Cusco: Sacred Valley, Maras, and Moray Full-Day Tour

Cusco’s Sacred Valley is a world-renowned destination that captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This full-day tour promises an immersive experience, taking travelers on a journey through the region’s most iconic sites. From the impressive Inca ruins of Chinchero to the captivating terraced fields of Moray and the historic salt ponds of Maras, this comprehensive itinerary offers a unique glimpse into Peru’s past. With a delicious buffet lunch and round-trip transportation included, it’s the perfect way to explore the breathtaking wonders that make this region so special.

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Key Points

Comprehensive full-day tour from Cusco exploring the Sacred Valley, Maras salt ponds, and Moray agricultural site, priced starting from Kč 622 per person.
Highlights include Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and a buffet lunch in Urubamba, with round-trip transportation and bilingual guide provided.
Tour not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities.
Participants advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for varying weather conditions, and a camera is recommended.
Pick-up time at 6:30 am from a central meeting point, with limited spots available, requiring advance reservations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day tour from Cusco takes visitors on an adventure through the Sacred Valley, Maras, and Moray. Priced from Kč 622 per person, the tour lasts one day and includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and admission fees.

Highlights include the archaeological site of Chinchero, the Moray agricultural laboratory, the iconic Maras salt ponds, and the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins. A buffet lunch in Urubamba is also provided.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour first takes visitors to the archaeological site of Chinchero, where they’ll explore a colonial temple and learn about the region’s Inca heritage.

Next, they’ll visit the unique Moray agricultural laboratory, with its incredible terraced fields.

A unique Moray agricultural laboratory with incredible terraced fields offers a glimpse into ancient Incan farming practices.

From there, the group heads to the historic Maras salt ponds, which have been exploited since the Inca era.

After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, the tour continues to the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological site and the terraced landscapes of Pisac, offering a glimpse into the ancient Incan civilization.

Tour Details

The full-day tour includes pick-up from a central meeting point, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide who’ll provide insights in both Spanish and English.

Admission fees to all the sites are covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Guests will enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, offering a chance to savor local Peruvian cuisine.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for varying weather conditions.

Preparation and Recommendations

Although the tour covers a range of fascinating historical and cultural sites, participants should come prepared to make the most of their experience.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the variable weather conditions. Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and ancient ruins.

Smoking isn’t allowed during the tour. Those who are pregnant, have mobility impairments, or use a wheelchair should note that the tour may not be suitable for their needs.

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Meeting Information

6:30 am is the pick-up time at a central meeting point. Guests should arrive promptly, as the tour leaves on schedule.

The tour operator will provide the exact meeting location upon booking. From there, the group will set off on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus for the day’s adventures.

The group will depart from the meeting location on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus to embark on the day’s adventures.

Participants can check availability for different starting times when making their reservation. The tour is limited to a specific number of people, so it’s best to secure spots in advance.

With an early start, guests will have a full day to explore the Sacred Valley’s wonders.

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The Archaeological Site of Chinchero

After the early morning pick-up, the tour heads to the archaeological site of Chinchero.

This Inca site features well-preserved ruins, including remnants of an imperial estate and an ancient agricultural laboratory. Visitors explore the colonial church, known for its ornate, baroque altar and intricate murals.

The guide explains the historical and cultural significance of the site, which served as an important Inca administrative center. Travelers have the chance to browse the local market, browse handicrafts, and enjoy the vibrant community.

The tour then continues to the next destination, the unique agricultural terraces of Moray.

The Moray Agricultural Laboratory

From Chinchero, the tour continues its journey to the remarkable Moray agricultural laboratory.

This intriguing Inca site features a series of circular, terraced depressions believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation.

Descend into the central depression and marvel at the intricate system of stepped platforms, each level several degrees warmer than the next.

This unique design allowed the Incas to study the effects of temperature variation on crop cultivation.

Visitors can wander the terraces, imagining the agricultural innovations that took place here centuries ago, providing insights into the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of their environment.

The Maras Salt Ponds

Next, the tour takes visitors to the historic Maras salt ponds. This ancient salt-mining operation dates back to the Inca era.

Visitors can witness the local people harvesting salt from hundreds of small, terraced ponds carved into the mountainside. The ponds glisten in the sun, reflecting the white salt crystals that have formed over centuries.

Guests will learn about the painstaking process of extracting and processing the salt, which has sustained the community for generations. It’s a unique opportunity to glimpse this traditional practice still in use today.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour operator states the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, indicating pets would also not be permitted for safety and comfort reasons.

Is There a Bathroom Break During the Tour?

The tour includes stops at various archaeological sites and natural attractions, and there are opportunities for bathroom breaks along the way. Guests can use the restrooms at the lunch location and other designated stops during the day.

What Languages Does the Guide Speak?

The tour includes a bilingual guide who speaks both Spanish and English. They’ll provide insights and commentary throughout the day in these two languages to ensure all participants can fully understand and engage with the experience.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase souvenirs during the tour. The tour includes visits to sites like Chinchero and Ollantaytambo where you’ll have opportunities to browse local markets and shops for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and other Peruvian souvenirs.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. However, there are no specific age restrictions, and children are welcome to participate as long as they can handle the walking and activities.

Sum Up

The Sacred Valley, Maras, and Moray tour in Cusco offers an immersive cultural experience, blending ancient Inca history with stunning natural landscapes. From the archaeological wonders of Chinchero to the captivating salt ponds of Maras, this comprehensive journey provides an unforgettable glimpse into Peru’s rich heritage. With a knowledgeable guide and convenient transportation, it’s the perfect way to explore the breathtaking beauty of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: