From Cusco: Sacred Valley Tour Salineras De Maras and Moray

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s captivating history and natural beauty. Traversing the Andean landscape, visitors are guided through the remarkable Salineras de Maras and the enigmatic Moray archaeological site, marveling at the Inca’s ingenious engineering. With an included Andean buffet lunch, this adventure promises to engage the senses and deepen one’s understanding of the local culture. However, the true essence of this tour lies in the stories waiting to be discovered, inviting travelers to uncover the valley’s ancient secrets.

Key Points

• This Sacred Valley tour from Cusco explores the cultural heritage and natural landscapes, including visits to the Salineras de Maras salt ponds and Moray agricultural terraces.
• The tour is priced from $23 per person and includes hotel pickup, transportation, a bilingual guide, and a traditional Andean buffet lunch.
• The itinerary highlights key archaeological sites like Chinchero and Pisac, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s rich cultural and historical significance.
• The Salineras de Maras showcases the ancient salt-harvesting techniques used since Inca times, while the Moray terraces demonstrate the Incas’ advanced agricultural knowledge.
• The tour features a convenient booking process with free cancellation up to 24 hours and the option to reserve now and pay later.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

This day-long excursion takes travelers to the famous Salineras de Maras salt ponds and the archaeological site of Moray, providing a glimpse into the region’s Inca history.

Priced from $23 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and an Andean buffet lunch.

Available in both Spanish and English, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 6:30 am.

You’ll then visit:

• Chinchero, an archaeological site and colonial temple
• Moray, a remarkable agricultural site with terraced circular depressions
• Maras, the famous salt ponds that have been exploited since Inca times
• Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy an Andean buffet lunch
• Ollantaytambo, an impressive Inca archaeological complex

After exploring these highlights of the Sacred Valley, the tour makes a final stop at Pisac, known for its numerous Andean terraces, before returning you to Cusco.

Inclusion Details

After exploring the key highlights of the Sacred Valley, the tour provides several inclusions to ensure a comfortable and seamless experience.

The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, providing a convenient start to the day. Round-trip transportation is included, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey.

A bilingual guide accompanies the group, offering insights and information throughout the tour. Lunch is also included, featuring a delectable Andean buffet to refuel during the excursion.

With these comprehensive inclusions, travelers can focus on seeing the cultural and natural wonders of the Sacred Valley without worrying about logistics.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews for the Sacred Valley Tour provide a mixed picture of the overall experience.

While some praise the knowledgeable guide Andy, others note issues with hotel pickup and language comprehension. The tour holds a 3/5 rating based on 2 reviews:

• Positive feedback highlights that the tour met expectations, with the guide providing great insights.

• Negative feedback cites problems with hotel pickup arrangements and the tour guide’s limited language skills, making it difficult for some participants to fully understand the information.

The tour includes pickup, transportation, a bilingual guide, and lunch, but customer experiences seem to vary.

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Booking Information

Booking the Sacred Valley Tour is a straightforward process. Customers can check availability for starting times on the tour provider’s website.

They’ll need to select the desired number of participants and date. The meeting point for the tour is provided and can be easily located on Google Maps.

The tour provider offers customer support for any inquiries or assistance needed during the booking process.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, booking this tour is both flexible and convenient for travelers.

The inclusive package with hotel pickup, transportation, a bilingual guide, and lunch make this a hassle-free experience.

Salineras De Maras

Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the Salineras de Maras are a captivating network of ancient salt ponds that have been continuously harvested since Inca times.

Visitors can witness the intricate process of salt extraction, where water from a nearby natural spring is channeled into the ponds and left to evaporate, leaving behind glistening white salt crystals.

The site features:

• Over 3,000 individual salt ponds
• Unique architectural design of the ponds
• Centuries-old methods of salt harvesting
• Stunning views of the surrounding Andes mountains
• Opportunity to purchase artisanal salt products.

The Salineras de Maras offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and enduring traditions of the region.

Moray Agricultural Terraces

Why are the Moray agricultural terraces considered one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley? Nestled in the heart of the Andes, these concentric circular terraces were once an Inca agricultural experimentation site. The terraces descend nearly 500 feet, with each level experiencing a unique microclimate, allowing the Incas to study the effects of temperature variation on crop cultivation. The intricate design and engineering feats showcased in Moray are a testament to the Inca’s advanced agricultural knowledge.

Feature	Description
Elevation	Terraces descend nearly 500 feet
Microclimate	Each level has a unique temperature
Purpose	Inca agricultural experimentation site
Design	Intricate concentric circular terraces

Urubamba Lunch

The Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba provides a delectable culinary experience, showcasing the vibrant flavors and traditional dishes of the Sacred Valley.

Theres some good a variety of:

• Hearty potato-based stews
• Flavorful quinoa dishes
• Freshly grilled meats
• Colorful vegetable medleys
• Homemade Andean breads and pastries

This bountiful spread allows visitors to savor the rich gastronomic heritage of the region, seeing the local culture through the lens of its cuisine.

The lunch break offers a welcome respite from the day’s explorations, replenishing energy levels before the next leg of the Sacred Valley adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The tour itinerary doesn’t mention any restrictions on outside food, so travelers are free to pack their own meals and snacks to enjoy during the day.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

There are no age restrictions for the tour participants. The tour is open to guests of all ages, from children to seniors. Families with kids are welcome to join the Sacred Valley tour.

What Should I Wear and Bring for the Tour?

To enjoy the tour, it’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, sun protection like a hat and sunglasses, and bring a light jacket or sweater. Plus, bringing a camera and water is advised.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, you can often customize the tour itinerary to your preferences. Many tour companies allow you to add or remove activities, adjust the schedule, and personalize the experience based on your interests and needs. It’s best to discuss options with the tour provider.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for the Tour?

Yes, there are discounts and package deals available for this tour. Customers can save up to 10% by booking the tour as part of a multi-day package. Seniors and students also qualify for discounted rates.

Recap

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco provides an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the region’s natural wonders and Inca heritage. Visitors can explore the iconic Salineras de Maras salt ponds, admire the unique Moray agricultural terraces, and indulge in a delicious Andean buffet lunch. With its comprehensive inclusions and affordable starting price, this tour offers an enriching and convenient way to discover the highlights of the Sacred Valley.

You can check if your dates are available here: