Sacred Valley of the Incas With Moray and Salt Mines

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a captivating destination that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich heritage and engineering prowess of the ancient Incan civilization. From the mysterious agricultural terraces of Moray to the shimmering salt ponds of the Maras Salt Mines, this immersive experience showcases the ingenuity and adaptability of the Incas. Those who embark on this journey will be left in awe of the valley’s remarkable historical and cultural landscapes.

Key Points

• This tour offers an immersive exploration of the Sacred Valley, visiting historic towns, significant Inca sites, and experiencing insights from a professional bilingual guide.
• Key highlights include the ancient agricultural site of Moray, the traditional Maras salt mines, the temple complex and terraces of Pisaq, and the fortress of Ollantaytambo.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, a buffet lunch, and all entrance fees, providing a comprehensive and convenient experience.
• Past travelers have highly recommended this tour, with a 4.9 rating, for its educational and insightful exploration of Inca culture and heritage.
• The tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience in the Sacred Valley.

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley of the Incas tour allows visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes of this iconic region.

Over the course of a day, travelers will visit historic towns like Chinchero and Maras, and significant Incan sites such as Pisaq and Ollantaytambo. A professional guide provides insights into the Inca’s agricultural, mining, and textile techniques.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a bilingual guide, a buffet lunch, and all entrance fees.

Recommended by 100% of past travelers, this tour is an immersive and educational exploration of the Sacred Valley.

Inclusions

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Cusco hotels, providing convenient transportation for travelers.

Plus, the tour includes touristic transport in a van accommodating up to 20 people, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey.

A bilingual professional guide, fluent in both English and Spanish, will provide insights and commentary throughout the tour.

A buffet lunch is also included, allowing participants to refuel during the day.

Finally, all entrance tickets, which cost 80 soles per person, are covered as part of the tour package.

Pickup Information

Pickup is available from various points, including Plaza San Francisco, Plaza San Blas, Cusipata Plaza, San Cristobal Plaza, and selected Airbnb locations.

The meeting point is Portal de Comercio 169, Cusco 08002, near Bembos fast food and in front of the Cathedral.

The tour ends at Del Medio 177, Cusco 08002, one block behind Plaza de Armas.

Pickup time is 6:30 am, with a maximum of 20 travelers per tour.

Confirmation is received at booking, and a valid passport is required on travel day.

Tour Schedule

The tour starts at 6:30 am, with a maximum of 20 travelers per group.

The tour follows a set schedule, taking visitors to the historic towns of Chinchero and Maras, as well as the significant Incan sites of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo.

Along the way, the professional bilingual guide provides insight into Inca agricultural, mining, and textile techniques.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, touristic transport, a buffet lunch, and all entrance fees.

With a 4.9 rating from 16 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for those seeking an immersive experience in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Moray: The Mysterious Inca Agricultural Terraces

As visitors explore the Sacred Valley, one of the most fascinating Inca sites they’ll encounter is Moray. This ancient agricultural site features a series of massive, circular terraces that descend like a natural amphitheater.

Though the purpose remains a mystery, archaeologists believe Moray was an agricultural research center where the Incas experimented with crop cultivation at different microclimates.

Moray was an agricultural research center where the Incas experimented with crop cultivation at different microclimates, though its purpose remains a mystery.

Visitors can walk along the terraces and marvel at the impressive engineering and the stunning vistas.

Moray offers a glimpse into the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and their ability to harness the natural environment.

Maras Salt Mines: An Ancient Salt-Producing Site

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, the Maras Salt Mines are an ancient salt-producing site that has been in operation for centuries.

Visitors can explore this unique and fascinating site, which features:

• Thousands of small, individual salt ponds carved into the mountainside, where salt is extracted through a natural evaporation process.

• A picturesque landscape of terraced salt ponds that glisten in the sun, creating a visually stunning scene.

• A glimpse into the traditional salt-harvesting techniques that have been used by the local Quechua people for generations.

Pisaq and Ollantaytambo: Exploring Iconic Inca Ruins

Although lesser-known than the iconic Machu Picchu, the Inca ruins of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo offer visitors a glimpse into the architectural and engineering prowess of the ancient Inca civilization.

Perched high in the Andes, Pisaq’s temple complex and agricultural terraces demonstrate the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of irrigation and farming.

Further along the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo’s grand fortress showcases the Incas’ remarkable masonry skills, with massive stone blocks precisely fitted without mortar.

Exploring these sites provides a deeper appreciation for the Incas’ remarkable accomplishments and the enduring legacy of their once-mighty empire.

The Sum Up

The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a captivating journey through remarkable historical and cultural landscapes. The ancient agricultural site of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines showcase the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Incan civilization. This immersive experience highlights the rich heritage of the Incas, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the wonders of this remarkable civilization.