From Cusco: Sacred Valley With Salt Mines, Moray and Lunch

Nestled within the Andes mountains, the Sacred Valley near Cusco offers a glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. For just $29 per person, travelers can embark on a comprehensive 13-hour tour that showcases the valley’s captivating Inca ruins, colonial architecture, and traditional craftsmanship. From the mystical Moray terraces to the vibrant Maras salt mines, this excursion promises an immersive experience that’ll leave you eager to uncover more of the valley’s enchanting secrets.

Key Points

• A 13-hour Sacred Valley tour from Cusco, priced from $29 per person, includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a buffet lunch.
• The tour highlights Inca ruins, a colonial town, an indigenous market, and cultural experiences like textile weaving demonstrations.
• The circular terraces of Moray provide insights into the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices and microclimates.
• The Maras Salt Mines, with over 3,000 individual salt ponds, offer exceptional photographic opportunities.
• The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Sacred Valley tour from Cusco offers visitors a comprehensive experience, with prices starting from $29.00 per person.

This 13-hour excursion includes pickup from your hotel, roundtrip transportation, a buffet lunch, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide.

Highlights include exploring the Inca ruins of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, visiting the colonial town of Ollantaytambo, and discovering the indigenous market in Pisac.

Explore the Inca ruins of Moray, Maras Salt Mines, colonial Ollantaytambo, and the indigenous market in Pisac.

Travelers can choose between a General Tourist Ticket or a Partial Tourist Ticket, with entrance fees included.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option are also available.

Itinerary Highlights

The Sacred Valley tour begins with a pickup from your hotel at approximately 7:00 am.

Your first stop is Chinchero, where you’ll see Inca wall constructions, a colonial church, and a textile center.

Next, you’ll explore the circular terraces of Moray, a significant Inca agricultural site.

Descending to the Maras Salt Mines, you’ll witness over 3,000 salt wells used by the Incas.

After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, you’ll visit Ollantaytambo, known as the "Last Living Inca City."

Finally, you’ll explore the indigenous market and archaeological park of Pisac before returning to Cusco around 7:30 pm.

Chinchero: Inca Wall Constructions, Colonial Church, and Textile Center

Chinchero, the first stop on the Sacred Valley tour, offers visitors a glimpse into the past.

The town’s Inca wall constructions, dating back to the 15th century, showcase the remarkable engineering prowess of the Incas. Visitors can also explore the colonial church, which blends Spanish and Inca architectural styles.

The town is renowned for its traditional textile center, where skilled artisans demonstrate the intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations.

Renowned for its traditional textile center, where skilled artisans showcase intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations.

Travelers have the opportunity to witness the creation of vibrant textiles and purchase unique souvenirs directly from the local weavers.

Moray’s Circular Terraces

After exploring the Inca wall constructions and colonial church in Chinchero, the tour moves on to the remarkable Moray site. Moray features a series of concentric circular terraces, an Inca archaeological site that was likely used for agricultural experimentation. The largest terrace measures approximately 30 meters deep. The terraces were constructed at different elevations, creating microclimates that the Incas may have used to test the growth of different crops. This unique site provides a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices.

| Terrace Depth | Average Temperature Difference |

| — | — |

| 0 m | 0°C |

| 10 m | 4°C |

| 20 m | 8°C |

| 30 m | 12°C |

| 40 m | 15°C |

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Maras Salt Mines

Descending from Moray, the tour next explores the Maras Salt Mines, an impressive Inca-era site composed of over 3,000 individual salt ponds.

These natural brine springs have been in use for centuries, with the local community harvesting salt through a sustainable process.

• The salt ponds are cascaded down the hillside, allowing the brine to evaporate and leave behind pure salt.

• Visitors can witness the local workers collect the salt by hand, using traditional methods passed down for generations.

• The vibrant white ponds create a stunning visual contrast against the surrounding mountains, making for exceptional photographic opportunities.

Lunch in Urubamba

Following the tour’s exploration of the Maras Salt Mines, the group stops for a buffet lunch in the town of Urubamba. The meal is served at a local restaurant, offering a chance to savor traditional Peruvian cuisine. The lunch menu features a variety of dishes, catering to different dietary preferences.

| Menu Item | Description |

| — | — |

| Cuy Chactado | Deep-fried guinea pig, a Peruvian delicacy |

| Lomo Saltado | Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and french fries |

| Quinoa Salad | Quinoa mixed with vegetables and a light dressing |

This midday break provides an opportunity to recharge before continuing the exploration of the Sacred Valley’s rich cultural heritage.

Ollantaytambo and Pisac

The tour now moves on to the ancient Inca city of Ollantaytambo, known as the "Last Living Inca City."

Travelers explore the impressive stone ruins, which were once a stronghold against the Spanish conquistadors.

• Ollantaytambo features massive stone terraces, temples, and fortresses, showcasing the engineering prowess of the Incas.

Next, the tour visits the archaeological site of Pisac, where travelers can browse the indigenous market for traditional handicrafts and explore the Inca ruins.

The day concludes with a return to Cusco, arriving around 7:30 pm, after a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley’s ancient wonders.

What to Bring and Traveler Reviews

Travelers are advised to bring a few essential items for the Sacred Valley tour, including their passport or ID card, comfortable shoes and clothing, and sun protection such as sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

Bring your passport, comfortable attire, and sun protection essentials for the Sacred Valley tour.

A small daypack, water, and any necessary personal medication should also be brought along.

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guide Adolfo and the quality of the included lunch.

Some suggestions include spending more time in traditional markets instead of high-end shops.

Things To Know

Is Group Size Limited on This Tour?

The tour group size is not explicitly stated in the details provided. However, most guided tours have a maximum group size to ensure a personalized experience. Travelers should inquire about the group size when booking to ensure it meets their preferences.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Interests?

Guests can’t customize the Sacred Valley tour itinerary, but they can request extra time at specific sites that interest them. The tour operator aims to balance the scheduled activities with flexibility to accommodate travelers’ preferences.

Are Any COVID-19 Precautions in Place During the Tour?

The tour operator has implemented COVID-19 safety measures, which may include mask requirements, social distancing, and hand sanitizer availability. Travelers should check the latest protocols before the tour date to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Can I Book This Tour in My Native Language?

Yes, the tour can be booked in your native language. The tour company offers guides who speak multiple languages, including English and Spanish, to accommodate travelers from various backgrounds.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any specific discounts for seniors or students. However, they do have a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, which could provide some flexibility for travelers on a budget.

Sum Up

The Sacred Valley tour from Cusco offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s rich history and vibrant culture. Exploring the Inca ruins, salt mines, and charming towns, travelers will enjoy the stunning natural landscapes and traditional way of life. With the convenience of hotel pickup, roundtrip transportation, and a delectable lunch, this affordable 13-hour excursion is an excellent choice for those seeking an unforgettable Peruvian adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: