Sacred Valley 1 Day Moray, Salineras + Ollantaytambo and Pisac

The Sacred Valley of Peru is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in uncovering the country’s captivating cultural and historical legacy. This one-day tour offers travelers a chance to explore the enigmatic Moray terraces, the dazzling Maras salt mines, and the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo, providing a comprehensive introduction to the region’s treasures. With knowledgeable guides, a hearty buffet lunch, and convenient transportation, this tour promises an enriching experience. What secrets will you uncover in this remarkable corner of the Andes?

Key Points

• The Sacred Valley 1 Day Tour covers Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac attractions in a 12-hour itinerary.
• The tour includes a visit to Chinchero’s handicraft market and colonial temple, offering a picturesque introduction to the region.
• Moray’s circular terraces and Maras salt mines showcase Inca engineering and agricultural practices.
• A typical buffet lunch in Urubamba is included, and the tour concludes with visits to Ollantaytambo ruins and Pisac’s handicraft market.
• The tour is available in English and Spanish, with pickup from select locations in Cusco and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley 1 Day Tour: Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s renowned archaeological sites and cultural heritage.

Priced from 784 Czech koruna per person, the 12-hour tour is available in English and Spanish. Pickup is included from select locations in Cusco, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary highlights key attractions like the Moray agricultural terraces, Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo ruins, and Pisac’s handicraft market.

The tour includes a buffet lunch, professional guides, and all necessary tickets, making it an efficient and informative way to experience the Sacred Valley.

Itinerary Highlights

The 1 Day Sacred Valley Tour begins with a 6:30 AM pickup, allowing travelers to visit the handicraft market and colonial temple in Chinchero.

Next, they’ll explore the circular terraces of Moray, an Inca agricultural test site.

Then, it’s off to the salt mines of Maras, where they’ll see the small salt wells that have been used since pre-Hispanic times.

After a typical buffet lunch in Urubamba, the tour continues to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, with its Temple of the Sun and Intihuatana.

The final stop is the ancient town and handicraft market of Pisac before the tour concludes.

Chinchero

Kicking off the Sacred Valley tour, visitors start their day at Chinchero.

They’ll explore the town’s highlights, including:

1. The vibrant handicraft market, where local artisans sell colorful textiles, pottery, and other traditional crafts.

2. The colonial-era church built atop Inca foundations, showcasing the blend of Spanish and Inca architectural styles.

3. The stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a picturesque introduction to the day’s adventures.

After an hour in Chinchero, the tour continues on to the next stop, Moray, where visitors will discover the Inca’s innovative agricultural experimentation site.

Moray

After exploring the vibrant Chinchero market and colonial church, the tour takes visitors to the remarkable site of Moray.

Here, circular terraces descend into a dramatic natural depression, believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation.

Visitors can wander along the terraces, marveling at the ingenious Inca engineering that created this unique microclimate.

Visitors can wander along the terraces, marveling at the ingenious Inca engineering that created this unique microclimate.

The temperature variations between the different levels provided an ideal setting for testing crop cultivation.

Spending about 20 minutes at this fascinating archaeological site offers a glimpse into the Incas’ advanced agricultural practices and their deep understanding of the land.

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Maras Salt Mines

Leaving the lush greenery of Moray, the tour then takes visitors to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines.

Nestled in the Andes, these ancient salt wells have been in use since pre-Hispanic times.

Visitors can explore:

1. Over 3,000 small wells carved into the mountainside, each one owned and harvested by a local family.

2. The centuries-old process of extracting salt by channeling salty spring water into the wells and allowing the water to evaporate, leaving behind the precious mineral.

3. The stunning visual contrast of the bright white salt against the reddish-brown mountainscape.

Urubamba

Visitors are treated to a typical buffet lunch in the town of Urubamba, situated in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

The lunch break offers a chance to refuel and experience local cuisine. The buffet features a variety of Peruvian dishes, including roasted meats, stewed vegetables, and hearty soups.

Travelers have an hour to savor the flavors and recharge before continuing the tour.

An hour to savor local flavors and recharge before continuing the tour through the scenic Sacred Valley.

Urubamba is a picturesque town surrounded by the Andes mountains, providing a scenic backdrop for the midday respite.

Ollantaytambo

The tour now moves to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, a former Inca administrative center and fortress.

Visitors explore the impressive ruins, including:

1. The Temple of the Sun, an unfinished structure showcasing the Inca’s engineering prowess.

2. The Intihuatana, a ritual stone believed to have been used as a solar calendar.

3. The extensive network of storehouses, plazas, and terraces that once supported a thriving Inca population.

With an hour allotted, travelers can wander the site, marveling at the scale and complexity of this well-preserved Inca stronghold.

Pisac

Next, the tour explores the ancient town of Pisac, known for its famous handicraft market.

Visitors spend around 100 minutes here, wandering the historic streets and browsing the vibrant stalls selling traditional Andean crafts, textiles, and produce.

Visitors spend around 100 minutes wandering Pisac’s historic streets and browsing its vibrant stalls of Andean crafts, textiles, and produce.

The ruins of the Inca citadel overlook the town, offering impressive views.

Travelers can also visit the local market to shop for unique souvenirs and experience the lively atmosphere.

After exploring Pisac, the tour concludes, returning travelers to Cusco or Ollantaytambo to continue their journey to Machu Picchu.

Things To Know

Can I Visit Machu Picchu on This Tour?

No, this tour does not include a visit to Machu Picchu. The itinerary focuses on exploring sites in the Sacred Valley region, such as Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Machu Picchu is not part of this one-day tour.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour Instead of Shared?

The tour is offered as a shared group experience, but a private tour option may be available for an additional cost. You’ll need to check with the tour operator to see if they provide a private tour option.

Are There Any Covid-19 Safety Measures in Place?

The tour operator follows COVID-19 safety protocols, including reduced group sizes, mandatory masks, and hand sanitizer. Travelers should check the latest requirements before the tour. Private tour options are available for those who prefer a more personalized experience.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?

It’s possible to customize the itinerary, but you’ll need to arrange this directly with the tour operator. They can likely accommodate requests to visit additional sites, though it may incur an extra cost. It’s best to discuss your preferences with them prior to booking.

What Are the Options for Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meals?

The tour operator offers vegetarian and gluten-free meal options upon request. Guests should inform the operator of any dietary requirements when booking the tour to ensure their needs are accommodated during the included lunch.

Sum Up

The Sacred Valley 1 Day Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will discover the intriguing Moray terraces, the stunning Maras salt mines, and the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo, all while enjoying a delicious buffet lunch and the expertise of knowledgeable guides. With convenient pickup from Cusco and flexible cancellation policies, this tour provides a seamless and enjoyable introduction to the valley’s treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: