Exploring the Sacred Valley with family can be an unforgettable experience. This full-day tour takes visitors on a journey through ancient ruins, traditional salt mines, and breathtaking landscapes. From the picturesque Pisac to the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, each stop offers a unique glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. But the real highlights await at Maras and Moray, where the ancient agricultural practices and intricate salt pans create a truly mesmerizing sight. The tour promises a personalized experience, led by a knowledgeable guide, ensuring an immersive and memorable day.

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Key Points

Explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including ancient Inca ruins, agricultural terraces, and the salt pans of Maras.
Enjoy a private, full-day tour with a professional guide, ensuring a personalized experience for your family.
Benefit from a partial tourist ticket that covers entrance fees to key sites, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Experience the contrast of the white and ochre salt ponds at the Maras salt mines, a centuries-old salt harvesting site.
Conveniently depart from your hotel in Cusco city at 7:00 AM for an early start to your day of exploration.

Tour Overview

This full-day trip to the Sacred Valley includes visits to the remarkable sites of Maras and Moray.

You’ll enjoy a private tour, with only your group participating. A professional tour guide is included to provide insights and lead the way.

The trip offers a partial tourist ticket, covering entrance fees to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray. Additional tickets are required for the Salineras salt pans.

Lunch in Urubamba is provided at an extra cost.

Pickup is offered from hotels in Cusco city, with a 7:00 am start time. Confirmation is received upon booking, and most travelers can participate.

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Pricing and Inclusions

The tour offers a lowest price guarantee for visitors.

The partial tourist ticket, which includes entrance fees to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray, costs 70 soles per person. Plus, the entrance ticket to the Salineras (salt mines) is 10 soles per person.

Lunch in Urubamba is provided at a cost of $12 per person.

The tour price covers the professional guide, private transportation, and all necessary entrance fees, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free experience for travelers exploring the Sacred Valley’s Maras and Moray sites.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour offers pickup from all hotels in Cusco city.

Customers just need to provide their hotel name and address when booking. The tour starts at 7:00 AM, so you’ll be picked up early to maximize your time in the Sacred Valley.

This is a private tour, so you won’t be waiting around for other travelers. The pickup process is seamless, allowing you to focus on the incredible sights you’ll see throughout the day.

Explore the Sacred Valley

After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll embark on a captivating journey through the Sacred Valley.

Explore the ancient ruins of Pisac, a former Inca stronghold with impressive terraced agricultural sites.

Then, visit the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll marvel at the ingenuity of Inca engineering.

Travel to the unique site of Moray, a series of concentric terraces that may have been an Inca agricultural experiment.

Finally, discover the salt pans of Maras, where local communities have been harvesting salt for centuries.

Throughout the day, your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the region’s rich history and culture.

Discover the Maras Salt Mines

Next, the tour explores the remarkable Maras salt mines. Situated in the Cusco region, these mines have been in operation for centuries, producing some of the purest and most sought-after salt in the world. Visitors can wander through the intricate network of salt ponds, each one meticulously carved into the mountainside. The salt is harvested by hand, a process that has been passed down through generations. The vibrant white and ochre hues of the salt ponds create a stunning visual contrast against the surrounding landscape.

| Maras Salt Mines | | |

|——————–|—————–|—————–|

| Highlights | Duration | Accessibility|

| – Centuries-old salt production | 1-2 hours | – Moderate hiking |

| – Intricately carved salt ponds | | – Not wheelchair accessible |

| – Stunning visual contrast | | – Most travelers can participate |

| – Hand-harvested salt | | |

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Experience the Moray Ruins

Visitors then explore the remarkable Moray ruins, an Inca archaeological site known for its unique concentric circular terraces.

This ancient agricultural experiment station was used to study the effects of different microclimates on crops. The terraces descend 490 feet, with the temperature varying up to 27°F from top to bottom.

Researchers believe the Incas used Moray to determine the optimal growing conditions for their staple crops.

Wandering the site, visitors gain insights into the Incas’ advanced agricultural practices and their sophisticated understanding of the environment.

Highlights of the Day

The tour then takes visitors on a captivating journey through the highlights of the day.

Explore the Moray ruins, an Inca archaeological site with its unique concentric terraces believed to have been an agricultural research laboratory.

Next, visit the iconic Maras salt ponds, where salt has been harvested from natural springs for centuries.

Wander through the picturesque village of Chinchero, famous for its vibrant market and well-preserved Inca walls.

Finally, enjoy a delicious lunch in the charming town of Urubamba, immersed in the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?

The tour can be customized to your preferences. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility to accommodate your specific interests and needs within the overall Sacred Valley itinerary.

What Is the Group Size for This Private Tour?

This is a private tour, so the group size is limited to just your party. The tour description states it’s a "private tour, only your group participates," allowing you to customize the experience to your preferences.

Are There Any Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

This private tour has no wheelchair accessibility. Most travelers can participate, though participants should be able to walk for extended periods. Confirmations are provided upon booking, and all hotel pickups in Cusco city are included.

Can I Adjust the Itinerary or Duration of the Tour?

The tour’s itinerary and duration can’t be adjusted. It’s a pre-set full-day trip to the Sacred Valley, including Maras and Moray. However, the tour company may be able to accommodate special requests if discussed in advance.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear?

No special equipment or gear is required for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour provider will handle all necessary arrangements and provide any required equipment.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour of the Sacred Valley offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes. From the ancient ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo to the captivating Maras salt mines and Moray ruins, this private excursion provides a comprehensive and personalized experience. Enjoy the cultural and natural wonders of this remarkable destination, leaving with lasting memories of an unforgettable day.