From Cusco: Complete Sacred Valley Tour

Exploring the Sacred Valley from Cusco offers an unforgettable experience. This full-day tour immerses visitors in the rich cultural heritage and impressive engineering of the Inca civilization. From breathtaking landscapes to iconic sites, the itinerary promises an engaging journey. With convenient hotel pickup, a knowledgeable bilingual guide, and a delicious buffet lunch, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover the wonders of this stunning region. What awaits as you delve deeper into the Sacred Valley’s captivating history and beauty?

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Cusco that visits the top sites in the Sacred Valley, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
• Includes pickup from Cusco hotels, a buffet lunch, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide for a comprehensive experience.
• Explore the well-preserved Inca ruins and colonial architecture of Chinchero, learning about the region’s vibrant cultural heritage.
• Discover the impressive Inca agricultural laboratory at Moray, showcasing the advanced understanding of agriculture and climate by the Incas.
• Visit the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo, with its massive stone terraces, temple complex, and original Inca street plan.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This full-day Sacred Valley tour from Cusco takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the region’s Inca heritage and natural wonders. Priced from $30 per person, the 12-hour excursion includes pickup from downtown Cusco hotels and visits to archaeological sites like Chinchero, Moray, and Ollantaytambo.

Travelers will also witness the impressive Maras salt mines and the Pisac ruins. A buffet lunch in Urubamba is included, and the tour provides round-trip transportation and a bilingual guide.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this comprehensive Sacred Valley experience is a must for those seeking to explore Peru’s rich cultural past.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from downtown Cusco hotels between 6:20 AM and 7:00 AM. The first stop is Chinchero, a historical site with cultural significance where visitors spend 40 minutes. Next, they travel to Moray, an impressive Inca agricultural laboratory, for 30 minutes. At the Maras Salt Mines, they’ll see around 3700 salt ponds for 30 minutes. Then it’s off to Ollantaytambo Fortress, known as the Living Inca City, for 40 minutes. The final stop is Pisac Archaeological Park, a significant agricultural and spiritual center, for 30 minutes. Lunch is a buffet in Urubamba around 12:30 PM, and the tour returns to Cusco around 6:40 PM.

| Stop | Duration |

| — | — |

| Chinchero | 40 minutes |

| Moray | 30 minutes |

| Maras Salt Mines | 30 minutes |

| Ollantaytambo Fortress | 40 minutes |

| Pisac Archaeological Park | 30 minutes |

Chinchero: Historical Site With Cultural Significance

As the tour begins, visitors explore Chinchero, a historical site renowned for its cultural significance.

Nestled in the Andes, Chinchero boasts well-preserved Inca ruins and colonial architecture. Tourists spend around 40 minutes discovering the site’s highlights, including the main plaza, the remains of an Inca palace, and a 17th-century church.

They’ll also witness skilled artisans demonstrating traditional weaving techniques, providing a glimpse into the region’s vibrant cultural heritage.

The stop in Chinchero offers a captivating introduction to the Sacred Valley’s rich history and the enduring traditions of the local community.

Moray: Impressive Inca Agricultural Laboratory

Leaving Chinchero, the tour makes its way to Moray, an impressive Inca agricultural laboratory nestled in the Sacred Valley. The site features a series of terraced circular depressions, believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation. These depressions vary in temperature by as much as 15°C from top to bottom, allowing the Incas to study the optimal conditions for growing different crops.

| Moray Factors | Description |

| — | — |

| Location | Sacred Valley of the Incas |

| Purpose | Inca agricultural research site |

| Features | Circular terraced depressions |

| Temperature Variation | Up to 15°C from top to bottom |

| Crops Studied | Various crops for optimal growth |

The Incas’ innovative use of this unique landscape demonstrates their advanced understanding of agriculture and climate.

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Maras Salt Mines: Around 3700 Salt Ponds

Next, the tour heads to the captivating Maras Salt Mines, home to around 3700 individual salt ponds.

Carved into the mountainside, these ancient ponds have been used for salt production since the time of the Incas. Visitors can observe the locals as they harvest the salt by channeling spring water into the ponds, where it evaporates, leaving the sought-after mineral behind.

The dramatic natural setting and unique cultural experience make the Maras Salt Mines a highlight of the Sacred Valley tour.

After 30 minutes to explore, the group continues on to the next destination.

Ollantaytambo Fortress: Known as the Living Inca City

The tour then arrives at the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, known as the "Living Inca City" for its well-preserved Inca-era layout and architecture. Visitors can explore the massive stone terraces and the impressive temple complex that was once an important Inca administrative center. The town itself retains its original Inca street plan, with narrow cobblestone streets and homes built on top of Inca foundations. This unique site offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Incas and showcases their impressive engineering and architectural skills.

| Highlight | Description |

| — | — |

| Inca Ruins | Explore the impressive stone terraces and temple complex |

| Town Layout | Wander the original Inca street plan with cobblestone streets |

| Inca Engineering | Marvel at the impressive architecture and construction techniques |

| Living History | Experience the essence of the Inca Empire in a well-preserved setting |

| Cultural Immersion | Gain insights into the daily life and traditions of the Incas |

Pisac Archaeological Park: Significant Agricultural and Spiritual Center

After exploring the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, the tour continues to the Pisac Archaeological Park, a significant agricultural and spiritual center of the Inca Empire.

Situated in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the park boasts impressive Inca terraces, ruins, and temples.

Visitors can wander through the remains of this once-thriving settlement, learning about the Inca’s sophisticated farming techniques and religious practices.

The panoramic views from the site are equally breathtaking, showcasing the park’s strategic location and the beauty of the surrounding Andean landscape.

This stop offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Inca civilization.

Transportation and Guide

As part of the Complete Sacred Valley Tour, the tour provider arranges for pickup and transportation throughout the day.

Guests are picked up from their downtown Cusco hotels between 6:20 AM and 7:00 AM. A comfortable vehicle transports the group to the various sites on the itinerary.

Guests are picked up from their downtown Cusco hotels between 6:20 AM and 7:00 AM. A comfortable vehicle transports the group to the various sites.

A bilingual tour guide, fluent in both English and Spanish, accompanies the group and provides informative commentary about the cultural and historical significance of each location.

The guide ensures a smooth and engaging experience for all participants.

Things To Know

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour information does not mention any discounts for children or seniors. The price provided is a per person rate, suggesting the same cost for all participants regardless of age.

Can I Book This Tour in Advance Online?

You can book this Sacred Valley tour in advance online. The tour operator offers a reserve now and pay later option, allowing you to secure your spot without paying upfront.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, as it’s a shared group tour, the size likely varies and may depend on demand. Customers should check with the tour provider for the expected group size when booking.

Can I Purchase the Tickets at the Sites or Do I Need to Buy Them in Advance?

Tickets can be purchased at the sites, but it’s recommended to buy the partial or complete tourist ticket in advance to avoid long lines and potential sellouts, especially during peak season. Additional fees may apply at some sites.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks or Opportunities to Buy Snacks During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom breaks at several sites, and there are opportunities to purchase snacks and drinks during the lunch stop in Urubamba around 12:30 PM. The guided tour keeps to a set schedule throughout the day.

Sum Up

The Sacred Valley tour from Cusco offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the rich history and stunning landscapes of the region. Visiting iconic Inca sites, exploring the remarkable Maras salt mines, and savoring a delicious lunch make this a must-do experience for anyone seeking to uncover the captivating cultural heritage of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here: