SUPER SACRED VALLEY – Chinchero, Maras Moray & Sacred Valley Full Day

The "Super Sacred Valley" tour is a captivating exploration of the Inca’s enduring legacy in the heart of Peru’s breathtaking Sacred Valley. Travelers will be swept away by the awe-inspiring ruins of Chinchero, the mysterious agricultural terraces of Moray, and the timeless salt ponds of Maras – each site offering a unique window into the region’s rich cultural heritage. With expert guidance, comfortable transportation, and a hearty lunch, this immersive full-day experience promises to leave visitors with a deeper appreciation for the Inca’s remarkable achievements. But what secrets lie buried within these ancient ruins, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day tour exploring the ancient Inca ruins, agricultural sites, and salt ponds in the picturesque Sacred Valley region.
• Visits to the well-preserved Inca town of Chinchero, the enigmatic agricultural terraces of Moray, and the captivating salt ponds of Maras.
• Knowledgeable guide providing in-depth commentary on the rich cultural heritage and advanced agricultural practices of the Inca civilization.
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation and a hearty lunch included to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.
• Tour designed for small groups, allowing for a more personalized and engaging exploration of the Sacred Valley’s highlights.

Exploring Chinchero’s Inca Ruins

Travelers embark on the day’s journey by venturing to Chinchero, an ancient Inca town nestled high in the Andes. Here, they’ll discover the remarkably well-preserved Inca ruins, including the main plaza and remnants of an impressive Inca palace.

The highlight is the magnificent 16th-century colonial church, whose interior walls display stunning Andean baroque murals.

Visitors can also browse the local artisan market, where skilled weavers demonstrate their techniques using traditional methods.

This Inca site offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of the Inca civilization.

The Mystery of Moray

One of the most intriguing sites along the tour is Moray, an enigmatic archaeological wonder that has captivated historians and visitors alike.

This unique site features a series of concentric terraces, believed to have been an Inca experimentation laboratory for agriculture. The terraces descend into a natural depression, creating microclimates with temperature variations of up to 15°C between the top and bottom.

Scholars theorize Moray was used to test the optimal growing conditions for a variety of crops, helping the Inca empire expand its agricultural prowess.

Exploring this mysterious site, with its precise engineering and innovative design, offers a glimpse into the Inca’s advanced understanding of climate and agronomy.

The Salt Ponds of Maras

After exploring the enigmatic Moray, the tour moves on to another remarkable Inca legacy – the salt ponds of Maras. Nestled in the Andean mountains, these ancient salt ponds have been in use for centuries, with the Incas harnessing the natural spring water to evaporate and harvest the precious mineral.

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
Thousands of ponds	Intricate network	Harvested by hand
Spread across the hillside	Fed by natural springs	Evaporation process
Uninterrupted since Inca times	Pristine turquoise hues	Sustainable practice
Captivating visual spectacle	Iconic part of local culture	Time-honored tradition

The salt ponds offer a fascinating glimpse into the Incas’ advanced understanding of hydrology and their ingenious solutions to harness natural resources. Visitors can witness the age-old salt harvesting methods still in use today, making this a truly remarkable and authentic experience.

Discovering the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley, a verdant oasis nestled in the Andes, beckons visitors with its captivating blend of Inca ruins, vibrant indigenous culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

This full-day tour offers an immersive experience, exploring iconic sites like Chinchero, known for its colonial-era church and thriving local market.

Guests will marvel at the enigmatic Inca terraces of Moray, once used for agricultural experimentation.

The tour also includes a visit to the salt ponds of Maras, where the ancient practice of salt harvesting continues to this day.

Throughout the journey, travelers will gain insights into the region’s rich history and the enduring traditions of the Quechua people, leaving with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the Sacred Valley.

Highlights of the Tour Experience

Embarking on the Super Sacred Valley tour, travelers can expect an immersive exploration of Inca sites that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The day begins with an early pickup, whisking visitors away in an air-conditioned vehicle to the first stop, Chinchero. Here, they’ll discover the well-preserved ruins of an Inca town, including a colonial church adorned with stunning murals.

Next, the tour ventures to the intriguing terraced ruins of Moray, believed to have been an agricultural research center.

The final highlight is a visit to the salt pans of Maras, where thousands of salt-harvesting ponds have been in use since Inca times.

With an expert guide, a hearty lunch, and included entrance fees, this comprehensive tour provides an enriching glimpse into Peru’s captivating past.

Transportation and Group Size

Departing from selected hotels, visitors are transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day’s excursion.

The group size is capped at a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. This small group setting allows for greater flexibility, as the guide can tailor the pace and focus to the interests of the participants.

With hassle-free transportation and a manageable group size, travelers can fully enjoy the rich cultural and historical sites without feeling overwhelmed or lost in a large crowd.

The efficient logistics and thoughtful group size contribute to the overall enjoyment and quality of the Super Sacred Valley tour.

Inclusions and Accessibility

Travelers on the Super Sacred Valley tour enjoy comprehensive inclusions that enhance the overall experience.

The tour includes an expert guide who provides in-depth commentary on the Inca sites visited. A tasty lunch is also provided, allowing guests to refuel during the day.

All entrance fees to the sites, including Moray, Maras, and Chinchero, are covered in the tour price, eliminating any unexpected costs.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, though pregnant individuals aren’t recommended to participate.

With these thoughtful inclusions, the Super Sacred Valley tour offers a hassle-free and enriching exploration of this remarkable region.

Reviewing the Tour

With a wealth of history and breathtaking landscapes, the Super Sacred Valley tour provides an immersive experience for visitors to the Cusco region.

Reviewers praise the tour’s comprehensive itinerary, covering six Inca sites, including the intriguing agricultural terraces of Moray and the salt pans of Maras.

The air-conditioned transport and knowledgeable guide ensure a comfortable and informative journey, while the included lunch allows travelers to refuel.

Although not recommended for pregnant individuals, the tour is accessible for most participants, with confirmation provided at booking.

With a solid 4.0 rating based on 3 reviews, the Super Sacred Valley tour offers an engaging and efficient way to explore this remarkable cultural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites Visited?

Photography is generally allowed at the sites visited, but travelers should check with their tour guide for any restrictions. Some areas may have limited photography due to preservation efforts or visitor guidelines.

What Type of Lunch Is Provided on the Tour?

The tour includes a typical Peruvian lunch, likely featuring local ingredients and traditional dishes. Travelers can expect a hearty, well-rounded meal to fuel them for the rest of the day’s activities.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

This tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, so it’s suitable for most travelers. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals due to the physical nature of the activities. Most travelers can participate in this full-day excursion.

Can the Start Time Be Adjusted to Suit My Schedule?

The start time for this tour can’t be adjusted to suit individual schedules. However, the tour operator provides hassle-free transportation starting at 6:30 am from selected hotels to ensure travelers have enough time to explore the Inca sites throughout the day.

How Much Walking Is Involved Throughout the Day?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with participants expected to cover around 3-4 miles throughout the day. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some light hiking on uneven terrain at the archaeological sites.

Recap

The "Super Sacred Valley" tour offers an immersive and enriching experience, allowing visitors to explore the Inca legacy and marvel at the region’s remarkable natural wonders. From the awe-inspiring Inca ruins of Chinchero to the captivating salt ponds of Maras, this tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley’s cultural heritage. With expert guidance, comfortable transportation, and a delightful lunch, this tour is a must-do for those seeking a deep understanding of Peru’s remarkable Inca past.