Cusco: Sacred Valley Day Trip With Maras & Moray Salt Mines

The "Cusco: Sacred Valley Day Trip with Maras & Moray Salt Mines" offers travelers an immersive cultural experience in Peru’s breathtaking highlands. Visitors can explore the ancient Incan agricultural landscapes, uncover the secrets of the Moray ruins, and marvel at the striking Maras salt mines. With guided tours, an Andean lunch, and convenient hotel pickup, this day trip promises to be a highlight of any Cusco itinerary. But what hidden gems await those who embark on this journey through the Sacred Valley?

Key Points

• This day trip explores the Sacred Valley near Cusco, including visits to the Inca agricultural sites of Moray and the ancient Maras salt mines.
• Participants will learn about the Incas’ advanced agricultural practices and their importance to the Inca Empire, with guided tours and demonstrations.
• The tour includes stops at the traditional weaving town of Chinchero, the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, and the archaeological site of Pisac.
• An Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba provides an opportunity to sample local Peruvian cuisine amid stunning mountain views.
• The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco and drop-off near the Plaza de Armas, with a duration of approximately 6:30-7:00 PM.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Cusco: Sacred Valley Day Trip with Maras & Moray Salt Mines," is priced from $43.00 per person and lasts for 1 day.

The tour guide provides live commentary in Spanish and English. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Tour guides provide live commentary in Spanish and English. Cancellations up to 24 hours receive a full refund.

No need to pay upfront; customers can reserve their spot and pay later. The tour includes hotel pickup near or within the historic center, a buffet lunch, and drop-off near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas around 6:30-7:00 PM.

Entrance fees for Maras and Moray are extra.

Itinerary Highlights

Explore Sacred Valley, the main food supplier of the Incan Empire, located 35 kilometers from Cusco at the origins of the Urubamba River.

The tour visits Chinchero for a brief guided tour. Next, discover Moray, the Inca agricultural laboratory.

View thousands of salt wells of Maras, over 3,000 years old. Enjoy an Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba.

Visit Ollantaytambo, including the Temple of the Sun. The final stop is the Pisac archaeological center before returning to Cusco around 6:30 – 7:00 PM.

Exploring the Sacred Valley

Why is the Sacred Valley considered the main food supplier of the Incan Empire? The valley’s fertile land and ideal microclimate made it a prime agricultural hub.

Abundant crops of corn, potatoes, and other produce flourished here, feeding the Inca and their subjects. The Urubamba River, which runs through the valley, provided essential irrigation.

Visitors today can explore the remnants of Inca agricultural sites like Moray, an ingenious terraced complex used for crop experimentation.

The nearby town of Chinchero offers a glimpse into local Andean culture and traditions that have endured since the Inca era.

Discovering Chinchero

A highlight of the Sacred Valley tour is the visit to Chinchero, a small Andean town known for its rich textile traditions.

Travelers explore the local market and witness a traditional weaving demonstration, learning about the intricate process and the symbolic meaning behind the vibrant colors and patterns.

The guide provides insight into the cultural significance of these age-old techniques, passed down through generations.

Visitors have the opportunity to interact with the skilled artisans and even purchase unique handcrafted textiles as souvenirs.

This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the enduring heritage of Chinchero’s vibrant weaving culture.

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Uncovering Moray Agricultural Secrets

After witnessing the vibrant textile traditions of Chinchero, the tour moves on to uncover the agricultural secrets hidden within the mystical Moray site.

Descending into the unique circular terraces, visitors are captivated by the Inca’s ingenious approach to agricultural experimentation. The multi-level depressions create a complex microclimate system, allowing the Incas to study the optimal conditions for growing crops.

Exploring these remarkable ruins, travelers gain insight into the Inca’s advanced understanding of agronomy and their ability to adapt to the challenging Andean environment.

This stop on the Sacred Valley tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s agricultural prowess.

Marveling at the Maras Salt Mines

Leaving the serene Moray site, the tour ventures to the remarkable Maras salt mines, a testament to the Inca’s resourcefulness and ingenuity.

Perched on the slopes of a mountain, the mines consist of thousands of individual salt ponds that have been harvested for over 3,000 years.

Visitors marvel at the intricate network of ponds and channels, each one carefully maintained to evaporate the mineral-rich waters and collect the precious salt.

The striking landscape, with its geometric patterns and vibrant colors, offers a unique glimpse into the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of agriculture and natural resource management.

Enjoying an Andean Buffet Lunch

Having explored the captivating Maras salt mines, the tour group settles in for a well-deserved Andean buffet lunch in the town of Urubamba.

The spread showcases the region’s vibrant culinary heritage, featuring a mouthwatering array of local dishes. Guests savor hearty potatoes, fragrant quinoa, and tender alpaca – all prepared with traditional Inca spices.

The vegetarian options are equally enticing, with fresh salads and flavorful stews. As they enjoy the meal, the group takes in the stunning views of the Andes mountains, providing a serene backdrop to their midday repast.

The lunch offers a welcome respite before continuing the day’s adventures.

Visiting Ollantaytambo and Pisac

The tour continues its journey to Ollantaytambo, an important Inca archaeological site located in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Visitors explore the Temple of the Sun, a magnificent Inca ruin that was once an important administrative and religious center.

The tour then heads to Pisac, home to a well-preserved Inca archaeological site.

Guests wander through the ruins, marveling at the impressive agricultural terraces and the expertly constructed stone walls.

The day’s exploration concludes with a return to Cusco, arriving at the Plaza de Armas around 6:30-7:00 PM.

Since You Asked

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour is open to travelers of all ages, though it may not be suitable for wheelchair users or visually impaired individuals.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch, so no outside food or drinks are allowed. However, you can bring a water bottle and any necessary personal items.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions are recommended. Travelers should dress in layers to ensure they are prepared for the varied temperatures throughout the day.

Can I Take Bathroom Breaks During the Tour?

Yes, the tour allows for restroom breaks. Participants can use the restrooms at the various stops along the itinerary, such as Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Urubamba. Breaks will be provided throughout the day to accommodate personal needs.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is not specified in the provided information. Tour group sizes can vary depending on the operator and the demand for the tour on a given day.

The Sum Up

The Cusco: Sacred Valley Day Trip with Maras & Moray Salt Mines offers an immersive cultural experience, providing travelers the opportunity to explore the rich heritage and stunning landscapes of Peru’s Incan history. With guided visits to iconic sites, an Andean buffet lunch, and convenient transportation, this comprehensive tour allows visitors to explore the region’s captivating past and witness the enduring traditions of the Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here: