The Sacred Valley and Maras Salt Mines tour from Cusco promises an immersive experience in the region’s rich Incan heritage. Visitors can expect to explore breathtaking landscapes, discover ancient agricultural sites, and witness the centuries-old salt-making process. With comfortable transportation, expert guidance, and a delectable lunch included, this discounted excursion offers an exceptional value. But what secrets lie beyond the well-known highlights? Uncover the hidden gems that make this tour a must-do for any traveler seeking to delve deeper into the mysteries of Peru’s past.

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Key Points

Discounted 1-day excursion from Cusco to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, including hotel pickup, shared transportation, buffet lunch, and expert guide.
Visit Chinchero’s Textile Interpretation Center, Moray’s Inca agricultural laboratory, Maras Salt Mines, and the archaeological sites in Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
Travel time from Cusco to Chinchero is around 70 minutes, with the tour concluding around 6:30-7 PM back in Cusco.
Tour starts at high altitude in Cusco (3,350 meters) and includes other sites at elevations up to 3,762 meters, requiring preparation for altitude effects.
Highly rated tour (4.8/5) for its knowledgeable guide, comfortable transfers, and delicious Peruvian cuisine provided during the lunch break in Urubamba.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour from Cusco – Sacred Valley & Maras Salt Mines with Lunch – offers a discounted price, saving travelers up to 15% compared to the regular fare.

Travelers can save up to 15% on the Cusco – Sacred Valley & Maras Salt Mines with Lunch tour compared to the regular price.

At just $25.50 per person, the 1-day excursion explores Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reservations are available with no upfront payment.

The tour includes hotel pickup, shared transportation, a buffet lunch, an expert guide, and admission tickets.

Reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm, comfortable transfers, and delicious cuisine, earning an impressive 4.8/5 rating.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins in Cusco and includes a visit to Chinchero, where travelers can explore the Textile Interpretation Center and archaeological site.

Next, they’ll journey to Moray, the Inca’s agricultural laboratory. The highlight is the Maras Salt Mines, with a guided tour and photo stop.

Lunch in Urubamba features a buffet of Peruvian cuisine.

Afterward, they’ll visit Ollantaytambo’s stone buildings and Temple of the Sun, then head to Pisac’s archaeological site and handicraft market.

The tour ends in Cusco around 18:30 or 19:00, providing a comprehensive Sacred Valley experience.

Transfers and Travel Details

The tour includes a series of transfers between the various sites throughout the Sacred Valley.

First, you’ll travel 70 minutes from Cusco to Chinchero. Then it’s a 40-minute drive to Moray, followed by 30 minutes to Maras.

After visiting the salt mines, you’ll head to Urubamba for a 1-hour lunch, then 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo.

Next, it’s a 90-minute journey to Pisac and an 80-minute return to Cusco, where the tour ends around 6:30 or 7 PM at Plaza de San Francisco.

Travel times may vary due to traffic conditions.

Altitude Information

One important consideration for this tour is the varying altitudes across the different sites.

The tour starts in Cusco at 3,350 meters (10,990 feet) above sea level. Chinchero, Moray, and Maras are all located at 3,762 meters (12,342 feet).

The tour begins in Cusco at 3,350 meters (10,990 feet) above sea level, and the sites of Chinchero, Moray, and Maras are situated at 3,762 meters (12,342 feet).

The lower altitude sites include Urubamba at 2,780 meters (9,120 feet) and Ollantaytambo at 2,790 meters (9,153 feet).

The tour ends in Pisac, where the pueblo is at 2,972 meters (9,750 feet) and the archaeological site is at 3,300 meters (10,826 feet).

Visitors should be prepared for the effects of high altitude throughout the day.

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Inclusions and Customer Feedback

The tour includes several key inclusions that enhance the experience. It provides hotel pickup in Cusco, shared tourist mobility, and a buffet lunch in Urubamba.

Travelers also receive entry tickets to the tourist sites and the Maras Salt Mines. A professional guide, fluent in English and Spanish, accompanies the group, sharing their knowledge.

Based on 4 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.8/5. Travelers highlight the guide’s expertise and energy, as well as the comfortable transfers and good food.

With these inclusions and positive customer feedback, this tour offers an immersive experience in the Sacred Valley and Maras Salt Mines.

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Exploring Chinchero: Textile Interpretation Center and Archaeological Site

Chinchero, located at an elevation of 3,762 meters (12,342 feet), serves as the first stop on the Sacred Valley tour.

At the Textile Interpretation Center, visitors learn about traditional Andean weaving techniques and the significance of textiles in Inca culture.

The adjacent archaeological site features Inca ruins, including:

An ancient marketplace
Remnants of Inca palaces and temples
Impressive stone terracing
Stunning mountain vistas

Travelers explore these cultural treasures with a knowledgeable guide, gaining insight into the region’s rich history and enduring traditions.

Discovering Moray: Inca Agricultural Laboratory

Next, the tour continues to Moray, an intriguing Inca site that served as an agricultural laboratory.

Visitors descend into a massive, circular depression with concentric terraces. These unique terraces were used by the Incas to experiment with different microclimates and growing conditions.

As the depth and orientation of the terraces change, so do the temperature and soil quality. This allowed the Incas to test a variety of crops and find the optimal conditions for cultivation.

Exploring Moray provides a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices and their innovative use of the natural landscape.

Visiting Maras Salt Mines: Guided Tour and Photo Stop

After visiting the impressive Inca agricultural site of Moray, the tour heads to the stunning Maras Salt Mines.

This unique salt-harvesting site dates back to pre-Inca times. The guided tour takes visitors through the terraced salt ponds, where salt has been extracted for centuries.

Visitors can:

Observe the salt-harvesting process
Take photos of the colorful ponds
Learn about the historical significance of the site
Appreciate the ingenuity of the Inca engineering

The Maras Salt Mines offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history and traditional practices, making it a highlight of the Sacred Valley tour.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour operator’s policy prohibits bringing animals for the safety and comfort of all participants. Guests are advised to leave their pets at home when booking this excursion.

Is the Tour Wheelchair-Accessible?

Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair-accessible. Many of the sites visited, like the Inca ruins, have uneven terrain and stairs that would be challenging for wheelchair users. The tour operator doesn’t provide any special accommodations for wheelchair accessibility.

What Should I Bring for the Day-Long Tour?

For the day-long tour, travelers should bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for cooler temperatures, and water or snacks. It’s also a good idea to have small bills for tips or purchases.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, customers can customize the tour itinerary to their preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing travelers to adjust the schedule and activities based on their interests and needs within the overall tour duration.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Covered in the Tour Price?

The tour price covers the key inclusions, but there may be additional costs not mentioned, such as tips for the guide, optional activities, or personal purchases. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any other potential expenses.

Sum Up

This immersive day tour from Cusco offers an unforgettable exploration of the Sacred Valley’s cultural and natural wonders. Discover centuries-old Inca sites, marvel at the Maras Salt Mines, and savor a delicious lunch, all while enjoying comfortable transportation and expert guidance. With a discounted price and high customer ratings, this tour promises an enriching journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage.