Sacred Valley Complete With Salt Mines of Maras and Moray

The Sacred Valley tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Peru. Delving into the region’s Inca history, visitors can marvel at the stunning salt mines of Maras and the remarkable Moray agricultural laboratory. This comprehensive one-day adventure encompasses a diverse array of captivating sites, including the picturesque towns of Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. With a delectable Andean buffet lunch, breathtaking mountain vistas, and a wealth of historical insights, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the secrets of the Sacred Valley.

Key Points

• This comprehensive Sacred Valley tour includes visits to the iconic Maras salt mines and the Moray agricultural laboratory, providing a deep dive into Inca history and culture.
• The tour is priced at CZK 982 per person and includes hotel pickup, transportation, a buffet lunch, a professional guide, and all entrance fees.
• Key highlights of the tour include exploring the Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac sites, offering a well-rounded experience of the Sacred Valley.
• The tour is suitable for a one-day exploration and features a convenient option to reserve now and pay later.
• The tour showcases the cultural significance of the Sacred Valley, which served as a vital food source for the Inca Empire.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Sacred Valley tour includes visits to the renowned Maras salt mines and the Moray agricultural laboratory, offering an immersive experience into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Priced at Kč982 per person, the tour provides excellent value with its comprehensive itinerary. Travelers can enjoy the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour’s duration is 1 day, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley in a single day.

Itinerary and Highlights

Pickup from hotel (near or inside the Historic Center) happens between 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. to commence the day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley’s highlights.

The tour first stops at Chinchero for a brief guided tour. Next, visitors explore Moray, the Incas’ agricultural laboratory, before admiring the over 3,000 salt wells in Maras from a viewpoint.

An Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba replenishes energy. The tour then visits the archaeological center of Ollantaytambo, including the Temple of the Sun.

The final stop is at Pisac, known for its important archaeological groupings, before returning to Cusco, with drop-off near Plaza de Armas, approximately 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup, tourist transportation, a buffet lunch, a professional guide, and all necessary entrance fees, totaling $20 for the partial ticket and $5 for Maras.

However, any food not mentioned in the itinerary is excluded. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or visually impaired individuals.

Travelers should bring their passport and be prepared for the tour to operate in sunny weather or as weather permits.

The tour is available with live guides in both English and Spanish, and it has received a 5/5 customer rating based on one review.

Experience and Cultural Significance

Sacred Valley, located 35 kilometers from Cusco, was the main food supplier of the Inca Empire.

The Urubamba River, formerly known as Vilcanota, runs through the valley, with archaeological centers built by the Incas along the riverbanks.

Visitors can expect to:

1. Learn about the cultural significance of the region and its role in the Inca Empire.
2. Explore the ancient agricultural laboratory of Moray, where the Incas experimented with crop cultivation.
3. Marvel at the Maras salt mines, with over 3,000 salt wells carved into the mountainside.
4. Visit Ollantaytambo, an important archaeological site featuring the Temple of the Sun.

The tour provides an immersive experience into the rich history and enduring legacy of the Inca civilization.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Practical Information

Typically, visitors are advised to bring their passport when embarking on this tour.

The Sacred Valley tour operates as weather permits, ensuring an enjoyable experience regardless of the conditions. A live tour guide is available throughout the journey, providing insightful commentary in both English and Spanish.

Based on a single review, this tour has earned a remarkable 5 out of 5 customer rating, suggesting a high level of satisfaction among previous participants.

Whether you’re interested in the rich Inca culture or the breathtaking natural landscapes, this comprehensive tour of the Sacred Valley, Maras salt mines, and Moray agricultural laboratory promises an unforgettable adventure.

Maras Salt Mines

One of the highlights of the Sacred Valley tour is a visit to the Maras salt mines, an expansive network of over 3,000 salt wells that have been in use since Inca times.

Situated in a naturally-occurring salt deposit, the salt mines offer a captivating sight, with the white salt terraces contrasting against the surrounding green hills.

Visitors can observe the traditional salt-harvesting methods, which involve channeling salty spring water into the shallow pools and allowing the water to evaporate, leaving behind valuable salt crystals.

The Maras salt mines not only provide a unique cultural experience but also serve as an important economic resource for the local community.

1. Over 3,000 salt wells in a naturally-occurring salt deposit
2. Centuries-old traditional salt-harvesting methods
3. Striking visual contrast of white salt terraces against green hills
4. Important economic resource for the local community

Moray Agricultural Laboratory

Nestled within the Sacred Valley, the Moray archaeological site is a remarkable Inca ruin that served as an agricultural laboratory.

The site features a series of concentric terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is approximately 30 meters deep. Researchers believe the Incas used this unique structure to experiment with microclimates and crop cultivation.

The different levels of the depressions likely allowed the Incas to test the optimal growing conditions for various crops. This innovative farming technique demonstrates the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and their ability to adapt to the challenging Andean environment.

Today, Moray is a popular stop on the Sacred Valley tour, offering visitors a glimpse into the Incas’ remarkable agricultural ingenuity.

Ollantaytambo and Pisac

After visiting Moray, the tour continues to the archaeological center of Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca town nestled in the Sacred Valley.

Guests explore the Temple of the Sun, an impressive stone fortress with terraced agricultural fields.

Next, the tour makes a stop at Pisac, known for its important archaeological groupings, including the Inca citadel and ruins.

Visitors can wander through the colorful local market, browse handcrafted souvenirs, and take in the stunning mountain vistas.

The day concludes with a return to Cusco, arriving back near the Plaza de Armas in the early evening.

1. Explore the Temple of the Sun in Ollantaytambo
2. Discover the Inca citadel and ruins at Pisac
3. Browse the colorful local market in Pisac
4. Take in the stunning mountain scenery of the Sacred Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Salt Mines and Agricultural Laboratory Separately?

Yes, you can visit the Maras salt mines and Moray agricultural laboratory separately. However, the Sacred Valley tour package provides a convenient way to see both these iconic Inca sites in a single day excursion.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. However, the company provides a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if the tour doesn’t suit your needs.

How Do I Get to the Starting Point of the Tour From My Hotel?

Guests will be picked up directly from their hotel near or inside the Historic Center between 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. for the Sacred Valley tour. The tour includes transportation to the various sites throughout the day.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Sites?

Yes, you can customize the itinerary to focus on specific sites. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing you to prioritize the attractions you’re most interested in seeing during the day-long excursion.

Are There Any Photography or Filming Restrictions During the Tour?

There are no strict photography or filming restrictions on the tour. Visitors can freely take photos and video at the sites visited, though they’re asked to be respectful and avoid disrupting the tour experience for others.

Recap

The Sacred Valley tour provides a remarkable opportunity to explore Inca history and witness the ingenuity of their agricultural practices. From the captivating salt mines of Maras to the unique terraced depressions of Moray, this one-day adventure offers a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s cultural and natural wonders. With impressive historical sites and stunning mountain vistas, this tour is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the rich heritage of the Andes.

You can check if your dates are available here: