Sacred Valley of the Incas With Moray and Salt Mines, From Cusco

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-visit destination for those intrigued by the rich cultural heritage of Peru. This half-day tour from Cusco promises an immersive experience, exploring the enigmatic Moray and the iconic salt mines. With a knowledgeable guide to lead the way, travelers can uncover the fascinating history and engineering feats of these iconic sites. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to discover the beauty of the Andes, this tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the Inca civilization.

Key Points

• This tour explores the archaeological sites of Moray and the salt mines in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting from Cusco.
• The tour is priced from $35.00 per person, with a maximum of 10 travelers per group and includes an air-conditioned vehicle, buffet lunch, and a professional bilingual guide.
• Pickup is available from the hotel lobby or Plaza de Armas de Cusco, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible, requiring a moderate level of physical fitness.
• The tour includes a first aid kit, bottled water, and ensures a comfortable and enriching experience while exploring the Sacred Valley.
• The tour has positive reviews with a 5.0 rating based on 7 reviews, and the booking process is straightforward with flexible options available.

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley of the Incas tour offers visitors a chance to explore the renowned archaeological sites of Moray and the impressive salt mines.

Explore the renowned archaeological sites of Moray and the impressive salt mines on the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour.

Located in Cusco, Peru, the tour is priced from $35.00 per person and starts at 6:30 am, with a maximum of 10 travelers per group.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a buffet lunch, and a professional bilingual guide.

Pickup is available from the hotel lobby or the Plaza de Armas de Cusco, and the tour returns to the meeting point.

Travelers should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Inclusions

As part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour, the package includes an air-conditioned vehicle to transport travelers.

Lunch is provided in the form of a buffet, allowing participants to enjoy a variety of local Peruvian dishes.

A professional bilingual guide accompanies the group, providing valuable insights and information throughout the tour.

For safety, a first aid kit is included, and bottled water is provided to keep travelers hydrated.

These thoughtful inclusions ensure a comfortable and enriching experience as visitors explore the historic Sacred Valley.

Meeting and Pickup

Guides will pick up travelers from either their hotel lobby or the designated meeting point at the Plaza de Armas de Cusco.

They’ll be wearing a black jacket and cap with the company logo, making them easy to identify.

Upon arrival at the pickup location, travelers can expect a smooth transfer to the tour’s starting point.

At the end of the day, the group will return to the original meeting place.

Travelers should provide their exact address, accommodation name, and contact number to ensure a seamless pickup experience.

Health and Accessibility Information

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required to participate. However, the tour operator is accommodating of dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian meals.

Some key health and accessibility details to consider:

• Not wheelchair accessible

• Not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart problems/serious medical conditions

• Moderate physical fitness level required

• Dietary restrictions accommodated (e.g., vegetarian)

Booking Information

Travelers receive confirmation at the time of booking for the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour.

Travelers receive confirmation at the time of booking for the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour.

They can opt for a free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts. There’s also a reserve now, pay later option available.

The tour has received positive reviews, with a 5.0 rating based on 7 total reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor, and no ratings below 5 stars. This suggests the tour provides a high-quality experience.

Booking the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour is straightforward, with multiple flexible options to suit travelers’ needs.

Exploring the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a captivating journey into the heart of Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Travelers will explore the impressive Inca ruins of Moray, known for their unique circular terraces that were used for agricultural experimentation. They’ll also visit the Maras Salt Mines, where salt has been harvested for centuries.

The tour includes:

• Guided exploration of the Inca ruins and salt pans

• Insight into the Sacred Valley’s agricultural and mining history

• Stunning mountain and valley vistas

• Opportunities to interact with local communities

• Delicious Peruvian cuisine served for lunch

Discovering Moray

Although the Inca ruins of Moray are lesser-known than some of Peru’s more famous archaeological sites, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the empire’s innovative agricultural practices.

Located in the Sacred Valley, the terraced circular depressions were likely used as experimental crop terraces, where the Incas tested different growing conditions. The temperature difference between the top and bottom of the depressions can be as much as 15°C, allowing the Incas to cultivate a variety of crops.

Exploring the intricate network of terraces provides visitors a unique opportunity to understand the Inca’s advanced understanding of agricultural science.

Visiting the Salt Mines

After exploring the remarkable Inca ruins of Moray, the tour takes visitors to the captivating Salt Mines of Maras.

The tour takes visitors to the captivating Salt Mines of Maras after exploring the remarkable Inca ruins of Moray.

This ancient site features thousands of small, individual salt pools carved into the mountainside, where salt has been harvested for centuries.

Visitors can:

• Witness the dramatic, terraced landscape of the salt mines

• Learn about the traditional salt-harvesting techniques used by the Incas

• Explore the network of canals and pools that channel and evaporate the salty water

• Purchase locally-sourced salt and other handicrafts from vendors

• Appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding Andes mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Typically Return to Cusco?

The tour typically returns to Cusco in the late afternoon, around 5:00 PM. The exact return time may vary depending on the pace of the tour and any unforeseen delays, but it generally concludes by the early evening.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, tour participants can bring their own snacks and drinks. The tour includes bottled water, but guests are welcome to pack additional refreshments as needed. However, participants should avoid bringing alcoholic beverages on the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended, though it may incur an additional cost. Customers should check with the tour operator about extending the tour length to accommodate their needs and preferences.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

No, you don’t need to bring your own camera equipment. The tour includes a professional bilingual guide who can take photos for you throughout the experience, so you can simply enjoy the sights without worrying about capturing them yourself.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Site Visit?

The tour allocates approximately 1-2 hours at each site visit, allowing guests sufficient time to explore and capture photos. The duration at each location may vary depending on the group’s pace and interest in the attractions.

The Sum Up

The Sacred Valley of the Incas tour from Cusco offers an enriching experience, exploring the fascinating archaeological sites of Moray and the iconic salt mines. Priced at $35 per person, the half-day adventure includes transportation, a buffet lunch, and a professional bilingual guide. With a maximum group size of 10, participants can enjoy a comfortable and personalized experience while seeing the region’s rich history and culture.