From Cusco: Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Cusco to uncover the rich tapestry of Incan history and natural wonders. Traverse vibrant textile workshops in Chinchero, marvel at Moray’s mesmerizing circular terraces, and witness the shimmering salt ponds of Maras. Discover the architectural marvels of Ollantaytambo and the archaeological treasures of Pisac. This full-day tour promises an immersive experience, blending cultural insights and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this captivating exploration will leave you…

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Cusco explores the Sacred Valley’s major attractions, including Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
• The tour highlights Incan history, traditional textile production, and unique geological formations like the Maras salt ponds.
• Included experiences feature demonstrations of alpaca wool dyeing and weaving, as well as guided explorations of Incan archaeological sites.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or those with mobility restrictions.
• With a 4.7/5 star rating, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and unique sights, offering good value for money.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day exploration of key Sacred Valley attractions near Cusco. It takes visitors on a 12-hour journey to discover Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and the Maras salt mines.

Priced at $49 to $45.57 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, a buffet lunch, and admission tickets. Travelers can learn about Incan history and culture, witness traditional textile production, and see the remarkable terraces and rock formations of the region.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a convenient and comprehensive way to experience the highlights of the Sacred Valley.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Cusco, taking visitors on a journey to Chinchero. There, they’ll explore Incan terraces, witness local textile production, and learn about the dyeing of alpaca wool.

Next, the group will venture to Moray, where they’ll discover circular terraces and uncover Incan history.

The tour then moves to the Maras Salt Mines, home to over 3,000 salt ponds, providing a glimpse into the region’s salt production.

Afterwards, a buffet lunch awaits in Urubamba, followed by visits to the remarkable Incan architecture of Ollantaytambo and the archaeological site of Pisac.

• Chinchero: Incan terraces, textile production, alpaca wool dyeing
• Moray: Circular terraces, Incan history
• Maras Salt Mines: Over 3,000 salt ponds
• Ollantaytambo: Incan architecture
• Pisac: Archaeological site

Included Experiences

This tour package includes a variety of experiences to immerse visitors in the cultural and historical richness of the Sacred Valley.

Guests will visit Chinchero, where they’ll witness traditional textile production and the dyeing of alpaca wool.

At Moray, they’ll explore the captivating Incan circular terraces and learn about their historical significance.

The tour then takes them to the Maras Salt Mines, where over 3,000 salt ponds dot the landscape.

A buffet lunch in Urubamba provides sustenance before exploring the impressive Incan architecture of Ollantaytambo and the archaeological site of Pisac.

Guided by knowledgeable English and Spanish-speakers, this comprehensive tour offers a deep dive into the region’s rich heritage.

Participant Requirements

Certain participants may be unable to fully enjoy this tour. The tour may not be suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Wheelchair users
• Those with high blood pressure
• Individuals with mobility restrictions

Participants should be prepared to pay cash for ticket purchases and bring cash and toilet paper.

Plus, the use of drones isn’t permitted during the tour.

Adhering to these requirements will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

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Customer Feedback

Reviewers have generally praised this full-day tour of Cusco’s Sacred Valley attractions, awarding it an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 288 reviews.

Guests have highlighted the knowledgeable guides and unique sights, such as the Maras salt ponds and Incan ruins. The included buffet lunch in Urubamba also received positive feedback.

While some noted the tour includes stops for presentations that felt touristy, the majority recommended the experience, especially for those short on time in the region.

The transportation and value for money were both rated 4.6/5, further cementing this as a well-received Sacred Valley tour option.

Chinchero Textiles

One of the highlights of the Cusco Sacred Valley tour is the visit to Chinchero, where travelers can enjoy the traditional textile-making practices of the Andes.

Here, local artisans demonstrate the intricate process of dyeing alpaca wool and weaving it into vibrant fabrics.

Visitors can observe:

• Extraction of natural dyes from plants, flowers, and insects
• Spinning of wool into thread using a traditional drop spindle
• Weaving on a backstrap loom to create intricate patterns
• Demonstration of techniques like ikat, tapestry, and embroidery
• Opportunity to purchase handcrafted textiles directly from the artisans

This hands-on experience provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Andean region and the skilled craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

Moray Circular Terraces

Moray’s circular terraces are a remarkable Incan archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley, just northwest of Cusco.

The concentric terraces descend into the earth, creating a huge natural amphitheater. Researchers believe the site was used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with different microclimates and crop varieties.

The depth and orientation of the terraces allowed the Incas to cultivate a wide range of crops at varying temperatures.

Today, visitors can explore the site and marvel at the Incas’ impressive engineering and agricultural prowess.

The site’s unique design and historical significance make it a must-see on any Sacred Valley itinerary.

Maras Salt Ponds

Nestled amidst the rugged Andes mountains, the Maras Salt Ponds stand out as a captivating sight. These extraordinary salt mines have been in operation since the time of the Incas, with over 3,000 individual salt ponds carefully maintained by local families.

Visitors can explore the intricate network of ponds, observing the traditional salt-harvesting process that has endured for centuries.

• The ponds are filled with salty spring water, which evaporates in the hot sun, leaving behind the precious mineral.

• Salt has been a valuable commodity throughout the region’s history, and the Maras Salt Ponds continue to be an important part of the local economy.

• Tourists can witness the manual labor involved in the salt extraction, gaining a deeper appreciation for this time-honored tradition.

• The striking contrast of the bright white salt against the surrounding earth tones creates a visually stunning landscape.

• Exploring the Maras Salt Ponds offers a unique glimpse into the cultural heritage and resilience of the Andean people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba and complimentary drinks. Bringing outside food or beverages is not allowed.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

The tour does not offer customizable itineraries. It follows a set schedule that visits the Sacred Valley’s top attractions. Travelers can’t bring their own food and drinks, as the tour includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba.

What Types of Payment Are Accepted for the Tour?

The tour requires cash payments for the Cusco Tourist Ticket and Maras Salt Mines entrance fee. The tour price is typically paid upfront, though some operators may accept credit cards for the total tour cost.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Included?

The tour includes the Cusco Tourist Ticket (70 PEN) and entrance to the Maras Salt Mines (20 PEN). Participants will need to bring cash for these additional fees not covered by the tour price.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if I Want to Spend More Time at Certain Sites?

The tour’s duration is fixed at 12 hours, but travelers can extend their time at certain sites for an additional fee. However, they’ll need to coordinate this with the tour operator in advance.

Recap

This full-day tour from Cusco offers a captivating glimpse into the Incan legacy. Visitors can explore the vibrant textiles of Chinchero, marvel at the unique circular terraces of Moray, and witness the striking Maras Salt Mines. The tour also includes a delightful buffet lunch and the chance to discover the impressive Incan architecture of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, making it a well-rounded experience for those eager to enjoy Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: