Full Day || Sacred Valley With Maras & Moray || Group Tour

Setting out on a captivating journey through the Sacred Valley, this full-day group tour offers a chance to uncover the region’s rich cultural heritage. From the ancient agricultural terraces of Moray to the traditional salt extraction at Maras, you will enjoy the intriguing history and diverse landscapes that have shaped this remarkable destination. With expert guides providing insights in both Spanish and English, the tour promises an enriching experience for all who seek to explore the breathtaking beauty and fascinating wonders of the Sacred Valley.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day group tour of the Sacred Valley, including visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
• Tour is priced at $50 per person and includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, professional guide, and buffet lunch.
• Tour not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or wheelchair users due to physical requirements.
• Participants should bring their passport or ID card and necessary personal medication, as well as recommended sun protection and insect repellent.
• Drones are not permitted on the tour, and advance notice of medical conditions is recommended for better accommodation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Full Day Sacred Valley Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the region’s historical and cultural highlights.

Priced from $50 per person, this 12-hour group tour offers pickup from Cusco city center hotels and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Conducted in Spanish and English, the tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants will visit Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, with a buffet lunch in Urubamba.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or wheelchair users, who must bring their passport, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at 7:00 a.m., the tour begins with a visit to Chinchero, where you will learn about the history, culture, colonial architecture, and explore the local craft fair.

The next stop is Moray, where circular terraces used for agricultural experimentation can be viewed.

The tour then moves to the Maras salt mines, where visitors observe the traditional salt extraction and processing methods.

After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, the group travels to Ollantaytambo to admire the Inca architecture and learn about its history.

The tour concludes at Pisac with a visit to the local craft market and archaeological remains.

Included Services

The tour includes several services to enhance the experience.

Pickup from hotels in Cusco’s city center is provided, ensuring a seamless start to the day. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfortable transportation throughout the tour.

A professional guide accompanies the group, offering expert insights and sharing the rich history and culture of the region. A buffet lunch in Urubamba is included, providing a chance to savor local cuisine.

Entrance tickets to all the sites visited, such as Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, are also part of the package.

These included services make for a well-rounded and stress-free tour experience.

Participant Restrictions

This tour has certain participant restrictions to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests.

The tour isn’t suitable for:

Pregnant women, people with heart problems, and wheelchair users should avoid this tour due to its physical demands.

1. Pregnant women

2. People with heart problems

3. Wheelchair users

These restrictions are in place to prevent any potential health issues or difficulties that could arise during the long and active tour.

Guests should ensure they’re physically capable of navigating the uneven terrain and handling the full-day itinerary.

Advance notice of any medical conditions is recommended so the tour operator can better accommodate individual needs.

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Preparation and Restrictions

Before embarking on the tour, guests should bring their passport or ID card, as well as any necessary personal medication.

They’ll also want to pack biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to protect themselves from the sun and bugs.

Drones aren’t allowed on the tour, so guests shouldn’t plan to bring them.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or wheelchair users, so those individuals should avoid booking this excursion.

Chinchero: Culture and Crafts

After ensuring they’ve the necessary preparations, guests embark on the first stop of the tour – Chinchero.

Here, they learn about the town’s rich history, colonial architecture, and thriving local craft fair. The highlights include:

The town’s rich history, colonial architecture, and thriving local craft fair await visitors at the first stop – Chinchero.

1. Exploring the picturesque plaza and 17th-century church, which showcase a blend of Inca and Spanish influences.

2. Witnessing traditional weaving techniques and observing the skilled artisans at work, creating vibrant textiles and intricate handicrafts.

3. Browsing the bustling craft market, where they can interact with the local vendors and purchase unique souvenirs.

This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the enduring cultural heritage of the region.

Moray: Inca Agricultural Experimentation

From Chinchero, the tour proceeds to the archaeological site of Moray, a remarkable display of Inca agricultural experimentation.

The site features a series of concentric circular terraces descending into a central point. Experts believe the Incas used these terraces to study the effects of different microclimates on crop cultivation.

The depth and orientation of the terraces created diverse temperature zones, allowing the Incas to experiment with growing a variety of crops.

Visitors can wander the terraces, marveling at the ingenuity of this ancient agricultural laboratory.

Maras: Traditional Salt Extraction

The tour then moves on to the Maras salt mines, where visitors can observe the traditional salt extraction and processing methods that have been used for centuries.

The Maras salt mines are a unique and captivating destination, offering a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.

Visitors can expect to witness:

1. The extraction of salt from natural salt springs, where workers collect the salt water and allow it to evaporate in a series of terraced ponds.

2. The traditional drying and processing techniques, including the hand-raking of the salt into piles.

3. The vibrant colors of the salt ponds, ranging from brilliant white to shades of pink and red, creating a visually stunning landscape.

Since You Asked

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites?

Yes, photography is generally allowed at the tour sites. However, the use of drones is specifically prohibited. Visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or rules regarding photography during the tour.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Snacks?

Participants can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch, but travelers may want to pack additional sustenance for the long day. However, alcohol and illegal items are not permitted.

Are There Any ATMS or Currency Exchange Services Nearby?

There are ATMs and currency exchange services available in Cusco, the starting point of the tour. However, it’s best to have some local currency on hand before the tour begins as access to financial services may be limited during the day’s activities.

How Much Time Do We Have at Each Site?

The tour itinerary allots approximately 1-2 hours at each site, allowing ample time to explore and learn about the history and cultural significance of Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.

Can We Extend the Tour to Add More Activities?

The tour itinerary can’t be extended, but participants can explore the sites more deeply or add private activities for an additional cost. Adjustments must be made in advance with the tour operator.

The Sum Up

The Sacred Valley tour offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and environmental diversity. From the agricultural terraces of Moray to the traditional salt mines of Maras, this 12-hour group adventure showcases the ingenuity and resilience of the Inca civilization. With guided insights, a delectable buffet lunch, and a competitively priced package, this tour provides an immersive and unforgettable experience for visitors to the Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here: