour can accommodate start time adjustments to fit your schedule. The provider offers flexibility, and you can coordinate with them to ensure the tour aligns with your needs and availability.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be extended to visit additional sites. The tour provider is flexible and can customize the itinerary to accommodate your interests, although this may increase the tour duration and cost.

Do the Tour Guides Offer Any Discounts or Packages for Repeat Customers?

The tour guides don’t typically offer discounts for repeat customers, but they may be willing to work with travelers on customized package deals or add-ons for those booking multiple tours. It’s best to inquire directly about any special offers.

Recap

The Best of the Sacred Valley PRIVATE Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Sacred Valley. With a knowledgeable guide, exclusive access to key sites, and a seamless itinerary, travelers can expect a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience that showcases the region’s natural beauty, ancient Incan history, and vibrant local traditions.