From Cuzco: Sacred Valley, Moray Terraces, and Salt Mines

Nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, the Moray Terraces and Maras Salt Mines offer a captivating glimpse into the Inca’s innovative agricultural and salt-harvesting practices. Visitors can explore these ancient wonders on a comprehensive tour from Cusco, starting at just $25 per person. With hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a knowledgeable bilingual guide, this immersive experience promises to transport you back in time. But the true allure lies not only in the stunning landscapes and historical significance – the tour also presents an opportunity to uncover the traditions that have endured for centuries, leaving you eager to delve deeper into the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

Key Points

• This day tour from Cusco explores the Sacred Valley, including the ancient Moray Terraces and the historic Maras Salt Mines.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip shared transportation, and a professional bilingual guide for a duration of 6 to 12 hours.
• Visitors can experience the innovative Inca agricultural techniques at the Moray Terraces and observe the traditional salt harvesting process at the Maras Salt Mines.
• An optional full-day tour extension provides a deeper exploration of the Sacred Valley, including visits to Chinchero, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
• The tour offers convenient pickup from over 30 locations in Cusco and includes entrance fees for Moray and Maras, but excludes tips, food, and drink.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, Moray Terraces, and Salt Mines offers an immersive exploration of Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Priced from $25.00 per person, the tour spans 6 to 12 hours, providing ample time to discover the region’s highlights.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without an upfront payment. The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip shared transportation, and a professional bilingual guide, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.

With over 30 pickup locations available, this tour caters to a diverse range of travelers, making it an accessible and convenient way to explore the Sacred Valley.

Itinerary and Highlights

At the scheduled time, the tour van picks up participants from their hotels across 37 convenient locations.

The first stop is the ancient circular terraces of Moray, where visitors can explore this unique Inca agricultural site and learn about their advanced farming techniques.

Next, the group travels to Maras to discover the historic salt mining operation, a stunning sight with thousands of salt evaporation ponds.

An optional full-day tour also includes visits to Chinchero, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, providing a more in-depth exploration of the Sacred Valley.

Lunch is served in Urubamba, featuring over 30 typical Peruvian dishes.

The tour ends around 7:00 p.m. at Calle Plateros, near the main square in Cusco.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes hotel pickup and round-trip shared transportation, as well as a professional bilingual guide to lead the experience. Entrance fees to the Moray and Maras salt mines are also covered, costing 70 soles and 20 soles respectively. However, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or individuals over 95 years old. Plus, tips/gratuities, food, and drink (unless specified) are excluded from the package. Travelers should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, and cash. Bikes, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed on the tour.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Hotel pickup	Tips/gratuities
Round-trip shared transportation	Food and drink (unless specified)
Professional bilingual guide	–
Entrance fees: Moray (70 soles), Maras (20 soles)	–

Important Information and Requirements

For this tour, travelers should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, and cash.

Bikes, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour. Visitors can purchase the required tourist ticket for Moray, which costs 70 soles, as well as pay the 20 soles entrance fee for the Maras salt mines.

The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or those over 95 years of age.

Following these requirements will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the tour of the Sacred Valley, Moray Terraces, and Salt Mines.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Sacred Valley and Moray Terraces tour has received an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 8 reviews.

Travelers have provided positive feedback on the professionalism of the guide and the overall tour experience. Participants have come from diverse backgrounds, including couples, friends, and solo travelers.

The key highlights from the customer reviews include:

1. Informative and engaging guide who provided valuable insights into Inca history and culture.
2. Breathtaking views and enjoyable exploration of the Moray terraces and Maras salt mines.
3. Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, making the logistics seamless.
4. Well-organized tour with a good balance of activities and free time.

Exploring Moray Circular Terraces

One of the highlights of the Sacred Valley tour is the opportunity to explore the captivating Moray Circular Terraces.

These mysterious, concentric stone terraces were used by the Inca as an agricultural experiment station, where they tested different crops and growing conditions.

Visitors can wander along the terraces, marveling at the advanced irrigation system and the stunning natural amphitheater-like structure.

The depth of the terraces and the temperature variations between the different levels create a unique microclimate, allowing the Inca to grow a diverse array of crops.

The Moray Circular Terraces offer a fascinating glimpse into the innovative agricultural practices of the Inca Empire.

Discovering Maras Salt Mines

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the Maras Salt Mines captivate visitors with their centuries-old history and vibrant natural hues.

Perched on the side of a mountain, the salt mines consist of thousands of small pools where salt is harvested through a traditional method. Visitors can explore the intricate network of pools and observe the local workers as they carefully collect the salt.

The mines offer a glimpse into the Inca’s ingenuity and the enduring legacy of their agricultural practices.

Key features of the Maras Salt Mines include:

1. Centuries-old salt harvesting tradition
2. Vibrant natural hues of the salt pools
3. Intricate network of small salt collection pools
4. Opportunity to observe local workers in action

Optional Full-Day Tour Extensions

For those seeking a more comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley, the tour offers an optional full-day extension.

This full-day itinerary includes visits to the charming colonial town of Chinchero, the scenic Urubamba Valley, the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, and the vibrant market of Pisac.

Travelers will enjoy a delectable lunch in Urubamba, featuring over 30 typical Peruvian dishes.

This extended tour provides a deeper immersion into the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of the region.

Whether travelers are interested in history, architecture, or local markets, this optional full-day excursion offers an enriching and memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not explicitly mention student or senior discounts. However, it’s best to inquire with the tour operator as they may offer such discounts to make the experience more accessible for those demographics.

Can We Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit additional sites. Customers can discuss their interests with the tour operator and request to include other attractions in the Sacred Valley area within the tour duration and budget.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t specify a maximum group size, but reviews indicate the tours are shared transportation, so the group size is likely small to medium-sized. Travelers can expect a personalized experience with a professional bilingual guide.

Do You Provide Any Snacks or Drinks During the Tour?

The tour does not include any snacks or drinks during the day. Travelers are responsible for bringing their own food and beverages to sustain themselves throughout the 6-12 hour experience.

Are There Any Health or Physical Fitness Requirements to Participate?

The tour is generally suitable for most participants, but isn’t recommended for those with significant mobility issues or over 95 years old. Participants should be able to walk and navigate uneven terrain.

Recap

The Sacred Valley tour from Cusco offers a remarkable opportunity to take in the region’s ancient Inca heritage. From the mesmerizing Moray Terraces to the captivating Maras Salt Mines, this experience promises to leave a lasting impression. With a range of options and inclusions, it’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking to uncover the incredible natural and cultural wonders of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

You can check if your dates are available here: