The Cusco Sacred Valley tour offers a captivating journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich history. Visitors can explore the vibrant Pisac market, marvel at the impressive Inca ruins, and explore the unique circular terraces of Moray and the historic Maras Salt Mines. With its captivating blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to uncover the wonders of the Andes.

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Key Points

The Sacred Valley day tour from Cusco covers major historical and archaeological sites, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s Inca heritage, showcasing advanced agricultural practices, engineering marvels, and vibrant handicraft markets.
Visitors can experience a diverse range of activities, such as visiting a colonial-era church, exploring circular agricultural terraces, and witnessing salt production at the Maras Salt Mines.
The tour provides hotel pickup, transportation, buffet lunch, professional guides, and entrance tickets, making it a convenient and inclusive experience.
The tour duration is 12-14 hours, with options for private or shared group experiences, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Sacred Valley full day tour is a popular excursion in the Cusco region, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the area’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

Priced between Kč 738 and Kč 687 per person, the tour lasts 12-14 hours and can be booked as a private or shared group experience.

Priced between Kč 738 and Kč 687 per person, the Sacred Valley tour lasts 12-14 hours and offers private or shared group options.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a buffet lunch, professional guides, and entrance tickets to the main sites, making it a convenient and comprehensive way to discover the Sacred Valley.

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Itinerary and Destinations

Kicking off the tour, guests are picked up from their hotels at 6:30 am and embark on a journey through the Sacred Valley‘s captivating destinations.

The first stop is Chinchero, where they explore a handicraft market and a colonial temple built on Inca foundations.

Next, they visit the remarkable Moray, a series of concentric terraces used for agricultural experimentation.

The tour then proceeds to the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of small wells have produced salt since pre-Hispanic times.

In Urubamba, guests enjoy a buffet lunch before continuing to Ollantaytambo and Pisac, both renowned for their impressive Inca ruins.

Chinchero Handicraft Market and Colonial Temple

At the first stop in Chinchero, visitors explore a bustling handicraft market where artisans showcase their traditional weaving techniques and handmade products.

Nearby, an impressive colonial-era church sits atop Inca foundations, blending the region’s pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial history.

Travelers marvel at the intricate stonework and learn how the Incas engineered this architectural marvel.

The market and church offer a captivating introduction to the Sacred Valley’s rich cultural heritage, setting the stage for the day’s exploration of other significant Inca and colonial sites.

Moray Circular Terraces

Nestled in the dramatic Andes mountain landscape, Moray’s captivating circular terraces captivate visitors with their ingenious Inca engineering.

This ancient agricultural laboratory featured a series of concentric depressions, with the largest over 150 feet deep. Researchers believe the complex system was used to experiment with microclimates, allowing the Incas to cultivate a diverse array of crops.

Each level exhibited unique temperature variations, showcasing the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture. Strolling along the terraces, travelers can’t help but marvel at this innovative feat of Inca ingenuity, a testament to the civilization’s sophisticated grasp of science and engineering.

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Maras Salt Mines

Amidst the picturesque Andean landscape, the Maras Salt Mines have been a source of salt production since pre-Hispanic times.

Over 3,000 small, individual salt pools are carved into the mountainside, creating a mesmerizing visual. Locals have meticulously maintained these salt ponds for generations, harvesting the salt through a natural evaporation process.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate network of saline pools, each one painstakingly carved out of the land. The Maras Salt Mines offer a unique glimpse into the region’s longstanding traditions and the resourcefulness of the local community.

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Urubamba and Inca Corn Production

Known for its rich Inca corn production, Urubamba is a thriving agricultural hub in the Sacred Valley region. The town’s fertile lands have long been cultivated for the staple Andean crop, with the Incas recognizing its importance.

Today, visitors can wander through fields of towering corn stalks and observe the harvesting process. Local markets showcase the diverse varieties, from the sweet choclo to the colorful kculli.

Urubamba’s hearty corn-based dishes, like humitas and choclo con queso, are highlights of the regional cuisine. This agricultural oasis provides a glimpse into the Inca legacy and the enduring traditions of the Sacred Valley.

Ollantaytambo Inca Village and Archaeological Sites

Ollantaytambo stands as a remarkable Inca village, its well-preserved ruins and archaeological sites offering a captivating glimpse into the empire’s architectural prowess. A highlight is the Temple of the Sun, an impressive stone complex showcasing the Incas’ sophisticated engineering. Visitors can explore the village’s narrow streets, ancient storehouses, and the impressive agricultural terraces that cascade down the hillside. The village’s layout, with its planned urban design and irrigation canals, exemplifies the Incas’ mastery of urban planning.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Temple of the Sun | Impressive stone complex showcasing Inca engineering |

| Village Ruins | Well-preserved Inca architecture and urban design |

| Agricultural Terraces | Cascading terraces for Inca corn production |

| Irrigation Canals | Sophisticated water management system |

| Inca Storehouses | Ancient structures for storing agricultural goods |

Pisac Archaeological Site and Handicraft Market

One of the highlights of the Sacred Valley tour is a visit to the Pisac Archaeological Site and its renowned handicraft market.

Perched high above the Urubamba River, Pisac features impressive Inca ruins, including the Temple of the Sun, agricultural terraces, and an ancient fortress. Visitors can explore the site and admire the impressive architecture before descending to the vibrant handicraft market, where local artisans offer a variety of traditional textiles, pottery, jewelry, and more.

The market is an excellent opportunity to immerse in the region’s rich cultural heritage and purchase unique souvenirs.

Explore the Inca ruins of Pisac, including the Temple of the Sun
Browse the lively handicraft market for traditional textiles, pottery, and more
Discover the region’s cultural heritage through local artisan wares
Marvel at the site’s stunning natural setting high above the Urubamba River
Purchase unique souvenirs to commemorate your Sacred Valley experience

Things To Know

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Cusco Attractions?

Yes, the Sacred Valley tour can be combined with other Cusco attractions. Travelers can add on visits to sites like Machu Picchu, the Cusco city center, and more for a comprehensive Cusco experience.

How Much Luggage Can I Bring on the Tour Bus?

The tour bus has limited space, so it’s best to bring only a small, lightweight bag or backpack. Larger luggage may not fit comfortably. Travelers are advised to pack light and bring only essentials for the day.

Is There an Option to Visit Machu Picchu From This Tour?

The tour offers an option to end at Ollantaytambo, allowing travelers heading to Machu Picchu to continue their journey. This provides a convenient connection for those wishing to visit both the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Can I Pay for the Tour in US Dollars or Euros?

The tour operator accepts payment in US dollars or euros, in addition to the local currency. Customers can conveniently pay for the Sacred Valley tour using their preferred currency upon booking or on the day of the tour.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

The tour price includes the main entrance fees, but there may be additional fees for optional activities or transportation not covered. It’s best to check with the tour provider for any extra costs not already mentioned in the pricing.

Sum Up

The Cusco Sacred Valley tour immerses visitors in the region’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the Pisac market’s traditional handicrafts to the impressive Inca ruins and the awe-inspiring Maras Salt Mines, this captivating journey offers an unforgettable experience. Travelers will leave with a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Inca civilization and the vibrant traditions that continue to thrive in the Sacred Valley.