Cusco: Sacred Valley and Salt Mines - Moray + Andean Lunch

Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, beckons travelers to explore its breathtaking Sacred Valley. This full-day tour promises a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage, from the vibrant weaving traditions of Chinchero to the captivating salt ponds of Maras. Explore the agricultural wonders of Moray, then savor an authentic Andean lunch that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seek stunning landscapes, this journey through the heart of the Andes won’t disappoint.

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Key Points

This full-day adventure explores the Sacred Valley and salt mines of Cusco, Peru, providing an immersive cultural experience.
The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, bilingual guide, and an Andean buffet lunch.
Highlights include visits to Chinchero, Maras salt mines, Moray, and the archaeological site of Pisaq.
Participants can learn about traditional Inca weaving techniques and savor diverse Peruvian cuisine during the tour.
The tour is priced from £30.15 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the Sacred Valley and the renowned salt mines of Cusco, Peru.

Priced from £30.15 per person, it’s a full-day adventure that includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide.

At just £30.15 per person, this full-day adventure includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also allows participants to pay later, securing their spot without an upfront payment.

With a duration of 1 day, this cultural experience immerses guests in Inca heritage, teaching traditional weaving techniques and offering diverse Peruvian cuisine during an Andean buffet lunch.

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Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with hotel pick-ups between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m., allowing guests to start their day exploring the region.

The first stop is Chinchero, an archaeological and textile center where visitors can learn about traditional Inca weaving techniques.

Next, the group visits the famous salt mines of Maras, a stunning sight of hundreds of salt-harvesting ponds.

The final highlight is Moray, a remarkable Inca agricultural site featuring terraced circular depressions.

After an Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba, the tour continues to Ollantaytambo and concludes at the archaeological site of Pisaq.

Cultural Experience

Taking in Inca culture is a highlight of this tour. Visitors will learn about traditional Inca weaving techniques, including how the locals create beautiful textiles using natural dyes.

The tour also offers the chance to savor diverse flavors of Peruvian cuisine during the Andean buffet lunch. Guests can expect to enjoy a wide variety of local dishes, including roasted potatoes, quinoa salad, and grilled meats.

This cultural experience allows travelers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage and traditions of the Inca civilization that still thrive in the Sacred Valley region.

Inclusions

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel, as well as round-trip transportation throughout the day.

Your bilingual guide, fluent in both Spanish and English, will accompany you on this cultural journey.

The tour also includes:

The tour also includes entrance tickets to all the sites visited, a delicious Andean buffet lunch, and an immersive cultural experience.

Entrance tickets to all the sites visited.
A delicious Andean buffet lunch to energize you.
An immersive experience that allows you to learn about Inca culture and traditional weaving techniques.

These inclusions ensure a seamless and enriching experience as you explore the Sacred Valley and the renowned Maras salt mines.

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Booking Information

To book this immersive tour, you can check availability for starting times that work best for your schedule.

Simply select the number of participants and your preferred date. The meeting point is available on Google Maps, making it easy to find the starting location.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can book with confidence, knowing you’ll receive a full refund if your plans change.

The option to reserve now and pay later allows you to secure your spot without upfront payment.

Book your spot on this unforgettable Cusco adventure today.

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Getting to the Sacred Valley

Your tour of the Sacred Valley begins with a convenient hotel pickup between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m.

From there, you’ll:

Venture through the picturesque countryside towards Chinchero, an archaeological and textile center where you’ll learn about traditional Inca weaving techniques.

Venture through the picturesque countryside towards Chinchero, an archaeological and textile center where you’ll learn about traditional Inca weaving techniques.
Continue on to the famous Maras salt mines, where you’ll explore the terraced salt ponds and witness the local salt harvesting process.
Finally, you’ll visit the impressive agricultural terraces of Moray, a unique Inca archaeological site that showcases their advanced farming methods.

After these fascinating stops, you’ll enjoy a delicious Andean buffet lunch before continuing your exploration of the Sacred Valley.

Exploring Chinchero

After you depart your hotel, you’ll soon arrive at the picturesque town of Chinchero, an archaeological and textile center that showcases the rich Inca heritage.

Here, you’ll discover the remains of an Inca palace and learn about traditional weaving techniques from local artisans.

Wander through the vibrant market stalls, where vendors display a kaleidoscope of colorful textiles and handcrafted goods.

Gain insights into the intricate process of dyeing and weaving as the guides share the history and significance of these time-honored practices.

This captivating introduction sets the stage for the rest of your adventure in the Sacred Valley.

Discovering Maras and Moray

Next, the tour journeys to the famous Maras salt mines, a remarkable site where saltwater springs have been harvested for centuries.

The group will:

Explore the terraced ponds where salt is extracted through evaporation of the mineral-rich water.
Learn about the ancient Inca techniques used to harvest and process the salt.
Witness the striking contrast of the bright white salt against the surrounding ochre landscape.

From Maras, the tour continues to the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, believed to have been an Inca laboratory for experimenting with crops.

Since You Asked

Can I Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can book a private tour. The tour operator offers private tours for an additional fee, allowing you to have a more personalized experience with just your group.

What Items Should I Bring With Me for the Tour?

When taking this tour, it’s recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and any personal medications. Bringing a camera is also advised to capture the beautiful Andean landscapes and cultural sights.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary for This Tour?

Yes, the tour operator offers some flexibility to customize the itinerary. Travelers can discuss their interests with the guide and work together to adjust the visit order or focus areas within the overall tour program.

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in the Cusco Region?

Yes, you can combine this tour with other activities in the Cusco region. The tour operator offers the flexibility to create a personalized itinerary that includes additional sites or experiences based on your interests and preferences.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for This Tour?

There are discounts and special offers available for this tour. Customers can check the provider’s website or contact them directly to inquire about any current promotions, such as group discounts or early bird pricing.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley. Visitors will discover the ancient Inca sites of Chinchero, Maras, and Moray, while also experiencing traditional Andean weaving and cuisine. With seamless transportation and an informative guide, this day-long excursion provides an unforgettable glimpse into the enduring traditions of the Cusco region.

You can check availability for your dates here: