This comprehensive tour from Cusco offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural tapestry. Visitors will explore the archaeological marvels of Chinchero, the agricultural ingenuity of Moray, and the unique salt-harvesting practices of Maras. The itinerary also includes the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress and the archaeological site of Pisaq, providing a well-rounded exploration of the region’s historical and cultural significance. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide and a small group size, this tour promises a personalized and memorable adventure for those eager to uncover the hidden gems that make Peru such a fascinating destination.
Key Points
- This 12-hour tour from Cusco visits the archaeological sites of Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq.
- The tour offers a comprehensive cultural and historical experience with a maximum group size of 18 for an intimate setting.
- Pickup is provided from central Cusco locations, and transportation is by comfortable coach with a bilingual guide.
- The tour includes a buffet lunch with vegetarian options, and entrance tickets to the visited sites.
- The tour has received high customer ratings, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and well-organized schedule.
Tour Overview
This immersive day tour from Cusco provides an opportunity to explore some of the most fascinating historical and cultural sites in the region.
Lasting 12 hours, the tour costs from CRC 1,028 per person and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Pickup is provided from hotels and Airbnbs in central Cusco, and a live guide is available in English and Spanish.
With a maximum group size of 18, guests will travel by bus or coach to destinations like Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq, exploring iconic Inca ruins, agricultural sites, and more.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chinchero District.
Itinerary and Transportation
The tour starts with pickup locations at C. Sta. Clara 2, Concevidayoc 143, Coa Cuno Gudith, and Portal de Confituria 257.
Travelers will then board a bus or coach with a maximum capacity of 18 people.
The itinerary includes a 1-hour guided tour of Chinchero’s archaeological site and textile center, followed by a 30-minute guided tour of Moray’s circular terraces.
Next, the group will visit the Maras Salt Mines for a 40-minute guided tour.
After a 40-minute lunch break in Urubamba, they’ll explore the Ollantaytambo Fortress for 40 minutes and finish with a 40-minute guided tour of Pisaq’s archaeological site before returning to Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.
Highlights of the Tour
Travelers commonly explore Chinchero’s archaeological site and textile center, seeing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Next, they visit Moray’s circular terraces, an ancient agricultural laboratory used by the Incas to experiment with crop cultivation.
The tour then takes visitors to the Maras Salt Mines, where they learn about the salt extraction process.
Ollantaytambo Fortress, with its historical significance, is another highlight, showcasing the Incas’ impressive engineering prowess.
Pickup Locations
Pickup locations for this tour are conveniently situated across Cusco’s historic center.
Travelers can be picked up from C. Sta. Clara 2, Concevidayoc 143, Coa Cuno Gudith, or Portal de Confituria 257.
The tour utilizes a bus/coach with a maximum capacity of 18 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
This arrangement allows for easy gathering of participants before embarking on the day’s exciting itinerary, which includes visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo Fortress, and Pisaq.
The centralized pickup points make it straightforward for guests to join the tour and begin their exploration of Cusco’s renowned archaeological sites and cultural wonders.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyGroup Size and Travel Method
This tour utilizes a bus/coach with a maximum capacity of 18 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience for guests.
The smaller group size allows for better interaction with the guide, who can provide more focused attention and address individual questions.
The coach transport offers a comfortable and efficient way to navigate between the various sites on the itinerary, ensuring a smooth and seamless journey.
This intimate group setting and personalized transportation contribute to the overall quality and enjoyment of the tour, allowing participants to fully enjoy the cultural and historical experiences.
Included Services
The tour includes a range of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants. These include:
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Pickup from hotels in the historic center of Cusco, ensuring a convenient start to the day.
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A professional bilingual guide who provides expertise in both Spanish and English.
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A buffet lunch with vegetarian options, catering to diverse dietary needs.
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A first-aid kit for any unexpected situations, and the necessary entrance tickets to the sites visited, including the Maras Salt Mines.
Drinks and snacks are also provided, making this a comprehensive and well-rounded tour experience.
Lunch Options
The tour includes a buffet lunch with diverse vegetarian options, ensuring all dietary needs are catered for.
The lunch break takes place in Urubamba, allowing participants to recharge and refuel before continuing the exploration.
The buffet-style service offers a variety of local Peruvian dishes, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Whether you’re a meat-lover or a vegetarian, there’s something to satisfy your palate.
The lunch break provides a welcome respite from the day’s activities, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in a scenic setting before resuming the tour.
Customer Feedback
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 15 reviews.
The feedback highlights several strengths of the experience:
- Knowledgeable guides who provide valuable insights during the tours.
- Good food options, including vegetarian choices, during the lunch break.
- A well-organized schedule that allows participants to visit multiple sites efficiently.
- Some reviewers felt the pace was slightly rushed due to the number of stops, though this didn’t detract significantly from their overall enjoyment.
The tour’s transportation, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5, and value for money, at 4.5 out of 5, were also highly regarded by participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Add Extra Stops to the Tour Itinerary?
Yes, the tour operator often allows customers to add extra stops to the itinerary, though this may incur additional costs. Guests should inquire about customizing the tour to accommodate their specific interests and needs.
What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?
The tour has a casual, comfortable dress code. Participants are advised to wear lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, and bring sun protection like a hat and sunglasses. The tour involves some walking, so dressing for the weather and terrain is recommended.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour does not explicitly mention student or senior discounts. However, it’s recommended to inquire with the tour operator about any available discounts when making the booking, as policies can vary.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour information, participants are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch and provides drinks, so bringing outside items is not permitted.
How Much Time Is Allotted for Free Exploration at Each Site?
The tour allocates a specific amount of time for guided tours at each site, typically ranging from 30 to 40 minutes. However, the itinerary doesn’t mention any additional time for free exploration at the individual locations.
Recap
This comprehensive 12-hour tour from Cusco allows visitors to enjoy Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Travelers will explore remarkable archaeological sites, witness the agricultural marvel of Moray, and discover the unique Maras Salt Mines. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide, personalized attention, and a buffet lunch in Urubamba, this tour offers a truly unforgettable adventure through the Sacred Valley.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Chinchero District
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