The Cusco: Sacred Valley of the Incas and Maras Moray Tour offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s rich Inca heritage. Travelers can explore iconic sites like Chinchero’s artisan market, the agricultural marvel of Moray, and the historic Maras Salt Mines. With an expert guide, guests will uncover the profound cultural significance of these ancient wonders while immersed in the stunning Andean landscapes. But the true allure lies in the opportunity to connect with the enduring legacy of the Inca civilization.
Key Points
- A comprehensive one-day tour of the Sacred Valley, including visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
- Discover Inca history and heritage through guided tours at each location, with opportunities to explore ancient ruins and traditional salt harvesting.
- Enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba with vegetarian options, and transportation to and from Cusco is provided.
- Explore archaeological sites, agricultural terraces, and traditional artisan markets, immersing in the cultural experience of the region.
- The tour duration ranges from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours at each site, allowing a balanced exploration of the highlights.
Tour Overview
The Cusco: Sacred Valley of the Incas and Maras Moray Tour is a comprehensive one-day excursion that allows visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Priced from Kč 1,156 per person, the tour includes pickup in Cusco, visits to key sites like Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, a buffet lunch in Urubamba, and the services of a professional guide.
Guests can look forward to a full day of adventure, with the opportunity to witness Inca ruins, artisan markets, and the remarkable Maras Salt Mines.
The tour’s itinerary is subject to change, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Looking for more options in Chinchero District? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The Cusco: Sacred Valley of the Incas and Maras Moray Tour takes visitors on a journey through the region’s key historical and cultural sites.
The tour begins with a pickup in Cusco and includes stops at Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Urubamba for lunch, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac Archaeological Park.
At each location, guests receive a guided tour to learn about the Inca history and heritage.
The itinerary allows travelers to explore ancient ruins, witness traditional salt harvesting, and discover the agricultural laboratory of Moray.
The tour concludes at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.
Tour Features
This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of key historical and cultural sites in the Sacred Valley. Guests will travel in comfortable tourist transportation and enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba with vegetarian options. A professional guide will share the rich Inca history at each location.
| Site | Duration |
|——|———-|
| Chinchero | 1.5 hours |
| Moray | 30 minutes |
| Maras Salt Mines | 30 minutes |
| Ollantaytambo | 1 hour |
| Pisac | 1 hour |
The tour includes entrance fees, snacks, and tips, providing a seamless cultural experience.
Cultural Experience
Visiting Chinchero allows guests to explore the archaeological sites and browse the artisan market, seeing the vibrant local culture.
At Moray, they’ll discover the Inca’s remarkable agricultural laboratory, where they can photograph the unique concentric terraces used to cultivate Andean crops.
At Moray, visitors can explore the Inca’s remarkable agricultural laboratory, photographing the unique concentric terraces used to cultivate Andean crops.
The Maras Salt Mines, in use since pre-Inca times, offer a glimpse into the ancient salt production process.
In Ollantaytambo, guests can explore the impressive Inca fortress and Temple of the Sun.
Finally, the tour culminates with a stroll through Pisac’s archaeological site and artisan market.
More Great Tours NearbyChinchero: Discovering Inca History and Artisan Crafts
Chinchero, a picturesque Andean town, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Inca history and the vibrant artisan culture of the region.
The town’s archaeological site, featuring Inca architecture and agricultural terraces, provides a window into the advanced engineering of the empire.
Visitors can also explore Chinchero’s traditional artisan market, where skilled weavers demonstrate their time-honored techniques and sell vibrant textiles, ceramics, and other handcrafted goods.
The town’s stunning backdrop of snow-capped Andean peaks completes the authentic cultural experience, immersing travelers in the rich heritage of the Sacred Valley.
Moray: Exploring the Inca Agricultural Laboratory
As travelers make their way through the Sacred Valley, they can’t help but be captivated by the mysterious Inca site of Moray.
This unique archaeological site features a series of enormous circular terraces that descend like giant bowls. Scholars believe the Incas used Moray as an agricultural laboratory, experimenting with different microclimates to cultivate a variety of crops.
Visitors can explore the impressive terraces and imagine the scientific ingenuity of the Inca people. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, providing a glimpse into the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of their natural environment.
Maras Salt Mines: Centuries-Old Salt Harvesting
The Maras Salt Mines, an iconic site in the Sacred Valley, have been in use since pre-Inca times.
Visitors can witness the centuries-old salt harvesting process, where salt is extracted from a series of salt pools. These pools are filled with salty spring water that evaporates, leaving behind salt crystals.
Local families have maintained this traditional method for generations, scraping the salt by hand and selling it in nearby markets.
Exploring the terraced salt pans offers a unique cultural experience, showcasing the enduring legacy of Andean salt production. The vivid white salt pans contrast beautifully against the surrounding Andes mountains.
Ollantaytambo and Pisac: Uncovering Inca Wonders
After exploring the salt pans of Maras, the tour continues to the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and the archaeological site of Pisac.
Ollantaytambo’s massive fortress and Temple of the Sun provide a glimpse into the engineering prowess of the Incas. Visitors can wander through the meticulously planned streets and canals of this former Inca stronghold.
At Pisac, the tour explores the ruins and bustling artisan market, where local crafts and traditional textiles are on display.
These sites offer a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage and engineering feats of the Inca civilization.
Since You Asked
Is There a Minimum Group Size Required for This Tour?
The tour does not have a minimum group size requirement. Travelers can book the tour individually or as part of a group, as it is available for solo travelers as well as small and large groups.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Interests?
The tour operator offers a standard itinerary, but they may be able to customize it to fit the customer’s interests if requested. Travelers should inquire about personalization options when booking to ensure the tour meets their desired experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can add extra stops or activities to the itinerary for an additional cost. The tour operator offers flexible options to customize the tour to fit individual interests and preferences.
How Physically Demanding Is the Walking on This Tour?
The tour involves moderate walking, with approximately 2-3 hours of walking spread across the day. Visitors should be reasonably fit and prepared for some uneven terrain, but the pace is relaxed to accommodate all participants.
Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, the tour can be booked for private groups. The tour provider offers private group options, allowing you to customize the experience and schedule to suit your group’s needs. This provides a more personalized and flexible tour.
The Sum Up
The Cusco: Sacred Valley of the Incas and Maras Moray Tour offers an immersive cultural experience, allowing travelers to explore Peru’s rich Inca heritage. From the artisan markets of Chinchero to the agricultural marvels of Moray and the historic Maras Salt Mines, the tour provides a comprehensive journey through ancient sites, complemented by stunning landscapes and an informative local guide.
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