The Sacred Valley of the Andes is a captivating destination that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Inca civilization. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Andean landscapes, the region’s three remarkable sites – Chinchero, Moray, and Salinas – each hold their own unique allure, inviting visitors to uncover the secrets of the ancient Inca world. From the colonial charm of Chinchero to the enigmatic agricultural terraces of Moray and the traditional salt-making practices of Salinas, this journey promises to immerse travelers in the enduring traditions that have shaped the Andean way of life.

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Key Points

Chinchero offers well-preserved colonial architecture and Inca agricultural terraces, including a 17th-century church with intricate carvings and vibrant murals.
Moray’s massive circular terraces demonstrate the Inca’s advanced understanding of engineering and innovative food production through agricultural experimentation.
Maras Salt Mines feature terraced pools where local workers have been harvesting salt using traditional methods for centuries.
The tour provides transportation, entrance fees, and ample time for culture in the Sacred Valley’s Andean gems.
The comprehensive 8-hour tour package is priced at £30.96 per group (up to 7 participants) with flexible cancellation policy and "reserve now & pay later" option.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Chinchero: The Colonial Gem

As the tour begins, visitors are first taken to the charming town of Chinchero, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and impressive Inca agricultural terraces.

The highlight is the 17th-century church, featuring intricate carved wooden altars and vibrant murals.

The 17th-century church showcases intricate carved wooden altars and vibrant murals, the highlight of the Chinchero experience.

Nearby, the ancient Inca agricultural terraces showcase the advanced farming techniques of the empire.

Tourists explore these terraces, learning about their historical significance and the ongoing cultivation of traditional crops.

With ample time to wander, visitors can enjoy the cultural heritage of this Andean gem.

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Unraveling the Mysteries of Moray

From Chinchero, the tour continues to the captivating site of Moray.

This ancient Inca site features a series of massive, circular terraces that descend into the earth. Scholars believe Moray was an agricultural research station where the Incas experimented with different crops and microclimates.

Visitors can wander the terraces, which range from 98 to 328 feet in diameter, and marvel at the Inca’s advanced understanding of agronomy.

The unique design and scale of Moray demonstrate the Inca’s mastery of engineering and their innovative approach to food production in the challenging Andean environment.

The Captivating Maras Salt Mines

After exploring the captivating ruins of Moray, the tour continues to the Maras Salt Mines, a mesmerizing landscape that has been a crucial part of Andean life for centuries.

The salt mines, located in the Cusco Region, feature thousands of small terraced pools where salt is extracted through a traditional process. Visitors can observe the local workers harvesting the salt, which has been an important economic resource for the region for generations.

The striking contrast of the white salt against the red earth and blue sky creates a visually stunning scene, making the Maras Salt Mines a highlight of the Sacred Valley tour.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour includes transportation in modern, well-equipped vehicles, such as buses or vans, throughout the duration of the excursion.

A professional driver accompanies the group, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.

Entrance fees to the attractions are covered, allowing seamless access to Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines.

However, meals and drinks aren’t included, and the tour isn’t suitable for babies under one year old.

Guests are advised to bring their passports and check availability for start times.

The meeting point is available via Google Maps, providing a convenient starting location.

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Duration and Pricing

Although the tour lasts a total of 8 hours, it’s priced affordably at £30.96 per group, accommodating up to 7 participants. This makes it an excellent value for those exploring the Sacred Valley.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility. Travelers can also reserve their spot without upfront payment, a convenient option.

The tour covers key highlights like Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines, providing one hour at each site for exploration at one’s own pace.

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Cancellation and Reservation Policies

One key advantage of this tour is its flexible cancellation policy.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing for greater flexibility in planning. Plus, the tour offers a "reserve now & pay later" option, enabling participants to secure their spot without an upfront payment.

This convenient reservation system makes booking the tour hassle-free. The cancellation and reservation policies provide customers with peace of mind and the ability to adjust their plans as needed, enhancing the overall tour experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the comprehensive tour package, the inclusions cover a range of essential services and experiences.

Transportation in modern, well-equipped vehicles and a professional driver are provided for the duration of the tour. Entrance fees to the attractions – Chinchero, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines – are also included.

The tour provides modern, well-equipped vehicles with a professional driver, as well as entrance fees to Chinchero, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines.

However, meals and drinks aren’t part of the package. The tour isn’t suitable for babies under 1 year, and the use of food, alcohol, and drugs in the vehicle isn’t allowed.

Participants are advised to bring their passports for the tour.

Preparation and Important Details

To prepare for the tour, guests are advised to bring their passports. The tour operator provides clear meeting point details via Google Maps, allowing for easy coordination.

Visitors should also note the tour’s start times and availability prior to booking. Additionally:

Food and drinks aren’t included, so guests may want to pack snacks or a lunch.
Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on the tour vehicles.
Infants under 1 year old aren’t permitted on the tour.

Following these simple preparation steps will ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience exploring the Sacred Valley‘s highlights.

Since You Asked

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can be customized, as it’s a private tour. Participants can discuss their preferences with the tour provider to create a personalized experience within the 8-hour duration and the included sites of Chinchero, Moray, and Maras.

What if I Have Dietary Restrictions?

The tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Guests should notify the provider of any special dietary needs when booking the tour so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Do You Offer Discounts for Large Groups?

Yes, the tour offers discounted rates for larger groups. Groups of 4 or more participants can receive a 10% discount on the total tour price. The maximum group size is 7 participants to maintain an intimate experience.

Can I Use My Own Transportation?

You can bring your own transportation for this tour, but the price will not be discounted. The tour price includes professional driver and vehicle, so using your own transport won’t affect the overall cost.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour Guide?

Yes, the tour offers a private guide option. The description states the tour includes "Professional driver for the duration of the tour," suggesting a private guide is available to accompany the group throughout the excursion.

The Sum Up

The "Chinchero, Moray, and Salinas: the Sacred Valley" tour offers an immersive exploration of Inca history and Andean culture. Visitors can marvel at the colonial architecture, ancient agricultural terraces, and traditional salt extraction methods, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s significance. With ample time for exploration and a comfortable, organized setting, this tour provides an enriching journey through the Sacred Valley.