Enjoy the timeless beauty of Peru’s Sacred Valley with this captivating full-day tour. Discover the enigmatic Moray agricultural terraces, once used by the Incas for crop experimentation, and marvel at the Maras salt mines, where sun-evaporated salt has been harvested for centuries. Along the way, you’ll encounter traditional Andean weaving techniques, interact with friendly alpacas, and uncover the architectural wonders of ancient sites like Pisac. This journey promises to transport you to a world where the past and present seamlessly intertwine, leaving you eager to uncover more of this remarkable region.
Key Points
- This full-day tour covers the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including Awanacancha, Pisac, Moray, Maras salt mines, and Chinchero.
- Visitors can explore Inca ruins, agricultural terraces, and traditional weaving practices, gaining insights into the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
- The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a knowledgeable guide, private transportation, and entrance tickets, providing a comprehensive and convenient experience.
- Highlights of the tour include witnessing the unique circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the centuries-old salt extraction process at the Maras salt mines.
- The tour is suitable for most travelers, but not accessible for wheelchair users, and is easily reached via public transport.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Key Attractions
- Awanacancha Alpaca Farm
- Exploring Pisac
- Moray Agricultural Terraces
- Maras Salt Mines
- Chinchero Weaving Center
- Booking and Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Customize the Tour to Include Additional Stops?
- How Much Walking and Physical Activity Is Involved in the Tour?
- Is There an Option to Visit Any Local Markets or Artisanal Shops?
- Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?
- Can I Opt-Out of Certain Activities if I Do Not Wish to Participate?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Full Day 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 full-day Sacred Valley tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the region’s key attractions, including an alpaca farm, ancient Inca sites, and remarkable natural landscapes.
Beginning at 7:00 AM, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, private transportation, and all necessary entrance tickets.
Highlights include Awanacancha alpaca farm, the Inca ruins of Pisaq, the unique circular terraces of Moray, the stunning Maras salt mines, and the traditional weaving of Chinchero.
With a duration of around 8 hours, the tour offers an immersive and enriching experience, allowing travelers to explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Sacred Valley.
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Key Attractions
Awanacancha, an alpaca farm, proudly showcases llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas, offering visitors the chance to learn about alpaca wool processing and natural dyeing techniques. Next, the tour heads to the ancient site of Pisac, featuring stunning farming terraces, temples, carvings, tunnels, and the Intihuatana – a fascinating relic from the Inca civilization. The tour also visits the unique Moray site, known for its circular agricultural terraces, and the Maras Salt Mines, a historical salt extraction site with breathtaking landscapes. Finally, the tour concludes in Chinchero, renowned for its traditional weaving and archaeological wonders.
| Attraction | Duration | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Awanacancha | 30 minutes | Free |
| Pisac | 2 hours | Not included |
| Moray | N/A | N/A |
| Maras Salt Mines | N/A | N/A |
| Chinchero | N/A | N/A |
Awanacancha Alpaca Farm
Situated along the route, Awanacancha proudly showcases an array of South American camelids, including llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. This provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the intricate process of alpaca wool production and the vibrant natural dyeing techniques employed.
Guests can wander through the farm, marvel at the gentle creatures, and gain insights into the cultural significance of these animals in the Andean region. The knowledgeable staff is on hand to share their expertise, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the captivating world of alpaca farming.
With free admission, Awanacancha offers an enriching and authentic experience that sets the tone for the rest of the Sacred Valley tour.
Exploring Pisac
Perched atop a rugged mountain ridge, Pisac captivates visitors with its sprawling Inca ruins, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the ancient civilization.
The site boasts an impressive array of archaeological wonders, including:
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Expansive farming terraces carved into the mountainside
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Intricate stone carvings and temples showcasing Inca masonry
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Mysterious tunnels and passageways that once connected key structures
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The iconic Intihuatana, a sun-tracking device used by the Incas
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The largest Inca cemetery in the region, with over 350 tombs
Exploring Pisac is a window into the rich history and cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley, offering a captivating glimpse into the lives and practices of the Inca people.
Moray Agricultural Terraces
After marveling at the engineering feats of the Inca at Pisac, visitors can venture to the exceptional Moray Agricultural Terraces, which showcase the Inca’s profound understanding of agricultural practices.
This unique site features a series of circular terraces, each carved into the earth at different depths to create distinct microclimates. The Inca used this system to experiment with crop cultivation, testing various temperatures, soil types, and irrigation methods to optimize their yields.
Descending into the terraces, one can’t help but be amazed by the Inca’s ingenuity and their mastery of adapting to the challenging Andean environment.
Exploring Moray provides a fascinating glimpse into the agricultural innovations that sustained the Inca civilization.
Maras Salt Mines
The Maras Salt Mines have been an important source of salt for the Andean region for centuries, with the local Quechua people extracting the mineral from a series of salt ponds nestled into the side of a dramatic mountain valley.
The salt pools are filled by a natural spring, and the evaporation of the water leaves behind the valuable mineral deposits. Visitors can wander through the terraced ponds, observing the salt-gathering process and taking in the stunning natural scenery.
Key features include:
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Thousands of individual salt ponds covering the hillside
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Vibrant white, pink, and purple colors from the salt deposits
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Centuries-old techniques for harvesting the salt
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Dramatic mountain backdrop surrounding the salt mines
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Opportunity to purchase locally-produced salt as a souvenir
Chinchero Weaving Center
Chinchero is renowned for its traditional weaving practices, where skilled artisans showcase the intricate process of creating vibrant textiles using centuries-old techniques.
Visitors can observe the weavers at work, learning about the natural dyeing methods and intricate patterns that define the region’s iconic textile heritage. The community’s weaving center offers a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions passed down through generations.
Travelers can browse the colorful selection of handwoven goods, including ponchos, shawls, and decorative pieces, while gaining an appreciation for the dedication and artistry required to produce these exceptional textiles.
The Chinchero experience provides a meaningful culture, allowing visitors to connect with the local community and its enduring weaving legacy.
Booking and Reviews
Travelers can book the Sacred Valley tour through the agency, which requires a minimum of 2 people and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour has an overall 5.0 rating based on 5 reviews, with positive feedback highlighting the excellent service, knowledgeable guides, and well-coordinated experiences.
The Sacred Valley tour offers a full-day adventure with various attractions, including the Awanacancha alpaca farm, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Chinchero. It covers key archaeological sites and provides cultural insights, making for an enriching experience in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Travelers recommend the agency for tours around Cusco, citing guides’ expertise in enhancing the experience.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is suitable for most travelers and near public transportation. Confirmation is received at booking, and no serious medical conditions should be present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour to Include Additional Stops?
Yes, the tour can typically be customized to include additional stops. Customers should discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who can accommodate changes within reason to create a personalized experience.
How Much Walking and Physical Activity Is Involved in the Tour?
The tour involves moderate walking and physical activity, with stops at archaeological sites and natural landmarks. Visitors should be prepared for approximately 2-3 hours of walking over uneven terrain throughout the day’s itinerary.
Is There an Option to Visit Any Local Markets or Artisanal Shops?
The tour does include a visit to Chinchero, which is known for its traditional weaving and artisanal shops. Travelers have the opportunity to browse and purchase local handicrafts and textiles during this portion of the day’s activities.
Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?
There are no age or serious medical restrictions for the tour. It’s suitable for most travelers, though it may not be wheelchair accessible. Participants should be able to walk and navigate uneven terrain at the archaeological sites.
Can I Opt-Out of Certain Activities if I Do Not Wish to Participate?
Yes, travelers can typically opt-out of certain activities on a tour if they don’t wish to participate. Tour operators usually allow flexibility for guests to customize their experience based on personal preferences and physical abilities.
Sacred Valley With Moray & Salt Mines I Full Day Tour
“We enjoyed very much our experience in Cusco with this agency.
We did the Sacred Valley, all archeological sites around Cusco, Palcoyo mountain, La…”
Recap
This comprehensive tour of the Sacred Valley offers a remarkable opportunity to take in the region’s captivating cultural and natural wonders.
From the stunning Moray terraces to the mesmerizing Maras salt mines, travelers are treated to an unforgettable adventure that showcases the Inca’s remarkable engineering feats and the vibrant indigenous traditions that thrive in this breathtaking landscape.
