Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must for any visitor to Cusco. This full-day tour takes travelers on a journey through the region’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the iconic Moray terraces to the stunning Maras salt mines, each stop offers a unique glimpse into the Incan Empire’s ingenuity and the enduring traditions of the Andean people. With an expert guide, delicious lunch, and convenient transportation, it’s an adventure not to be missed.
Key Points
- A full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
- Exploration of Moray’s unique circular farming terraces and the Maras salt mines, showcasing ancient Inca agricultural and mining techniques.
- Includes a traditional Andean buffet lunch and round-trip transportation from Cusco.
- Tour is available in English and Spanish, with expert guides providing insights into the local history and culture.
- Offers a flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours prior to the tour.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour takes visitors to the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, showcasing some of the region’s most iconic archaeological sites and cultural attractions.
Priced from $50 per person, it lasts one day and offers tours in English and Spanish. Guests can conveniently meet at Plaza Kusipata or Plaza De Armas in Cusco.
The tour features guided visits to destinations like Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, allowing guests to explore Incan history and admire breathtaking landscapes.
A buffet lunch and transportation are included, and cancelations up to 24 hours prior receive a full refund.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a visit to Chinchero, where guests enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately one hour and have the opportunity to capture picturesque photos.
Next, they’ll explore the unique circular farming terraces of Moray, known for their impressive Inca engineering, before heading to the salt mines of Maras.
After a guided tour of the salt mines, the group will travel to the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo and the lively Pisac Market, where they’ll learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage through guided tours and photo stops.
Tour Features
Knowledgeable expert guides lead the tour, sharing insights into the local history and culture. Visitors will be treated to breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley’s stunning landscapes. Exploring the significant historical sites, travelers will gain an understanding of Incan architecture and farming techniques that have stood the test of time. During the tour, guests will enjoy a traditional Andean buffet lunch, savoring the flavors of the region.
| Tour Features | |
|—|—|
| Expert Guides | Knowledgeable in local history and culture |
| Scenic Views | Experience breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley |
| Cultural Heritage | Visit significant historical sites and learn about Incan architecture and farming techniques |
| Buffet Lunch | Enjoy traditional Andean dishes during the tour |
| Convenient Transportation | Van travel between locations with specified durations |
Inclusions
The tour includes a professional bilingual guide, round-trip transportation from Cusco, a traditional Andean buffet lunch, entrance tickets to the Maras Salt Mines, and the Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) that provides access to the Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo Fortress, and Maras Salt Mines.
This comprehensive package ensures visitors enjoy a seamless and enriching experience exploring the highlights of the Sacred Valley.
All entrance fees and transportation are covered, allowing travelers to focus on seeing the culture, history, and natural beauty of this captivating region.
More Great Tours NearbyExclusions and Restrictions
Not included in the tour price are meals and beverages other than the provided lunch, tips and gratuities, personal expenses, travel insurance, optional activities, equipment rentals, bottled water, and snacks.
The tour price does not cover meals, beverages beyond the provided lunch, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance, optional activities, equipment rentals, bottled water, and snacks.
Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 95 years old.
The key restrictions to be aware of are:
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Age limit: Participants must be under 95 years old.
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Personal expenses: Any costs beyond the included items are the responsibility of the traveler.
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Optional activities: Any additional activities outside the tour itinerary aren’t covered.
Chinchero: Exploring the Weaving Traditions
What is the first stop on the Full Day Sacred Valley Tour? The journey begins in Chinchero, a picturesque town known for its weaving traditions. Visitors will embark on a guided tour (1 hour) to learn about the intricate process of creating vibrant textiles.
| Raw Materials | Weaving Process | Final Products |
|—|—|—|
| Sheep wool | Spinning | Tapestries |
| Natural dyes | Dyeing | Blankets |
| Cotton | Weaving | Accessories |
The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Andes, where ancient techniques are still practiced today, preserving the essence of Incan craftsmanship.
Moray: The Incan Agricultural Terraces
After exploring the vibrant weaving traditions of Chinchero, the tour proceeds to the remarkable site of Moray.
This ancient Incan agricultural laboratory features a series of concentric terraces, each with its own microclimate.
The purpose of this unique site was to:
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Experiment with different crops and growing conditions.
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Determine the optimal temperature and soil for various plants.
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Develop advanced farming techniques to support the Incan empire.
Visitors can marvel at the intricate engineering and the panoramic views, gaining a deeper appreciation for the Incas’ agricultural ingenuity.
Maras: The Stunning Salt Mines
The tour then takes visitors to the stunning Maras Salt Mines, an extraordinary site where salt has been harvested since pre-Incan times.
Perched on the side of a mountain, the mines consist of over 5,000 small, individual salt pools that have been in use for centuries.
Visitors can witness the ancient salt-harvesting techniques still employed today, where workers collect the salt by hand and allow it to dry in the sun.
The brilliant white salt ponds set against the rugged Andes backdrop make for an unforgettable visual experience.
After exploring the mines, the tour continues to the next destination.
Since You Asked
What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
The tour’s group size can vary, but it typically accommodates a moderate number of participants. The exact group size is not specified in the provided details, so the specific number is unclear.
Are There Any Age Restrictions Beyond the 95 Years Old Limit?
The tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old. Participants must be able to walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs. There are no other age restrictions beyond the 95-year-old limit specified.
Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Lunch Option?
Yes, vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options are available on this tour. Passengers can request these dietary accommodations when booking to ensure their needs are met during the included lunch in the Sacred Valley.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, they can accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarian or gluten-free lunch options if requested in advance.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?
Yes, the tour’s itinerary can be customized to visit additional sites. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who’ll accommodate requests within the tour’s duration and logistics.
The Sum Up
This full-day Sacred Valley tour offers a captivating glimpse into Inca history and the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. From the vibrant weaving traditions of Chinchero to the mesmerizing agricultural terraces of Moray and the iconic salt mines of Maras, this guided adventure provides an unforgettable way to take in the cultural richness of the Andes. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the Sacred Valley’s treasures firsthand.
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