Cusco: Sacred Valley With Ollantaytambo or Urubamba Transfer

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a breathtaking and culturally rich region that shouldn’t be missed during a visit to Cusco. This guided tour offers an excellent opportunity to explore the valley’s highlights, from the vibrant textile traditions of Chinchero to the mesmerizing salt ponds of Maras. With a convenient transfer option and a tasty lunch, it’s a well-rounded experience that provides great value. Those eager to uncover the secrets of the Inca civilization will find this tour particularly enticing.

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Key Points

Comprehensive guided tour of Sacred Valley from Cusco, including visits to Chinchero, Moray, and Maras salt ponds.
Duration of 9 hours with hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guides, lunch, and entry fees included.
Flexible booking with full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Concludes with drop-off at Ollantaytambo train station or Urubamba hotel.
Offers immersive insight into Inca history and culture through the tour’s various highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a comprehensive guided exploration of the Sacred Valley from Cusco, priced reasonably at £23.22 per person.

Over 9 hours, highlights include visiting the textile traditions of Chinchero, the agricultural terraces of Moray, and the salt ponds of Maras.

Lunch in Urubamba provides a break before exploring the ancient fortress of Ollantaytambo.

Flexible booking allows reserving now and paying later, with full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guides, lunch, and entry fees, making it an excellent value for discovering the history and culture of the Sacred Valley.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from your Cusco hotel, kicking off the day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley.

The day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley begins with a pickup from your Cusco hotel.

First, you’ll visit Chinchero, a town renowned for its textile weaving traditions.

Next, you’ll marvel at the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, an Incan archaeological site.

Then, you’ll discover the Maras salt ponds, an ingenious Incan salt production system.

After lunch in Urubamba, you’ll explore the impressive ancient fortress of Ollantaytambo.

The tour concludes with drop-off at the Ollantaytambo train station or your Urubamba hotel, providing a well-rounded introduction to the highlights of the Sacred Valley.

Inclusions

This Sacred Valley tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, ensuring a seamless start to the day.

The comprehensive package also features:

A bilingual guide (English and Spanish) to provide expert commentary and insights throughout the journey
Comfortable transportation to navigate the scenic routes between destinations
A delectable buffet lunch in Urubamba, allowing travelers to refuel and enjoy the local cuisine
Admission to the partial tourist ticket (70 PEN) and salt mine entrance (20 PEN), granting access to the captivating historical sites
Convenient drop-off at the Ollantaytambo train station, simplifying connections to further adventures.

Important Information

Travelers should remember to pack a sun hat and camera to fully capture the scenic beauty of the Sacred Valley. This full-day tour involves a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Alcoholic beverages and drugs are strictly prohibited. Punctuality is key, as the tour operates on a tight schedule to accommodate train timetables. The total time spent at each site may vary depending on these schedules. This experience offers an immersive glimpse into Inca history and culture, allowing visitors to explore significant landmarks and witness local traditions.

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Tour Highlights

Visitors can discover the rich history and cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley in a single day on this comprehensive tour.

The tour highlights include:

Taking in the textile weaving traditions of Chinchero, where skilled artisans showcase their intricate Andean craftsmanship.
Exploring the unique circular agricultural terraces of Moray, marveling at the Incas’ advanced farming techniques.
Visiting the Maras salt ponds, a captivating sight with their evaporating pools.
Experiencing the ancient fortress of Ollantaytambo, a testament to the Inca Empire’s engineering prowess.
Savoring a delicious buffet lunch in the charming town of Urubamba.

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Discovering Chinchero’s Textile Traditions

The tour begins with a visit to Chinchero, where guests can enjoy the vibrant textile weaving traditions that have been passed down through generations. Artisans demonstrate the intricate process, from cleaning and preparing the wool to dyeing it with natural pigments and weaving intricate patterns on traditional looms. Visitors can observe the skilled craftsmanship and learn about the cultural significance of these textiles.

| Textile Weaving in Chinchero | |

| —————————- | —————— |

| Natural Dyes | Vibrant Hues |

| Traditional Looms | Intricate Patterns |

| Wool Preparation | Skilled Artisans |

| Cultural Significance | Living Heritage |

| Hands-on Experience | Immersive Learning |

Exploring the Circular Terraces of Moray

The circular terraces of Moray are a remarkable feat of Incan agricultural engineering.

The circular terraces of Moray are a remarkable feat of Incan agricultural engineering.

These unique farming test sites demonstrate the Incas’ advanced understanding of microclimates and their ability to cultivate a diverse range of crops.

Visitors can explore the concentric rings, each with its own temperature and humidity, and imagine the experiments once conducted here.

Moray offers a glimpse into the Incas’ sophisticated agricultural practices, which were critical to sustaining their empire.

Exploring this ancient site inspires wonder and appreciation for the ingenuity of Andean civilizations.

Incan agricultural innovation
Microclimate experimentation
Diverse crop cultivation
Sustainable food production
Archaeological wonder

Visiting the Salt Ponds of Maras

Descending from the Moray ruins, visitors encounter the shimmering salt ponds of Maras, a remarkable natural landscape that has sustained Andean communities for centuries.

Nestled in a dramatic mountain valley, the salt mines feature thousands of small, terraced pools where workers have extracted salt since pre-Inca times.

Visitors can witness the age-old process, watching as workers harvest the precious mineral by hand. The vibrant white ponds, contrasted against the rugged Andes, offer a unique and captivating experience.

Exploring the salt mines provides a glimpse into the region’s resilient culture and enduring traditions.

Things To Know

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the tour itinerary to your preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust the duration, activities, and stops based on your interests and schedule.

Is It Possible to Have a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can book a private tour instead of a group tour. A private tour offers more flexibility and personalized attention. It’s an ideal option for travelers who prefer a customized experience or have specific interests to explore.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not specified, but it’s likely a small group for a more intimate experience. The flexible booking and cancellation policy suggest the tour operator can accommodate private or semi-private tours upon request.

Can I Purchase Additional Activities or Experiences During the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase additional activities or experiences during the tour. The tour includes key highlights, but you may have the opportunity to explore optional add-ons at some sites, like craft workshops or specialty tours, based on your interests.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Stops?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration or add additional stops, but there may be an extra charge. The tour operator offers flexibility to customize the itinerary to suit your interests and needs.

Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating history and stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley with this comprehensive guided tour. Witness the intricate textile traditions of Chinchero, marvel at the unique Moray terraces, and explore the iconic Maras salt ponds. Complete with a delicious lunch and seamless transportation, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Inca culture and heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: