| From Cusco: Chinchero, Maras and Moray and Ollantaytambo

Explore the remarkable Inca sites surrounding Cusco on this comprehensive day tour. From the colonial charm of Chinchero to the mesmerizing Moray terraces and the iconic Ollantaytambo ruins, this itinerary showcases the diverse heritage and natural beauty of the Sacred Valley. With convenient transportation and expert bilingual guidance, it’s an immersive experience perfect for culture enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Discover why this tour is a must-do for any Cusco visit and…

Key Points

• This full-day excursion explores archaeological sites in Chinchero, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo, offering insights into the Inca civilization.
• The tour is priced from $30 to $28.50 per person and includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, transportation, and partial entrance tickets.
• Highlights of the tour include Chinchero’s 17th-century church, Moray’s circular terraces, Maras’ salt mines, and Ollantaytambo’s Inca ruins.
• The tour starts at 7:00 am with hotel pickup in Cusco and ends with drop-off at the Ollantaytambo train station or hotel.
• This tour allows for the discovery of archaeological remains, landscapes, and cultural customs of the Inca civilization, with a focus on the Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors an exciting opportunity to explore the remarkable archaeological sites of Chinchero, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley.

Priced from $30 to $28.50 per person, this full-day excursion includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, transportation, and partial entrance tickets.

Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the convenience of reserving your spot without upfront payment.

With highlights like Chinchero’s 17th-century church, Moray’s unique circular terraces, and Ollantaytambo’s Inca ruins, this tour is a must for travelers interested in the history and cultural significance of the region.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at 7:00 am, the tour picks up guests from their hotels in Cusco and heads to the first stop, Chinchero.

Here, travelers explore the 17th-century church and the agricultural enclosures of the Incas and Killke culture.

Next, the tour visits the unique circular terraces of Moray.

The tour explores the unique circular terraces of Moray, a captivating example of Inca agricultural engineering.

Then, it’s off to the famous salt mines of Maras, with over 3,000 salt wells fed by a natural spring.

The final stop is Ollantaytambo, where guests can admire the views of the Valley of the Incas, wander the cobbled streets, and see the large ceremonial temple and archaeological zone.

Inclusions

The tour includes a pickup from your hotel in Cusco and a bilingual guide who can provide commentary in both Spanish and English. Tourist transport is provided throughout the day, and you’ll be dropped off at the train station or your hotel in Ollantaytambo at the end. A partial tourist ticket (70 Nuevos Soles) is available for the first site, and entrance to the Maras salt mines can be purchased on-site for 10 Nuevos Soles. Lunch and drinks are also included, making this a comprehensive and convenient tour experience.

| Inclusions | Price | Note |

| — | — | — |

| Hotel pickup | Free | – |

| Bilingual guide | Free | Spanish and English |

| Tourist transport | Free | Throughout the tour |

| Drop-off at Ollantaytambo | Free | Train station or hotel |

| Partial tourist ticket | 70 Nuevos Soles | First site |

| Salt mines entrance | 10 Nuevos Soles | On-site purchase |

| Lunch and drinks | Free | Included |

Experience and Cultural Significance

Travelers have the opportunity to discover the archaeological remains, landscapes, and customs of the Inca civilization through this tour.

Discover the archaeological wonders, landscapes, and customs of the Inca civilization through this captivating tour.

This full-day adventure offers a deeper understanding of the Sacred Valley’s historical significance.

Visitors can:

1. Explore the 17th-century church and agricultural enclosures in Chinchero, remnants of the Inca and Killke cultures.

2. Marvel at the unique circular terraces of Moray, an intriguing Inca site.

3. Witness the awe-inspiring salt mines of Maras, with over 3,000 salt wells fed by a natural spring.

4. Immerse themselves in the charming cobbled streets and archaeological wonders of Ollantaytambo.

This tour provides an immersive cultural experience that’s a must for travelers interested in the region’s history and heritage.

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Booking and Availability

Customers can check the availability of starting times for this tour through the booking platform.

They’ll select the number of participants and the date they want to go. The meeting point is available on Google Maps, so it’s easy to find.

Once booked, there’s no need to pay upfront – customers can reserve their spot and pay later.

And if their plans change, they can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

It’s a flexible and convenient way to experience the cultural and historical highlights of the Sacred Valley.

Chinchero: 17th-Century Church and Agricultural Enclosures

One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to Chinchero, a 17th-century village that boasts a charming church and well-preserved agricultural enclosures of the Inca and Killke cultures.

Visitors can explore:

1. The beautiful Chinchero Church, known for its stunning frescoes and colonial architecture.

2. The agricultural terraces and canals that were used by the Incas for farming and irrigation.

3. The remnants of Inca buildings, including houses and ceremonial structures.

4. The local market, where artisans sell traditional textiles, ceramics, and other crafts.

The visit to Chinchero offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley.

Moray: Unique Circular Terraces

The next stop on the tour is Moray, a remarkable archaeological site known for its unique circular terraces.

These concentric depressions were built by the Incas and served as an agricultural laboratory. Each terrace has a different microclimate, allowing the Incas to experiment with growing a variety of crops.

Descending the terraces, you’ll be struck by the scale and precision of this extraordinary site.

Historians believe Moray was used to study the effects of altitude and temperature on crop cultivation, advancing the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of agriculture and climate.

Maras: Famous Salt Mines

Next, the tour heads to the famous salt mines of Maras. This ancient site features over 3,000 salt wells that have been in use since Inca times.

Visitors can:

1. Witness the salt being harvested from a natural spring.

2. Observe the traditional techniques passed down for generations.

3. Explore the expansive network of terraced salt ponds.

4. Purchase locally-produced salt as a unique souvenir.

The Maras salt mines offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and indigenous practices.

Travelers can enjoy this captivating landscape and appreciate the ingenuity of the Inca people.

Things To Know

Can I Visit the Tour Sites Individually Instead of the Full Package?

Yes, you can visit the tour sites individually instead of the full package. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing you to explore each location at your own pace and according to your interests and schedule.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration Beyond One Day?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended beyond one day. Travelers can customize their itinerary and stay overnight in the Sacred Valley to explore the sites at a more leisurely pace. Additional costs may apply for the extended stay.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Any Special Dietary Accommodations?

The tour guides do offer dietary accommodations for participants with special dietary needs. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options can be arranged upon request at the time of booking.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Group Sizes?

The tour operator offers a 5% discount for larger group sizes. So the more people you book with, the more you’ll save per person on this day tour from Cusco to Chinchero, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Handicrafts During the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase additional souvenirs and handicrafts during the tour. There are opportunities to shop at local markets and artisan workshops, allowing you to bring home unique gifts and mementos from your Sacred Valley experience.

Sum Up

This full-day tour from Cusco offers a chance to discover the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Explore Chinchero’s 17th-century church, Moray’s unique circular terraces, Maras’ famous salt mines, and the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo. With bilingual guidance and convenient hotel pickup, it’s an affordable way to learn about the cultural and natural wonders of this remarkable region.

You can check availability for your dates here: