Sacred Valley + Maras and Moray

The Sacred Valley region of Peru is a captivating destination that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. This comprehensive tour takes travelers on a journey through the ancient Inca sites of Chinchero, Moray, and Maras, where they can enjoy traditional weaving techniques, explore fascinating agricultural terraces, and witness the historical significance of the Maras Salt Mines. With a delicious Peruvian buffet lunch and guided tours of the Ollantaytambo fortress and Pisaq archaeological site, this adventure promises to be both enriching and unforgettable. But what truly sets this experience apart is the opportunity to uncover the secrets that lie within these remarkable landmarks.

Key Points

• The Sacred Valley tour includes visits to Chinchero, Moray, and Maras, providing insights into Andean weaving, agricultural experimentation, and traditional salt harvesting.
• Guided tours at the Ollantaytambo fortress and Pisaq archaeological site are included in the itinerary, enhancing the culture experience.
• A Peruvian buffet lunch in Urubamba is provided, complementing the exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
• Round-trip transportation from Cusco and an English-speaking guide are included, ensuring a hassle-free and informative tour.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women due to the physical activities involved, and cash is advised for some sites that may not accept credit cards.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley, Maras, and Moray tour offers a comprehensive exploration of some of the most captivating sites in the Cusco region. Priced from $45 per person, the day-long excursion whisks travelers to significant cultural and archaeological landmarks, including the textile-producing town of Chinchero, the ancient agricultural terraces of Moray, and the striking salt ponds of Maras.

Guests will enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba and guided tours of Ollantaytambo’s military fortress and the condor-shaped ruins of Pisaq.

With round-trip transportation from Cusco and an English-speaking guide, this tour provides an immersive and well-organized experience, allowing visitors to explore the region’s rich history and natural wonders.

Itinerary Highlights

This day-long tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s captivating sites.

The tour begins with a guided visit to Chinchero, where travelers can witness the traditional weaving and pottery-making techniques of local artisans.

Next, they’ll discover the mysterious Moray, an Inca archaeological site featuring a series of concentric agricultural terraces that may have been an experimental agricultural center.

The journey continues to the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt ponds have been in use since pre-Inca times.

After a delectable Peruvian lunch, the tour ventures to the fortress of Ollantaytambo and the archaeological site of Pisaq before returning to Cusco.

Included Services

Included in this comprehensive Sacred Valley tour are several key services that ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

Travelers will benefit from a professional English-speaking guide who’ll provide insightful commentary throughout the day. Transportation is also included, with a professional driver navigating the scenic roads.

A delightful buffet lunch featuring local Peruvian cuisine will be served in Urubamba, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the region.

Admission tickets to the major sites, including the partial or general Boleto Turistico and the Maras Salt Mines, are covered.

With these thoughtful inclusions, guests can focus on seeing the cultural wonders of the Sacred Valley.

Important Information

Travelers should bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to protect themselves from the often-intense Andean sun during this tour.

Cash is recommended as some sites may not accept credit cards. This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women due to the physical nature of the activities.

While water and snacks aren’t included, they can be purchased during the tour. Tipping the guide and driver isn’t required but appreciated for good service.

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Customer Feedback

The tour has received excellent customer feedback, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on a single verified review.

The reviewer, Ana from Brazil, praised the tour’s excellent organization and the guide, Marco Antônio. However, they noted that the air conditioning in the vans could be improved.

The feedback suggests the tour provides a well-organized and informative experience, with the guide playing a key role.

Prospective customers can feel confident in the quality of the tour based on the positive review, though they may want to consider the comfort of the transportation.

Chinchero Textile Tour

The Chinchero textile tour provides a captivating glimpse into the rich weaving traditions of the Andean region. Visitors spend two hours learning about the intricate process of creating vibrant textiles, from dyeing the yarn to weaving the final product. The tour showcases the remarkable skill and artistry of local weavers, who use natural dyes and traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations.

Step	Description
1	Sorting and cleaning the wool
2	Dyeing the yarn with natural pigments
3	Spinning the dyed wool into thread
4	Warping the loom and preparing the warp
5	Weaving the textile on a traditional loom

The Chinchero textile tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the preservation of this ancient craft and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of the region.

Moray Agricultural Terraces

Nestled amidst the majestic Andes, Moray’s captivating agricultural terraces have long intrigued visitors.

These unique, circular depressions were an ingenious experimentation center for the Incas, allowing them to test different microclimates and cultivate a variety of crops. Descending in a series of stepped platforms, the terraces create a mesmerizing visual effect.

Experts believe the Incas used this system to study the optimal conditions for their agricultural practices, exploiting natural temperature variations across the different levels.

Strolling through the site, one can’t help but marvel at the Incas’ advanced understanding of agronomy and their ability to harness the region’s diverse ecosystems.

Moray stands as a testament to the Incas’ remarkable engineering prowess and their deep connection to the land.

Maras Salt Mines

Descending from the surrounding mountains, the Maras Salt Mines captivate visitors with their intricate system of over 3,000 traditional salt ponds. These pre-Incan salt harvesting ponds have been in use for centuries, harnessing the power of the salty springs that emerge from the mountain. Visitors can explore the terraced ponds, watching as workers collect the mineral-rich salt crystals that form in the sun. The Maras Salt Mines offer a unique glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage and sustainable practices.

Features	Details
Number of Ponds	Over 3,000
Salt Source	Salty springs from the mountain
History	Pre-Incan salt harvesting site
Visitor Experience	Guided tours, observing salt collection

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Cusco Tours?

Yes, you can combine this Sacred Valley tour with other Cusco tours. The tour operator offers flexibility to create a personalized itinerary that includes multiple attractions and experiences in the Cusco region.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to a private tour. Customers can choose a private tour for more personalized attention and flexibility, though it’ll cost more than the standard group tour.

How Much Time Is Needed at Each Site?

The tour itinerary allows approximately 1-2 hours at each site, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq. This ensures visitors have sufficient time to explore and learn about the key highlights of the day’s activities.

Can I Request a Specific Guide or Driver?

Customers can’t request a specific guide or driver. Tour operators assign guides and drivers based on availability. However, guests can request preferences like English-speaking or female guides, which the tour company will try to accommodate.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour company doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors on this particular tour. However, they may provide discounts for larger group bookings or special package deals, so it’s best to inquire directly with the company.

Recap

The Sacred Valley tour offers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing Peru’s rich heritage. Travelers can explore traditional Andean weaving, the fascinating agricultural terraces of Moray, and the historic Maras Salt Mines. With guided tours of Ollantaytambo and Pisaq, as well as a delicious Peruvian buffet lunch, this tour provides an enriching and memorable adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: