From Cusco: Sacred Valley & Maras Salt Mines Tour With Lunch

Discover the captivating wonders of Peru’s Sacred Valley on this comprehensive tour from Cusco. Explore the vibrant textile arts of Chinchero, marvel at the enigmatic agricultural terraces of Moray, and venture to the iconic Maras Salt Mines. Savor a delicious regional lunch in Urubamba before exploring the grandeur of Ollantaytambo and the cultural richness of Pisac. This immersive experience promises to unveil the enchanting history and traditions that define the Sacred Valley. What secrets will you uncover on this unforgettable journey?

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip from Cusco to explore the Sacred Valley’s history, landscapes, and cultural highlights, including Chinchero, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines.
• Witness traditional Andean textile weaving techniques and purchase handmade products at a workshop in Chinchero.
• Discover the Inca’s advanced agricultural experimentation center at the archaeological site of Moray.
• Explore the iconic Maras Salt Mines and observe the traditional salt-harvesting process.
• Indulge in a delectable buffet lunch in Urubamba, featuring regional Peruvian specialties.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley & Maras Salt Mines Tour is a comprehensive day trip that allows visitors to explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

A comprehensive day trip to explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Priced between $28.60 and $44.00 per person, this 1-day tour includes round-trip transportation from Cusco and multilingual guides.

Highlights include visits to a traditional textile workshop in Chinchero, the agricultural terraces of Moray, and the striking Maras Salt Mines.

Lunch is provided in Urubamba, and optional tours of Ollantaytambo and Pisac are available for an additional fee.

This flexible tour offers free cancellation and a pay later option, making it an appealing choice for many travelers.

Exploring Chinchero’s Textile Wonders

Guests on the Sacred Valley & Maras Salt Mines Tour kick off their culture at Chinchero, a traditional Andean village known for its vibrant textile arts.

At a local weaving workshop, they witness the region’s centuries-old weaving techniques firsthand. Artisans skillfully dye wool with natural pigments and weave intricate textiles using traditional back-strap looms.

Visitors can:

1. Observe the dyeing process and learn about the significance of colors in Andean textile traditions.

2. Interact with weavers and gain insights into their craft.

3. Purchase handmade textiles, supporting the local economy.

4. Appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and the preservation of this ancient art form.

Unveiling the Secrets of Moray

After exploring the vibrant textile arts of Chinchero, the tour group’s next stop is the archaeological site of Moray.

Descending into the concentric circular terraces, the guide explains the Inca’s ingenious use of this site as an agricultural experimentation center.

Visitors learn how the varying microclimates created by the terraces allowed the Inca to test different crops and growing conditions.

Marveling at the intricate design, the group appreciates the Inca’s advanced understanding of agricultural science.

The guided tour provides a fascinating glimpse into this unique aspect of Inca innovation and land management in the Sacred Valley.

Discovering the Maras Salt Mines

Departing from the ancient agricultural marvels of Moray, the tour group makes its way to one of the most iconic sites in the Sacred Valley – the Maras Salt Mines.

These centuries-old salt pans cling to the hillside, sparkling in the sunlight as water evaporates, leaving behind the precious mineral. Visitors can explore the intricate network of over 5,000 salt ponds, each one painstakingly carved and maintained by local families.

The highlights include:

1. Observing the traditional salt-harvesting techniques passed down for generations.

2. Purchasing artisanal salt products directly from the producers.

3. Capturing stunning photographs of the geometric salt pans.

4. Learning about the cultural and economic significance of the Maras Salt Mines.

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Savoring Urubamba’s Culinary Delights

The tour then takes visitors to the charming town of Urubamba, where they indulge in a delectable buffet lunch featuring regional Peruvian specialties.

Diners savor a variety of flavorful dishes, from hearty stews to vibrant salads, all showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the Sacred Valley.

The spread includes traditional staples like quinoa, potatoes, and roasted meats, allowing travelers to enjoy the local cuisine.

This midday meal provides a welcomed respite and energy boost before continuing the exploration of the area’s historical and cultural wonders.

Uncovering the Grandeur of Ollantaytambo

Leaving the culinary delights of Urubamba behind, the tour now heads to the ancient fortress of Ollantaytambo. This Incan stronghold offers a glimpse into the empire’s architectural prowess.

Visitors can explore the impressive stone terraces, temples, and storehouses that once supported the Incan civilization.

The guided tour highlights four key features:

1. Impressive agricultural terraces

2. Towering stone edifices

3. Intricate water channels

4. Remnants of Incan religious rituals

With its grand scale and strategic location, Ollantaytambo stands as a testament to the Incas’ engineering feats and enduring legacy.

Ollantaytambo, a testament to the Incas’ engineering prowess and lasting legacy, stands grandly in its strategic location.

Immersing oneself in this historical site provides a deeper understanding of the Sacred Valley’s rich cultural heritage.

Taking in Pisac’s Cultural Richness

After exploring the ancient fortress of Ollantaytambo, the tour now ventures to the vibrant town of Pisac.

Here, visitors are immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the region. The tour includes a visit to a local workshop where traditional Andean textiles are hand-woven using centuries-old techniques.

Guests then embark on a guided tour of the Pisac archaeological site, marveling at the impressive Inca ruins perched atop the surrounding mountains.

The tour provides a glimpse into the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Inca civilization, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for Pisac’s cultural treasures.

Planning Your Sacred Valley Adventure

As you plan your sacred valley adventure, consider the various options to make the most of your time in this stunning region.

From exploring the ancient Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo to marveling at the salt pans of Maras, the tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the valley’s cultural heritage.

Key considerations include:

Pacing your day to balance sightseeing with breaks for meals and rest, prioritizing must-see attractions, and arranging round-trip transportation.

1. Pacing your day to balance sightseeing with breaks for meals and rest.

2. Prioritizing must-see attractions like the Moray terraces and Chinchero weavers.

3. Deciding whether to include optional activities like the Pisac market.

4. Arranging round-trip transportation from Cusco for a seamless experience.

Things To Know

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for children. It’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with respiratory issues, which could include some children. The length and activities may be challenging for younger visitors.

Can I Book This Tour on Short Notice?

You can book this tour on short notice. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility if plans change. The "Reserve now & pay later" option is also available for last-minute bookings.

What Items Are Not Allowed on the Tour?

The tour does not allow large bags or luggage. Drones are also prohibited. Travelers are advised to bring only necessary items such as their passport or ID, comfortable clothing, and cash for entrance fees and purchases.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour has a set itinerary, but travelers can’t customize it to their preferences. However, they can choose to skip certain optional activities and focus on the main sites if they wish.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

You don’t need to purchase tickets in advance for this tour. The entrance fees to the sites can be paid on the day of the tour in cash. The tour provider will handle the logistics and ticket arrangements.

Sum Up

This captivating tour offers a unique blend of culture, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights. Visitors will be enchanted by the vibrant textiles of Chinchero, the intriguing agricultural terraces of Moray, and the iconic Maras Salt Mines. Coupled with a delectable buffet lunch in Urubamba, this day trip provides an unforgettable insight into the rich history and traditions of the Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here: