Cusco: Sacred Valley and Salineras – Moray + Andean Lunch

Discover the captivating history and natural wonders of Peru’s Sacred Valley on this remarkable one-day tour. Explore the archaeological sites of Chinchero, Moray, and Ollantaytambo, marvel at the stunning Salineras salt mines, and indulge in a delectable Andean buffet lunch. With an expert bilingual guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the fascinating agricultural innovations and cultural heritage that have defined this region for centuries. Prepare to be transported back in time as you learn about the timeless allure of the Andes.

Key Points

• This one-day tour explores the highlights of the Sacred Valley near Cusco, including Chinchero, Salineras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo.
• Visitors can interact with skilled weavers, learn about traditional techniques, and witness the salt extraction process in Salineras.
• The tour includes a visit to the Inca agricultural experimental site of Moray, where the Incas tested and cultivated various crops.
• Participants will enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba as part of the tour.
• The tour concludes with a visit to the pre-Inca and Inca site of Pisaq.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour is titled "Cusco: Sacred Valley and Salineras – Moray + Andean Lunch" and is priced from $39.00 per person. It lasts one day and is available in English and Spanish.

A one-day tour of Cusco’s Sacred Valley and Salineras – Moray, with an Andean lunch, available in English and Spanish for $39 per person.

Pickup is included from hotels in Cusco, with guests advised to arrive 10 minutes early. The itinerary highlights Chinchero, Salineras, Moray, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq.

Inclusions cover hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, a bilingual guide, a buffet lunch, and a tourist ticket. Guests should bring necessary items and note restrictions on certain items and activities.

The tour is recommended by past travelers across various groups.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors begin the tour by exploring the Chinchero archaeological and textile center, a pre-Inca and Inca site known for its well-preserved ruins and traditional weaving techniques.

Next, they visit the Salineras, or salt mines, and Moray, an ancient Inca site featuring circular terraces.

After, guests enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba.

The tour then continues to the Ollantaytambo archaeological center, an Inca fortress with impressive stone structures.

Finally, the day concludes with a visit to Pisaq, another pre-Inca and Inca site with ruins and a vibrant market.

Chinchero: The Archaeological and Textile Center

Chinchero, a pre-Inca and Inca site nestled in the Sacred Valley, boasts well-preserved ruins and a rich tradition of textile weaving.

Visitors can explore the remains of an ancient temple and admire the intricate stonework of the plaza.

The town is renowned for its skilled weavers, who demonstrate their techniques using traditional tools and dyes.

Tourists have the opportunity to interact with the artisans, learning about the cultural significance of these textiles.

The visit to Chinchero provides a glimpse into the region’s vibrant heritage, allowing travelers to appreciate the enduring craftsmanship of the local people.

Salineras: The Salt Mines

Nestled in the Sacred Valley, the Salineras, or salt mines, offer a unique and captivating experience for visitors. These ancient salt ponds, carved into the mountainside, have been in use for centuries. Visitors can witness the intricate process of salt extraction, where the salty water from underground springs is channeled into a series of evaporation ponds. As the water evaporates, the salt crystals are harvested, creating a stunning visual display of geometric patterns.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| History | The Salineras have been in use since pre-Inca times. |

| Landscape | The salt ponds are carved into the mountainside, creating a striking visual. |

| Process | Salty water is channeled into evaporation ponds, where salt crystals form. |

| Sustainability | The Salineras are a sustainable source of salt, with minimal environmental impact. |

| Experience | Visitors can witness the salt extraction process and explore the unique landscape. |

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Moray: The Inca Agricultural Experiment Site

Amidst the striking Andean landscape, the ancient site of Moray stands as a testament to the Inca’s ingenious agricultural experimentation.

This unique site features a series of circular terraces descending into a bowl-shaped depression, believed to have been used as a sophisticated agricultural laboratory.

The Incas leveraged the site’s microclimate to test and cultivate a variety of crops, including:

• Potatoes

• Corn

• Quinoa

• Vegetables

Urubamba: The Andean Buffet Lunch

After exploring the captivating ruins of Moray, the tour takes visitors to the vibrant town of Urubamba, where they’ll savor a delectable Andean buffet lunch.

This midday feast features a diverse array of traditional Peruvian dishes, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region. Guests can expect to indulge in a variety of hearty stews, flavorful rice dishes, fresh salads, and tempting desserts.

The buffet setting allows travelers to sample a wide range of flavors, ensuring a satisfying and authentic Andean dining experience.

Following the lunch, the tour continues to the archaeological center of Ollantaytambo.

Ollantaytambo: The Inca Fortress

The tour next takes visitors to the archaeological center of Ollantaytambo, an impressive Inca fortress that stands as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the ancient civilization.

Ollantaytambo, an impressive Inca fortress, testifies to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the ancient civilization.

Perched atop towering terraces, the site offers stunning views of the Sacred Valley below.

Highlights include:

• The massive ceremonial center and royal estate

• The magnificent Temple of the Sun carved into the mountainside

• The aqueduct system that still carries water from the mountains

• The agricultural terraces that demonstrate the Inca’s advanced farming techniques

Exploring Ollantaytambo is a captivating journey back in time, showcasing the engineering marvels of the Inca Empire.

Pisaq: The Pre-Inca and Inca Site

Concluding the tour, visitors explore Pisaq, a captivating blend of pre-Inca and Inca archaeological wonders. The site features an impressive Inca fortress, agricultural terraces, and the remains of an ancient town.

Hike along the Inca trail, discovering stone staircases, temples, and plazas that offer breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. Uncover the site’s impressive engineering, as the Incas expertly adapted the landscape to their needs.

Explore the bustling Sunday market, where locals sell traditional textiles, handicrafts, and produce. Immerse in the vibrant cultural heritage of this remarkable Andean destination before returning to Cusco.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour information states that bringing explosive substances, smoking, and alcohol/drugs are also not permitted. Participants should bring a passport or ID, hat, camera, and other necessary items, but pets are not mentioned as an allowed item.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for people with certain disabilities, like hearing impairment or those requiring electric wheelchairs. It’s also not recommended for those over 75 or with vertigo or altitude sickness.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for this tour is casual and comfortable. Participants should wear sturdy walking shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen, and layers to prepare for varying weather conditions. There’s no strict dress code, but dressing for an active day outdoors is recommended.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour duration cannot be extended. The tour is offered as a 1-day package and the itinerary is fixed. Extending the duration would require booking a separate tour or creating a customized itinerary, which may incur additional costs.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the itinerary to your preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility to adjust the sights visited and activities included based on your interests and needs, within the overall tour duration.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Visitors can explore the archaeological sites of Chinchero, Moray, and Ollantaytambo, as well as the captivating Salineras salt mines, while enjoying a delicious Andean buffet lunch. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide, this comprehensive one-day adventure provides invaluable insights into the remarkable history and agricultural innovations of the Incas.

You can check availability for your dates here: