Set out on a captivating journey through the Sacred Valley of Peru, starting from the historic city of Cuzco. This full-day tour offers visitors the chance to explore the stunning sites of Pisac, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines, seeing the region’s rich cultural heritage. From ancient ruins and agricultural terraces to traditional weaving techniques and breathtaking landscapes, this experience promises to be a true delight for the senses. With guided visits, a delicious buffet lunch, and insights into the area’s fascinating history, this tour is an excellent opportunity to discover the wonders that await in the Sacred Valley.
Key Points
- Comprehensive 13-hour Sacred Valley tour departing from Cusco, visiting Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
- Tour priced at $60.00 per person, with a maximum of 16 participants and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Guided tours at Chinchero, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines, providing insights into Inca engineering, agricultural experimentation, and traditional salt extraction.
- Buffet lunch included at Pukapunku Restaurant, and access to archaeological sites and salt mines granted through the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
- Tour highlights the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Sacred Valley, with opportunities to learn about local textile traditions and colonial architecture.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cusco
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary Highlights
- Transportation and Pickup Details
- Inclusions and Services
- Cultural and Historical Experience
- Chinchero Guided Tour
- Moray Guided Tour
- Maras Salt Mines Guided Tour
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Leave the Tour Early if Needed?
- Is It Possible to Upgrade to a Private Tour?
- Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
- What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
- 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 and Pricing
The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s Inca cultural and natural wonders, priced at $60.00 per person.
This 13-hour tour includes pickup from your hotel, guided visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, as well as a buffet lunch.
The tour provides a shared group service with a maximum of 16 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.
Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
With a professional driver and guide, this tour immerses visitors in Inca history and culture across the Sacred Valley.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., followed by the first stop at Chinchero. Here, you’ll enjoy a 40-minute guided tour, exploring the town’s colonial architecture and traditional textile production.
Next, you’ll visit Moray, where you’ll discover the Inca’s remarkable agricultural experimentation terraces during a 30-minute guided tour. Continuing on, you’ll spend 30 minutes exploring the iconic Maras salt mines.
After a 40-minute buffet lunch in Urubamba, you’ll tour Ollantaytambo Fortress for 45 minutes, then cap off the day with a 30-minute guided tour of the Pisac Archaeological Park before returning to Cusco around 7:00 p.m.
Transportation and Pickup Details
For this tour, pickup locations are at both the Kentucky Fried Chicken and Plaza Kusipata. The mode of transport is by bus or coach, with designated stops along the way. Guests are advised to be ready in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
| Pickup Locations | Mode of Transport | Pickup Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Fried Chicken | Bus/Coach | 6:30 – 7:00 AM |
| Plaza Kusipata | Bus/Coach | 6:30 – 7:00 AM |
| Hotel Lobby | – | 10 minutes before scheduled pickup |
The tour includes a friendly, professional driver to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey throughout the Sacred Valley.
Inclusions and Services
This tour includes several key services and inclusions to provide a comprehensive Sacred Valley experience.
It includes tourist transportation and hotel pick-up, ensuring comfortable and convenient travel. A professional guide, fluent in both English and Spanish, accompanies the group, providing insights into the cultural and historical significance of the sites visited.
A buffet lunch at Pukapunku Restaurant is provided, allowing travelers to refuel between activities.
The tour also includes the Cusco Tourist Ticket, granting access to the featured archaeological sites, as well as entry to the Salineras (salt mines).
With these inclusions, travelers can fully enjoy the rich history and traditions of the Sacred Valley.
More Great Tours NearbyCultural and Historical Experience
Taking in Inca culture is at the heart of this Sacred Valley tour. Visitors will explore ancient archaeological sites, colonial-era villages, and living textile traditions. The tour offers a chance to discover the ingenuity of Inca engineering, from the agricultural terraces of Moray to the salt pans of Maras. Along the way, guests will marvel at the panoramic vistas of the valley and gain insights into the region’s rich heritage.
| Cultural Highlights | Historical Significance |
|---|---|
| Chinchero | Explore a colonial-era village and its textile traditions |
| Moray | See the Inca’s innovative agricultural terraces |
| Maras | Witness the ancient salt extraction process |
| Ollantaytambo | Visit the impressive Inca fortress and urban planning |
| Pisac | Discover the extensive Inca archaeological complex |
Chinchero Guided Tour
Visiting Chinchero, a colonial-era village nestled high in the Andes, provides a captivating glimpse into the living textile traditions of the region.
On the Sacred Valley tour, travelers will enjoy a 40-minute guided tour of Chinchero. They’ll witness skilled weavers using ancient Inca techniques to create vibrant textiles, learn about natural dyeing processes, and browse the local market for unique handcrafted goods.
The guide will also highlight Chinchero’s impressive Inca and colonial architecture, including the iconic whitewashed church.
This stop offers a chance to take in the rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley before continuing the day’s adventure.
Moray Guided Tour
After exploring the vibrant textile traditions of Chinchero, the tour moves on to the unique and intriguing site of Moray.
This ancient Inca site features a series of concentric agricultural terraces, believed to have been used as an experimental agricultural laboratory. Visitors will enjoy a guided tour of the site, learning about the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and climate.
The intricate design and varying microclimates created by the terraces allowed the Incas to test different crops and growing conditions.
Spending 30 minutes exploring Moray provides a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s sophisticated farming techniques and their relationship with the land.
Maras Salt Mines Guided Tour
From Moray, the tour then moves on to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines.
Guests will discover the intricate system of salt evaporation ponds that have been in use since Inca times. A guided tour provides insights into the local salt extraction process, which utilizes natural spring water flowing through the ponds.
Visitors can observe the workers carefully maintaining the over 3,000 individual salt ponds. The tour then allows time to explore the picturesque salt pans and purchase local salt products.
This unique glimpse into traditional Andean salt production is a highlight of the Sacred Valley experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Leave the Tour Early if Needed?
Yes, you can leave the tour early if needed. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to get a full refund if you need to cancel your participation.
Is It Possible to Upgrade to a Private Tour?
Yes, it’s possible to upgrade to a private tour. Upgrades can be arranged directly with the tour provider, subject to availability and additional fees. This allows for a more personalized and flexible Sacred Valley experience.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
There are no explicitly stated student or senior discounts for this tour. However, the company may offer discounted rates for these groups, so it’s best to inquire directly about any available offers when booking.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch, but travelers are welcome to supplement this with their own snacks and beverages if desired.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour has a shared group service with a maximum of 16 participants. This allows for an intimate and personalized experience as you explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley.
From Cuzco: Sacred Valley Tour Pisac, Moray,& Salt Mines
Recap
This Sacred Valley tour from Cuzco provides an excellent opportunity to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors will discover ancient ruins, engage with traditional weaving techniques, and marvel at the unique Moray and Maras Salt Mines, all while enjoying a delicious buffet lunch. It’s a comprehensive experience that immerses travelers in the essence of the Sacred Valley.
You can check availability for your dates here:
