Sacred Valley: Complete Tour to Maras, Moray, and Salinas

The Sacred Valley tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of Peru. From exploring the vibrant artisan market in Chinchero to uncovering the innovative agricultural terraces of Moray, this comprehensive experience promises to captivate visitors with the region’s deep-rooted traditions. As the tour progresses, you will witness the traditional salt extraction process in Maras, a testament to the ingenuity of the local community. But the true essence of this journey lies in the chance to engage with the people and traditions that have shaped the Sacred Valley for generations.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 7-hour tour of the Sacred Valley, including visits to Chinchero, Moray, and Maras.
• Explore colonial architecture, artisan markets, ancient agricultural terraces, and traditional salt extraction techniques.
• Engage with local culture and witness innovative engineering at each site.
• Tour includes transportation, professional guides, and all entrance fees.
• Suitable for most travelers, with some restrictions for those with altitude sickness or infants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Valle Sagrado: Complete Tour to Maras, Moray and Salinas offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley’s cultural and historical highlights.

This 7-hour tour provides an opportunity to discover the Inca ruins, vibrant markets, and natural wonders of the region. Priced from $198 for groups up to 13 participants, the tour includes transportation, professional guides, and all entrance fees.

Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

While not suitable for those with altitude sickness or babies under 1, the tour promises an immersive cultural experience for all.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors can explore Chinchero, a town known for its colonial church and vibrant artisan market. At Moray, they’ll discover the circular agricultural terraces, a remarkable Inca engineering feat used for agricultural experimentation. The tour also takes guests to Maras, where they can observe the traditional salt extraction process at the salt mines with over 3,000 ponds.

| Chinchero | Moray | Maras |

| — | — | — |

| Colonial church | Circular agricultural terraces | Traditional salt extraction |

| Artisan market | Inca agricultural experimentation | Over 3,000 salt ponds |

| Vibrant culture | Innovative engineering | Historic site |

Inclusions

The tour package includes transportation in a suitable vehicle, such as a bus or van, along with a professional driver.

Plus, it covers entrance fees to all the attractions, museums, and exhibitions included in the itinerary.

Participants have the option to choose between personalized or group tours, each led by a knowledgeable tour guide.

The package is designed to provide a comprehensive cultural experience, allowing visitors to engage with the vibrant artisan market in Chinchero, learn about Inca agricultural techniques at Moray, and gain insight into the traditional salt extraction process at Maras.

Participant Information

This tour isn’t suitable for individuals with altitude sickness or babies under 1 year old.

Participants should bring their passport or ID card, including for children.

Food, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed in the vehicle.

The tour is designed for a comfortable experience, so visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.

• Passport or ID card required

• No food, alcohol, or drugs allowed in vehicle

• Dress for the weather and terrain

• Not suitable for those with altitude sickness or babies under 1

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Cultural Experience

A key highlight of this tour is the opportunity to engage with the vibrant artisan market in Chinchero.

Visitors can enjoy the living culture, observing skilled local craftspeople demonstrate traditional weaving techniques and browse an array of handmade textiles, pottery, and other artisanal goods.

Engage with the vibrant artisan market, observing skilled crafters demonstrate traditional weaving and browse handmade textiles, pottery, and artisanal goods.

At Moray, guests will learn about the innovative agricultural practices of the Incas, who used the site’s circular terraces for crop experimentation.

The tour also provides insight into the historic salt extraction methods at Maras, where salt has been harvested for centuries using traditional techniques.

Exploring Chinchero

As visitors approach Chinchero, they’re immediately struck by the vibrant energy of the artisan market.

Locals offer an array of handcrafted goods, including:

• Intricate weavings in vibrant hues

• Carved wooden figurines

• Gleaming jewelry made from silver and precious stones

• Vibrant textiles displaying traditional Inca motifs

Wandering through the stalls, travelers can witness the skill and artistry of the vendors as they work.

The colonial church stands as a testament to the area’s rich history, inviting visitors to explore its ornate architecture and learn about the blending of Inca and Spanish cultures.

Discovering Moray

The intricate, circular agricultural terraces of Moray captivate visitors as they explore this remarkable Inca site.

These unique terraces were used by the Incas as an agricultural research center, where they experimented with different crops and growing conditions.

As visitors wander through the concentric rings, they’ll be amazed by the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of microclimates and their ability to adapt crops to diverse environments.

Moray offers a fascinating glimpse into the Incas’ innovative farming techniques and their commitment to advancing agricultural knowledge.

It’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in the remarkable legacy of the Inca civilization.

Visiting Maras

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Maras boasts a captivating landscape dotted with over 3,000 traditional salt ponds.

Visitors can observe the salt extraction process, which has been practiced here for centuries. The ponds are filled with saline water from nearby natural springs, and as the water evaporates, the salt is left behind and harvested by local families.

• Witness the intricate system of terraced salt ponds

• Learn about the sustainable and eco-friendly salt production

• Explore the picturesque village and interact with local artisans

• Gain insight into the cultural significance of salt in Andean traditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Lunch on the Tour?

According to the tour information, food in the vehicle is not allowed. Participants should not bring their own lunch on the tour. However, they are welcome to enjoy local cuisine at the destination sites.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at various stops along the tour route, including the Chinchero market and the Maras salt mines. Participants can use these facilities during the designated breaks in the itinerary.

Can I Use My Credit Card to Pay for Souvenirs?

Yes, you can use your credit card to pay for souvenirs during the tour. Most vendors at the Chinchero artisan market accept major credit cards, making it convenient to purchase local handicrafts and mementos.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour offers an option to extend the duration. Guests can inquire with the tour provider about adding more time to explore the sites in greater depth or visit additional destinations in the Sacred Valley.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price of $198 per group (up to 13 participants) is the standard rate for this 7-hour Valle Sagrado tour.

The Sum Up

The Sacred Valley tour immerses visitors in the vibrant culture and history of the region. Exploring Chinchero’s market, Moray’s terraces, and Maras’ salt pans, participants engage with local traditions and crafts. At $198 for groups up to 13, the 7-hour experience includes transportation, guides, and entrance fees, making it an enriching way to discover the highlights of this remarkable area.

You can check availability for your dates here: