The Sacred Valley tour from Cusco offers a chance to take in the region’s rich Inca heritage and stunning landscapes. Travelers can explore iconic sites like the Pisac market, Ollantaytambo ruins, and the unique Moray terraces. With seamless transportation, a delicious lunch, and knowledgeable guides, this highly-rated tour provides excellent value. It’s an unforgettable adventure that allows visitors to discover the cultural treasures of the Sacred Valley.

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Key Points

A comprehensive exploration of Inca heritage and natural wonders around Cusco, including visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras Salt Mines, and Moray.
Highly-rated tour with a 97% traveler recommendation and seamless transportation with pickup from Cusco’s main square.
Buffet lunch provided in Urubamba town and additional entrance fees of $37.77 paid at the destination.
Knowledgeable and friendly guides, praised for creating an enriching and safe experience.
Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility for travelers.

Overview of the Sacred Valley Tour

The Sacred Valley Tour offers a full-day exploration of the Inca heritage and natural wonders surrounding Cusco.

Explore the Inca heritage and natural wonders of the Sacred Valley surrounding Cusco on this full-day tour.

This highly-rated tour boasts a 97% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence.

Highlights include visits to the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, the mesmerizing Maras Salt Mines, and the archaeological site of Moray.

Expect a buffet lunch in the town of Urubamba.

Seamless transportation takes you to all attractions, with pickup available or a meet-up at the Inca statue in Cusco’s main square.

The tour starts at 7 am and ends at Calle Plateros in Cusco.

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Tour Itinerary and Attractions

Visitors start the tour by exploring the colorful local market in Pisac, where they can browse an array of traditional foods, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Next, they’ll discover the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, featuring massive stone stairs and shopping opportunities.

The tour then takes them to the mesmerizing Maras Salt Mines, where saline water transforms into salt.

Finally, they’ll experience the archaeological site of Moray, known for its unique concentric terraces.

Throughout the day, travelers are provided seamless transportation to all attractions, ensuring a well-organized and enriching Sacred Valley exploration.

Transportation and Logistics

One key aspect of the Sacred Valley tour is the seamless transportation provided to all the attractions.

Pickup is available from the Inca statue in Plaza Mayor del Cusco, making it convenient for travelers. The tour starts promptly at 7:00 am, ensuring an efficient schedule.

Comfortable vehicles transport guests throughout the day, with the tour ending at Calle Plateros in Cusco.

This logistical support allows travelers to focus on exploring the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes without having to worry about navigating between sites on their own.

Pricing and Inclusions

Priced from $40.00 per person, the Sacred Valley tour offers excellent value.

An additional $37.77 is paid at the destination, which covers entrance tickets to archaeological sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, as well as the Maras Salt Mines.

Travelers also enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba town. The tour includes seamless transportation to all the attractions.

Travelers enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba town, with seamless transportation to all the attractions included in the tour.

Exclusions are private expenses, souvenirs, tips, breakfast, and dinner.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, it’s a flexible and budget-friendly way to explore the Sacred Valley’s Inca ruins and natural wonders.

Reviews and Recommendations

What do the reviews say about the Sacred Valley tour?

Travelers have overwhelmingly positive feedback, with a 97% recommendation rate. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, particularly mentioning Ande, Lenny, and Warner for their professionalism and bilingual skills.

The tour is described as an enriching experience, with travelers feeling safe throughout.

While some criticism exists regarding time management and occasional tourist traps, the overall consensus is that the Sacred Valley tour offers an engaging and well-organized exploration of Inca ruins, salt mines, and archaeological sites.

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Exploring Pisac’s Local Market

Why does the Sacred Valley tour begin with a visit to Pisac’s local market? This bustling hub offers a glimpse into the region’s vibrant culture and traditions.

Travelers can browse an array of handcrafted textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs from local artisans. The market’s narrow alleyways brim with stalls selling fresh produce, spices, and traditional Andean fare.

It’s an opportunity to interact with the friendly locals and take in the lively atmosphere. The Pisac market sets the tone for the day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley’s rich heritage and natural wonders.

Discovering the Ollantaytambo Ruins

After exploring the vibrant Pisac market, the tour continues its journey to the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo.

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo boasts towering stone fortresses and terraced agricultural terraces. Visitors can wander through the well-preserved stonework, imagining the bustling Inca city that once stood here.

The tour offers ample time to explore the site, with opportunities to climb the steep staircases for panoramic views.

Ollantaytambo also features shopping opportunities, where travelers can browse local artisanal crafts and souvenirs to take home from this historic Inca landmark.

Visiting the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Archaeological Site

The tour then moves on to the next stop, the Maras Salt Mines. Here, visitors witness the unique process of salt production.

Salt water from nearby springs flows into evaporation ponds, where it transforms into salt through natural solar evaporation. Guests can explore the terraced salt ponds and observe the locals harvesting the salt by hand.

After the Maras Salt Mines, the tour visits the archaeological site of Moray. This Inca site features impressive circular terraces that were likely used for agricultural experimentation.

Guests can wander through the serene ruins and imagine the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Mobility Issues?

While the tour includes visits to historical sites with stairs, the guides can accommodate travelers with mobility issues. Alternative transportation and assistance may be available upon request to ensure a comfortable experience.

Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Sites?

Yes, travelers can typically customize the Sacred Valley tour to focus on specific sites. The tour operator is usually flexible and accommodating to meet individual preferences and needs.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code is casual and comfortable. Travelers should wear weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy walking shoes, and bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen. Dressing in layers is recommended to adapt to the changing mountain temperatures.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks during the tour. However, a buffet lunch is provided, so bringing your own may not be necessary. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Shopping at Local Markets?

The Sacred Valley tour typically allots 1-2 hours for exploring local markets in Pisac, where visitors can browse handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Time spent shopping is balanced with visiting the main archaeological sites on the itinerary.

The Sum Up

The Full-Day Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco offers an exceptional value, providing an immersive cultural experience and the opportunity to explore some of the region’s most iconic sites. With seamless transportation, a delicious lunch, and knowledgeable guides, this highly-rated tour is an excellent choice for travelers seeking to discover the rich Inca heritage and stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley.