Cusco: Sacred Valley With Maras and Moray |Without Lunch|

Exploring the sacred heart of the ancient Inca Empire, the "Cusco: Sacred Valley with Maras and Moray | Without Lunch" excursion offers a captivating journey into the region’s rich cultural heritage. With round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and admission to key sites, this affordable tour promises an enriching experience for travelers seeking to uncover the secrets of Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras salt mines. What hidden gems await those who embark on this enlightening exploration?

Key Points

• This full-day excursion covers the Sacred Valley sites of Chinchero, Moray, and Maras, without the included lunch.
• Visitors can explore the Inca temple, colonial church, and local textile crafts in Chinchero.
• The tour includes guided explanations of the remarkable circular terraces at the archaeological site of Moray.
• Participants can observe the traditional salt production process at the Maras salt mines.
• The itinerary also includes a visit to the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo before returning to Cusco.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The tour, titled "Cusco: Sacred Valley with Maras and Moray," is a full-day excursion that allows visitors to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region.

Priced from Kč 530 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and entrance fees to the various archaeological sites.

Priced from Kč 530 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and entrance fees to the various archaeological sites.

Participants can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and have the flexibility to reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour’s availability can be checked for convenient starting times, making it an accessible and flexible option for travelers.

Historical Significance

Cusco, once the heart of the Inca Empire, is home to a wealth of archaeological sites that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. Notable sites include Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray.

These ancient ruins and structures serve as a testament to the advanced architectural and engineering skills of the Incas. Visitors can explore the remarkable stone structures, intricate carvings, and terraced landscapes that exemplify the ingenuity and sophistication of this once-powerful civilization.

The historical significance of these sites continues to captivate and inspire travelers from around the world.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a hotel pick-up at 6:30 am, allowing guests to embark on their journey through the Sacred Valley.

First, the group visits Chinchero, exploring an Inca temple, a colonial temple, and witnessing local textile crafts.

Next, they travel to the mystical site of Moray, known for its circular terraces, where a guided explanation and free time for exploration are provided.

The tour then moves to the Maras salt mines, where visitors can observe the local salt production.

Finally, the group visits the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo before returning to Cusco around 6:30 to 7:00 pm.

Inclusions

This tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional bilingual English/Spanish tour guide, and a buffet lunch in Urubamba.

Entrance fees are also covered, which includes 70 soles for sites like Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Plus, there’s a 10 soles fee for the Salineras salt mines.

For foreign travelers, there’s a general admission fee of 130 soles plus 10 soles for the salt mines. Guests should consider any extra expenses they may incur.

The meeting point is available via Google Maps, and a tourist ticket is required to visit the Sacred Valley sites.

More Great Tours Nearby

Chinchero Visit

One of the first stops on the tour is Chinchero, a town known for its Inca temple, colonial church, and the textile crafts of local families.

Visitors get to:

1. Explore the Inca temple’s impressive stonework and learn about its history.

2. Admire the colonial-era church, a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences.

3. Watch local families demonstrate their traditional textile weaving techniques.

4. Browse the vibrant market stalls for handmade textiles, tapestries, and other crafts.

This introduction to Andean culture sets the stage for the rest of the immersive Sacred Valley experience.

Moray Exploration

After experiencing the cultural heritage of Chinchero, the tour moves on to explore the remarkable archaeological site of Moray.

Nestled in the Sacred Valley, Moray features a series of circular terraces, believed to have been an agricultural testing ground for the Incas. The guide provides a detailed explanation of this unique site, highlighting its purpose and construction.

Visitors are then given free time to wander through the terraces, marveling at the ingenuity of the Inca engineers. The different microclimates created by the concentric terraces offer a glimpse into the Incas’ advanced understanding of agricultural practices.

Maras Salt Mines

From Moray, the tour journeys onward to the remarkable Maras salt mines.

These ancient salt evaporation ponds, known as "Salineras," have been in use since Inca times.

Visitors can:

1. Observe the intricate network of salt ponds and terraces.

2. See local workers harvesting salt by hand.

3. Purchase unique, artisanal salt products.

4. Appreciate the striking contrast of the white salt against the rugged mountainous backdrop.

The Maras salt mines offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s long-standing history and traditional salt production methods that continue to this day.

Ollantaytambo and Pisac

After visiting the Maras salt mines, the tour continues to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, the largest in the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo features impressive Inca ruins, including massive stone terraces and foundations.

| Ollantaytambo | Pisac |

| — | — |

| Largest Inca archaeological site in the Sacred Valley | Known for its colorful indigenous market and Inca ruins |

| Impressive stone fortifications and terraces | Bustling market selling traditional Andean handicrafts |

| Guided tour explores the site’s history and architecture | Guided tour of the Inca citadel and ruins |

| Free time for independent exploration | Return to Cusco around 6:30-7:00 pm |

| Ancient urban planning and engineering on display | |

The tour then moves on to the archaeological site of Pisac before returning to Cusco.

Things To Know

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no specific age restrictions for this tour. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, though children may require parental supervision at the archaeological sites.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a buffet lunch in Urubamba is included in the tour price. Bringing extra snacks or water is allowed, but the tour does not provide a full meal outside of the included lunch.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to a private tour. For a higher price, you can enjoy a more personalized experience with a private guide and transportation, rather than joining a group tour.

How Much Time Is Allowed for Free Exploration at Each Site?

According to the itinerary, visitors are allotted 1 to 1.5 hours of free time for exploration at each archaeological site. This allows ample opportunity to independently explore the notable landmarks and gain deeper insights into the historical significance of the locations.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a light jacket or sweater are recommended for this tour. The terrain can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is advised. Dressing in layers is best to adapt to the changing weather conditions.

Sum Up

This tour offers a captivating exploration of the Sacred Valley’s rich Inca heritage. Travelers will explore the region’s history, marvel at architectural wonders, and witness traditional craftsmanship. With round-trip transportation, a professional guide, and entrance fees included, it’s an affordable way to take in the cultural tapestry of the ancient Inca civilization.

You can check availability for your dates here: