The Sacred Valley Complete Tour (Full Day) is a captivating excursion that immerses travelers in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Peru’s Sacred Valley. Operated by the reputable Happy Gringo Tours, this comprehensive tour offers an opportunity to explore iconic Inca sites, marvel at stunning natural landscapes, and savor the flavors of traditional Peruvian cuisine. With round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable bilingual guide, and admission to various attractions included, the tour promises an unforgettable journey that delves into the heart of this remarkable region. However, the true allure of the experience lies in the stories and insights that await those who embark on this remarkable adventure.
Key Points
- A full-day excursion exploring the cultural and historical richness of the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru, operated by Happy Gringo Tours.
- Includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, buffet lunch, and admission to Inca sites and salt mines.
- Highlights include visits to the Chinchero town, Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo fortress, and Pisac ruins and markets.
- Tour has a maximum capacity of 15 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour has received exceptional reviews, with a 5.0 overall rating and a Badge of Excellence for exceptional visitor experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Details
- Inclusions
- Itinerary Highlights
- Chinchero
- Maras
- Additional Stops
- Traveler Information
- Reviews Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
- How Much Time Is Spent at Each Site?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
- Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?
- What Are the Dietary Options for the Included Lunch?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Full Day in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Details
The Sacred Valley Complete Tour is a full-day excursion that takes visitors on a comprehensive exploration of the stunning landscapes and cultural treasures of the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru.
Operated by Happy Gringo Tours, the tour features 16 reviews and a Badge of Excellence. Priced from $55.00 with a lowest price guarantee, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
The tour includes round-trip transport, a bilingual guide, a buffet lunch, and admission tickets to various Inca sites and the salt mines of Maras, among other highlights.
Confirmation is received upon booking, and most travelers can participate.
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Inclusions
Inclusion of round-trip transportation via touristy class vans, a bilingual professional tour guide, and a buffet lunch featuring over 30 varieties of traditional Peruvian cuisine adds significant value to the Sacred Valley Complete Tour.
Travelers also receive a tourist ticket covering admission to Inca sites and salt mines, ensuring seamless access to the itinerary’s highlights.
Plus, tips are included, removing the need for guests to worry about gratuities.
This comprehensive package provides a hassle-free, immersive experience, allowing participants to fully engage with the cultural and historical richness of the Sacred Valley without the burden of logistical concerns.
Itinerary Highlights
The Sacred Valley Complete Tour kicks off its journey with a visit to Chinchero, where travelers will explore the remains of the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui. They’ll also discover the colonial temple with its vibrant frescoes and Inca walls in the main square, all within a 45-minute duration and free admission.
Next, the tour heads to Maras, located 52 km from Cusco at an altitude of 3,380 m. Here, guests will witness the remarkable salt mines, with approximately 3,000 small wells, and learn about the historic salt production process dating back to the Incas.
| Site | Duration | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Chinchero | 45 minutes | Free |
| Maras | 1 hour | Free |
Chinchero
Chinchero, a quaint Andean town, serves as the first stop on the Sacred Valley Complete Tour. Nestled at an altitude of 3,762 meters, Chinchero was once the royal estate of Inca emperor Túpac Inca Yupanqui.
Visitors can explore the remains of this royal hacienda, admire the colonial temple with its vibrant frescoes, and wander through the main square flanked by Inca walls.
The tour allots 45 minutes for this stop, allowing guests to soak in the town’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Chinchero offers a captivating introduction to the wonders of the Sacred Valley, setting the tone for the day’s remarkable discoveries.
Maras
From Chinchero, the tour continues to the town of Maras, located 52 kilometers from Cusco at an altitude of 3,380 meters.
The highlight of Maras is its renowned salt mines, which feature approximately 3,000 small wells. The salt production process involves extracting and drying salt from underground springs, a practice that dates back to the Inca era when salt was used for economic exchange.
Visitors can observe the unique salt pools, marvel at the striking visual contrast of the white salt against the surrounding landscape, and learn about the historical significance of this traditional industry.
- Maras is known for its salt mines with approximately 3,000 small wells.
- Salt is extracted and dried from underground springs, a process used since the Inca times.
- Visitors can observe the salt pools and learn about the historical significance of salt production in the region.
Additional Stops
What other significant sites does the Sacred Valley Complete Tour include? Along With the highlights at Chinchero and Maras, the tour also visits several other notable locations in the Sacred Valley. This includes a stop at Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress and town, as well as a visit to Pisac, known for its impressive Inca ruins and colorful local markets. The itinerary may also feature a stop at the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, as well as an opportunity to explore the salt ponds of Salineras. The full-day tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to discover the rich history and cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley region.
| Site | Duration | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Ollantaytambo | 1 hour | Included |
| Pisac | 1 hour | Included |
| Moray | 45 minutes | Included |
| Salineras | 30 minutes | Included |
Traveler Information
Confirmation of booking is promptly provided at the time of reservation, ensuring travelers have all necessary details before their tour.
The itinerary isn’t wheelchair accessible, and participants shouldn’t have any heart problems or serious medical conditions. However, most travelers can comfortably participate in the excursion.
The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 15 individuals, fostering a personalized experience.
Plus, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour, allowing for flexibility in planning.
Reviews Summary
The Sacred Valley Complete Tour boasts an impressive 5.0 overall rating based on 16 reviews, with 15 travelers awarding the maximum 5 stars and just 1 review at 4 stars.
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable tour guides and the safe travel experience.
While some comment on the packed itinerary, suggesting a focus on fewer sites for a more enjoyable experience, the tour overall receives overwhelmingly positive feedback.
With its combination of historical significance, culture, and seamless logistics, the Sacred Valley Complete Tour has earned a Badge of Excellence, showcasing its commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for visitors to Cusco, Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience for participants.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Site?
The overview indicates the tour spends 45 minutes at Chinchero and 1 hour at Maras. The other significant sites in the Sacred Valley are also visited, though the specific time spent at each is not provided.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Travelers of all ages can participate, as long as they don’t have any heart problems or serious medical conditions that could prevent them from engaging in the planned activities.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?
The tour can be customized to suit individual preferences, though the core itinerary is set. Travelers can discuss their interests with the tour operator to potentially adjust the schedule or focus on specific sites.
What Are the Dietary Options for the Included Lunch?
The tour’s buffet lunch includes over 30 varieties of traditional Peruvian cuisine, catering to a range of dietary preferences. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other special dietary needs can likely be accommodated with advance notice to the tour operator.
Sacred Valley Complete Tour (Full Day)
“We had an amazing experience. The tour guy Happy Gringo Jorge made it fun for us . Also he was very knowledgeable about the Incas history and the …”
Recap
The Sacred Valley Complete Tour offers an immersive cultural and historical experience for travelers to Peru. Showcasing ancient Inca heritage, stunning salt mines, and more, the tour provides a well-rounded and memorable journey at a reasonable price. With round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and inclusive lunch, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking to explore the beauty and rich history of the Sacred Valley.
