Sacred Valley + Maras and Moray

The Sacred Valley offers a captivating one-day tour that immerses visitors in the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant textile traditions of Chinchero to the ingenious agricultural terraces of Moray, this comprehensive experience showcases the Andes’ ancient Inca legacy and Andean culture. With the unique Maras Salt Mines and the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Peru’s sacred heartland.

Key Points

• The Sacred Valley tour includes visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, highlighting the region’s landscapes, architecture, and Andean culture.
• The tour provides an opportunity to explore Chinchero’s textile and ceramic workshops, showcasing the town’s vibrant artisanal community.
• Moray’s circular terraces were used by the Incas to experiment with agricultural practices and study the effects of elevation and temperature on crop cultivation.
• The Maras Salt Mines feature 3,000 ponds used for salt extraction, providing a unique insight into traditional Andean salt production methods.
• The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a buffet lunch, ensuring a hassle-free and comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley, Maras, and Moray tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of some of Peru’s most captivating historical and cultural landmarks.

The Sacred Valley, Maras, and Moray tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of some of Peru’s most captivating historical and cultural landmarks.

Priced from $45 per person, the tour lasts one day and includes visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.

Travelers can conveniently cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes transportation, a professional English-speaking guide, and a buffet lunch in Urubamba.

It’s an immersive experience that showcases the region’s stunning landscapes, ancient Inca architecture, and traditional Andean culture.

Itinerary Highlights

While the tour visits several notable locations, the itinerary highlights include Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.

Visitors will spend time in the traditional town of Chinchero, known for its textiles and ceramics.

Next, they’ll explore the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, an Inca experimental center.

The tour then moves to the Maras Salt Mines, with 3,000 ponds for salt extraction.

Ollantaytambo, a living Inca city with a military fortress, provides a glimpse into the past.

Finally, the group visits Pisac’s archaeological center shaped like a condor.

Transportation and Pickup Information

As part of the tour, pickup from hotel lobbies along the main street in Centro Histórico and Plaza De Armas is included.

Transfers between sites take 1 hour to Chinchero, 30 minutes to Moray, 20 minutes to Maras, 40 minutes to Ollantaytambo, and 1 hour to Pisac.

The journey between sites varies, with 1 hour to Chinchero, 30 minutes to Moray, 20 minutes to Maras, 40 minutes to Ollantaytambo, and 1 hour to Pisac.

The tour uses professional transportation and a driver. This ensures a smooth and efficient journey from one Inca ruin to the next, allowing ample time to explore each location.

With pickup and drop-off at central meeting points, the tour provides a hassle-free travel experience throughout the Sacred Valley.

Chinchero: A Textile and Ceramic Treasure

Chinchero is a traditional Andean town known for its vibrant textile arts and ceramic craftsmanship. Situated at an altitude of 3,762 meters, this picturesque community offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

• Visitors can explore the town’s famous textile workshops, where skilled artisans demonstrate the intricate techniques of weaving and dyeing textiles using natural fibers and dyes.

• The town’s ceramic tradition is equally impressive, with potters creating a variety of utilitarian and decorative pieces, including colorful pottery and intricate figurines.

• The Chinchero market is a vibrant hub where locals and travelers alike can browse and purchase these handmade treasures, supporting the town’s artisanal community.

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Moray: Inca’s Experimental Agricultural Center

Nestled amidst the Andes, Moray is a remarkable archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the Inca’s pioneering agricultural practices. The site features a series of circular terraces, each step-like level carved into the earth. This ingenious design allowed the Incas to cultivate a diverse range of crops by mimicking different microclimates.

| Elevation | Temperature | Crops |

| — | — | — |

| Top | Coolest | Potatoes, quinoa |

| Middle | Moderate | Maize, beans |

| Bottom | Warmest | Peppers, tomatoes |

The Incas used Moray as an experimental agricultural center, testing various crops and studying the effects of elevation and temperature on plant growth. This innovative approach showcased the Inca’s deep understanding of the natural world.

Maras: The Salt Mines of the Andes

Situated northwest of Cusco, the Maras Salt Mines stand as a testament to the Inca’s innovative resource management.

These ancient salt ponds, numbering over 3,000, are fed by a natural spring brimming with mineral-rich water. The Inca used this sustainable system to harvest salt, a valuable commodity.

Visitors today can witness the time-honored process of salt extraction:

• Saltwater flows into each shallow pond

• Evaporation leaves salt deposits behind

• Locals collect the salt by hand

The Maras Salt Mines offer a unique glimpse into the Inca’s ingenious adaptation to the local environment.

Ollantaytambo: The Living Inca City

From the ancient salt mines, the tour moves on to Ollantaytambo, a living Inca city that has endured through the centuries.

Visitors spend around 1.5 hours exploring the military fortress and the surrounding town. They’ll discover the remnants of an Inca grid layout, with narrow cobblestone streets and houses that still have their original foundations.

The massive terraced fortress looms above, a testament to the Incas’ impressive engineering skills. Ollantaytambo offers a unique opportunity to walk through a living Inca settlement and imagine what life was like during the empire’s peak.

Pisac: The Condor-Shaped Archaeological Site

After exploring the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo, the tour continues on to Pisac, an archaeological site renowned for its distinctive condor-shaped layout.

The site features:

• Impressive agricultural terraces that once served as an Inca administrative center

• Intricate stone buildings and plazas that provide insight into the Inca’s architectural prowess

• Panoramic views of the Sacred Valley from the site’s higher elevations

Visitors can wander through the ruins, discovering the site’s hidden gems and learning about its historical significance before heading back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the information provided, guests can bring their own water and snacks on the tour, but alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The tour includes a buffet lunch, so bringing your own food is not necessary.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?

The tour may not be suitable for people with limited mobility, as it involves walking and navigating uneven terrain. Travelers with mobility concerns should consult the tour operator to discuss their specific needs and accommodations.

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The tour has no minimum group size, as it’s available for individual travelers or small groups. Pickup and transportation are provided regardless of the number of participants.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour information doesn’t mention any discounts for students or seniors. However, travelers should check with the tour operator to see if any special rates are available for those groups.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, you can extend the tour to visit additional sites. The tour operator offers flexibility to customize the itinerary, though this may incur an additional cost. You’ll need to inquire about extending the tour when booking.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour of the Sacred Valley showcases the region’s remarkable cultural heritage and natural beauty. From the vibrant textiles of Chinchero to the innovative Inca agricultural terraces at Moray, and the stunning Maras Salt Mines, this experience offers a comprehensive glimpse into the Andean world. Visitors will come away with a deeper appreciation for the enduring traditions and breathtaking landscapes of this remarkable part of Peru.

You can check availability for your dates here: