Cusco: Sacred Valley With Maras and Moray Full Day Tour

The Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru, offers a captivating blend of ancient Inca heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Travelers can experience this remarkable region on a full-day tour that showcases the highlights, including the picturesque towns of Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, the unique agricultural terraces of Moray, and the mesmerizing Maras salt mines. With a buffet lunch and expert guidance, this comprehensive journey promises an unforgettable adventure for those eager to uncover the valley’s rich history and breathtaking beauty.

Key Points

• A full-day tour of the Sacred Valley from Cusco, visiting sites like Chinchero, Moray, Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq.
• The tour is priced from $43 per person and includes hotel pickup, transportation, a professional guide, buffet lunch, and entrance fees.
• Highlights include the ancient Inca town of Chinchero, the unique circular terraces of Moray, and the Maras salt mines.
• Ollantaytambo features impressive Inca engineering and stonework, while Pisaq showcases intricate terraced farming systems.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and participants should bring a passport, comfortable shoes, and water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Sacred Valley tour in Cusco offers visitors a full-day excursion to explore the region’s renowned archaeological sites and natural wonders. Priced from $43 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a professional guide, a buffet lunch, and entrance fees.

Lasting approximately 13 hours, the tour takes guests to Chinchero, Moray, the salt mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq. Participants should bring their passport, comfortable shoes, and water. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

With a 5/5 rating based on one review, the tour provides an immersive experience showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley.

Itinerary and Highlights

After pickup from hotels in Cusco’s historic center between 6 to 7 am, the tour begins its exploration of the Sacred Valley‘s renowned archaeological sites and natural wonders.

Between 6 to 7 am, the tour commences its exploration of the Sacred Valley’s renowned archaeological sites and natural wonders.

Guests visit:

• The ancient Inca site of Chinchero, known for its vibrant Andean textiles and circular agricultural terraces at Moray used for plant experimentation.

• The dazzling Maras salt mines, with over 3,000 shallow pools that have been harvested for salt since pre-Inca times.

• Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress with impressive terraces and the Baños de la Princesa, a ceremonial bathing site.

The tour concludes with a visit to the archaeological center of Pisaq, known for its intelligent terracing and irrigation systems.

Chinchero: Ancient Inca Town

Although one of the first stops on the Sacred Valley tour, Chinchero offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s Inca heritage.

Situated at an elevation of 3,762 meters, the town boasts well-preserved Inca ruins, including an intricately designed plaza and terraced agricultural fields.

Visitors can explore the town’s magnificent Inca-era stone walls and foundations, as well as the colonial-era church adorned with vibrant frescoes.

Travelers can also observe local weavers demonstrating traditional textile techniques using natural dyes.

Chinchero’s stunning vistas of the Vilcanota mountain range provide a picturesque backdrop to this immersive cultural experience.

Moray: Agricultural Wonders

Situated amidst the captivating Andes, Moray is renowned for its remarkable agricultural wonders. This archaeological site features a series of massive circular terraces descending into the earth, which were likely used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation.

The concentric terraces create a unique microclimate, allowing for the cultivation of a diverse range of crops:

• The temperature difference between the top and bottom terraces can reach up to 15°C, simulating various ecological zones.

• The complex irrigation system channeled water through the terraces, optimizing growing conditions.

• Archaeologists believe Moray served as a sophisticated agricultural laboratory for the Inca Empire.

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Maras Salt Mines: A Natural Marvel

As travelers venture deeper into the Sacred Valley, they’re met with the captivating sight of the Maras Salt Mines.

Situated in a remote Andean valley, this ancient salt-harvesting site features over 3,000 shallow pools where salt is gathered from the natural brine springs.

Visitors can observe the centuries-old process of salt extraction, where local workers meticulously collect the salt by hand.

The striking contrast of the bright white salt against the red earth creates a visually stunning landscape.

This unique natural marvel offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and sustainable practices.

Urubamba: Exploring the Sacred Valley

After visiting the captivating Maras Salt Mines, travelers continue their journey through the Sacred Valley, arriving at the charming town of Urubamba.

Travelers continue their journey through the Sacred Valley, arriving at the charming town of Urubamba.

This picturesque town serves as the capital of the Sacred Valley, providing a delightful respite for weary explorers.

The tour includes:

• A delectable buffet lunch featuring typical Andean cuisine, allowing visitors to savor the local flavors.

• A guided tour of the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, highlighting the impressive Baños de la Princesa and the intricate terraced platforms.

• A visit to the Pisaq archaeological center, where visitors can marvel at the intelligent terrace systems and irrigation canals.

Ollantaytambo: Inca Fortress and Ruins

The tour then takes visitors to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, where they can explore the impressive Inca fortress and ruins.

Here, a guided tour highlights the Baños de la Princesa (Princess’s Baths) and the massive carved stone platforms. These structures showcase the Inca’s impressive engineering and stonework abilities.

Visitors can wander through the site, imagining the past glory of this strategic military, agricultural, and administrative center.

After the tour, the group heads back to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 pm, completing a full day of exploring the Sacred Valley’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

Pisaq: Architectural Marvels

From Ollantaytambo, the tour continues onward to the Pisaq archaeological center.

This site boasts impressive architectural feats, including:

• Intricate terraced farming systems that demonstrate the Inca’s advanced agricultural techniques

• Carefully engineered irrigation canals that efficiently distributed water throughout the complex

• Expansive plazas and ceremonial platforms that highlight the site’s ceremonial and administrative functions

Visitors can explore these ruins and gain insights into the engineering prowess and organizational capabilities of the Inca civilization.

The guided tour provides a fascinating look into this remarkable historical site.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

The tour operator allows participants to bring their own food. However, a buffet lunch is included in the tour price, so bringing your own food is typically unnecessary. Bringing snacks or water is generally permitted.

Is There an Age Limit for This Tour?

There’s no age limit for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome, though it’s recommended that young kids be able to walk longer distances. Parents should ensure their children can participate safely and comfortably throughout the day-long excursion.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration for an additional fee. Customers can discuss options with the tour provider to customize the itinerary and duration to fit their needs, though extra costs may apply.

Do You Offer Private Tours for Larger Groups?

Yes, the tour company offers private tours for larger groups. Clients can enquire about custom group options, which may include additional fees depending on the group size and specific requirements.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites Visited?

Photography is generally allowed at the sites visited on this tour. However, visitors should be respectful and follow any instructions from the guides or site staff regarding permitted areas and restrictions.

The Sum Up

The Sacred Valley tour from Cusco offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s Inca heritage. Visitors can explore ancient towns, marvel at agricultural terraces, and witness the stunning Maras salt mines, all while taking in the breathtaking vistas of the Andes. With an expert guide, a buffet lunch, and an affordable price, this full-day adventure is an excellent way to take in the rich history and natural beauty of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: