From Cuzco: Sacred Valley Tour Moray, Salt Mines and Pisac

Nestled in the heart of the Andes, the Sacred Valley tour from Cuzco promises an unforgettable journey through the captivating remnants of the Inca civilization. Delving into the region’s rich history, travelers will uncover the engineering marvels of Moray’s concentric terraces, the ancient salt mines of Maras, and the archaeological wonders of Pisac. With a professional guide leading the way, this 12-hour small-group excursion offers an immersive experience, inviting participants to explore the impressive agricultural practices and innovative feats that defined the Inca’s legacy. As the day unfolds, the true allure of the Sacred Valley comes to light, leaving visitors eager to discover more about this captivating destination.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Ollantaytambo.

Key Points

• The Sacred Valley tour from Cusco visits Moray’s agricultural terraces, Maras salt mines, and the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, comfortable transportation, guided site tours, and a buffet lunch.
• Moray’s circular terraces were used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation, while the Maras salt mines showcase their engineering and cultural practices.
• Ollantaytambo fortress and Pisac ruins provide insight into the Inca’s urban planning, stonework, and spiritual connection to the land.
• The 12-hour tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley’s Inca heritage and natural wonders in a small-group setting.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco is a comprehensive excursion that takes visitors through the magnificent landscapes and archaeological wonders of the region.

Priced from $45 per person, the 12-hour tour offers a small-group experience, with pickup from hotel lobbies between 6:30-7:00 am. The tour is conducted in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highlights include exploring Inca ruins, colonial sites, and salt mines, as well as enjoying a buffet lunch in Urubamba.

Transportation is provided in a comfortable vehicle, and optional visits to a glass factory, visitor center, and local restaurant are offered.

Itinerary Highlights

Captivating Inca walls, a colonial church, and a vibrant textile center await visitors at the first stop, Chinchero. This quaint village offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Next, explore the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, an impressive Inca archaeological site believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation.

• Witness the awe-inspiring Maras Salt Mines, with over 3,000 salt pools used by the Incas for salt production.
• Savor a delightful lunch in the picturesque town of Urubamba.
• Uncover the secrets of Ollantaytambo, an important Inca fortress and town.
• Discover the impressive ruins of Pisac, another significant Inca archaeological site.

Transportation and Logistics

Multiple pickup locations are available for the Sacred Valley Tour, including Plaza Kusipata, Plaza De Armas, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, and Avenida El Sol. Participants will be transported between sites in a comfortable vehicle, with bus or coach travel. Along the way, there are optional visits to a glass factory, visitor center, a secret stop, and a local restaurant, each lasting around 30-45 minutes.

Site	Duration
Glass Factory	45 minutes
Visitor Center	30 minutes
Secret Stop	30 minutes
Local Restaurant	30 minutes
Lunch	Buffet

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.

Inclusions

The Sacred Valley tour includes a comprehensive package that ensures a seamless and enriching experience.

Travelers will enjoy:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to the day.
• A professional guide who provides historical and cultural insights, elevating the understanding of the sites visited.
• Comfortable transportation between the various locations, allowing for a relaxed and efficient tour.
• Guided tours of each archaeological site, ensuring a deeper appreciation of Inca history and architecture.
• A delicious buffet lunch, providing sustenance during the day’s adventures.
• Inclusion of essential tickets, including the Tourist Ticket and Maras Ticket, eliminating the need for additional purchases.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Sacred Valley tour, with a 5/5 overall rating based on one review. The reviewer described the experience as "incredible" and highlighted the great timing and an excellent guide, JC. This feedback aligns with the tour’s high-quality standards, from the knowledgeable guides to the well-organized itinerary.

Overall Rating	Reviewer Comments
5/5	"Incredible experience, great timing, and excellent guide JC. Highly recommended!"

The positive customer response underscores the tour’s ability to provide an immersive and memorable exploration of the Sacred Valley’s rich Inca heritage and natural wonders.

Moray: Inca Agricultural Terraces

Frequently, the tour’s first stop is the astounding Inca archaeological site of Moray. These remarkable circular terraces were an advanced agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with different crops and microclimates. The site’s unique design and engineering feats fascinate visitors.

The tiered levels, which cascade down a natural depression, create a range of temperatures and microclimates, allowing the Incas to cultivate a variety of plants.

• The site’s intricate hydraulic system channeled water to each level, demonstrating the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of hydrology.

• Experts believe Moray was used to study the optimal growing conditions for different crops, crucial for the Inca Empire’s expansive agricultural needs.

• The site’s striking visual appearance, nestled amid the Andes’ rugged beauty, makes it a highlight of the Sacred Valley tour.

• Exploring Moray provides insight into the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices and their innovative approach to adapting to the challenging Andean environment.

• Visiting this remarkable Inca site offers a window into the empire’s sophisticated scientific and engineering accomplishments.

Maras: Ancient Salt Mines

After exploring the remarkable Inca agricultural terraces at Moray, the tour proceeds to Maras, where participants witness the ancient salt mines that have been in operation for centuries.

The site features over 3,000 small salt pools, each meticulously carved into the mountainside. Visitors learn how the Incas harnessed the natural salt deposits, evaporating the water to harvest the precious mineral.

The salt pans, some dating back to the 15th century, continue to be worked by local communities, preserving a centuries-old tradition. Observing the intricate network of pools and the steady collection of salt is a captivating glimpse into Inca engineering and the enduring cultural practices of the region.

Ollantaytambo and Pisac Exploration

Exploring the impressive archaeological sites of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, the tour continues its journey through the Sacred Valley’s remarkable Inca history.

At Ollantaytambo, visitors are captivated by the towering Inca fortress, which served as a royal estate and religious center. The site’s intricate stonework and terraced agricultural terraces showcase the Inca’s advanced engineering prowess.

In Pisac, the tour explores the extensive Inca ruins perched atop a mountain, including the ceremonial center, military quarters, and a stunning system of agricultural terraces. The visit offers a glimpse into the Inca’s sophisticated urban planning and deep connection to the land.

• Ollantaytambo: Impressive Inca fortress with towering walls and terraced agricultural terraces
• Pisac: Expansive Inca ruins with ceremonial center, military quarters, and agricultural terraces
• Inca engineering prowess: Showcased through intricate stonework and advanced urban planning
• Spiritual connection to the land: Evident in the strategic placement of sites and use of natural resources
• Immersive exploration: Allowing visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Inca civilization

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility in the itinerary, allowing you to prioritize the sites you’d like to visit and adjust the duration as needed.

What Type of Food Is Served During the Lunch?

The buffet lunch served during the tour features a variety of Peruvian dishes, including traditional stews, grilled meats, fresh salads, and local specialties. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available to accommodate different dietary needs.

Is There Any Special Equipment Needed for the Tour?

No special equipment is needed for the tour. Participants will only need comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and light layers of clothing as they explore the various historic sites and landscapes throughout the day.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers personalized experiences with flexible itineraries and smaller group sizes, allowing visitors to explore the Sacred Valley at their own pace.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund. This provides flexibility for customers to change their plans without penalty if needed.

Recap

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cuzco offers an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore the unique agricultural terraces of Moray, discover the ancient salt mines of Maras, and marvel at the archaeological wonders of Pisac. With a knowledgeable guide, delicious buffet lunch, and convenient transportation, this 12-hour small-group tour provides an enriching glimpse into the remarkable engineering and agricultural prowess of the Inca civilization.

You can check if your dates are available here: