Explore the wonders of Peru’s Sacred Valley on this captivating full-day tour from Cusco. For just $39 per person, you’ll uncover the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes, visiting iconic sites like the Inca village of Chinchero, the unique circular terraces of Moray, and the historic salt mines of Maras. Along the way, savor a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch and learn about the vibrant local culture. With experienced guides leading the way, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure that showcases the true essence of this remarkable destination.

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Key Points

Comprehensive full-day tour of the Sacred Valley, including visits to Maras, Moray, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac archaeological sites.
Immersive cultural and culinary experience, with a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch and exploration of local artisan markets.
Experienced, accredited guides providing live commentary in English and Spanish, offering valuable insights into Inca architecture and agricultural practices.
Small-group tour limited to 12 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with fast-track access to sites.
Flexible booking with no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a comprehensive experience of the Sacred Valley, including the iconic Maras and Moray sites, priced at $39.00 per person.

Enjoy the Sacred Valley with a tour of the iconic Maras and Moray sites, priced at $39.00 per person.

It’s a full-day adventure, lasting 12 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. There’s no need to pay upfront – you can reserve your spot and pay later.

The small-group size is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Along the way, you’ll discover ancient Inca architecture, savor traditional Peruvian cuisine, and explore artisan crafts at the Pisac Artisan Market, all while enjoying the expertise of a knowledgeable, government-accredited guide.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Guests commence their journey with pickup from Cusco Historic Center between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m.

They’ll visit Chinchero, marveling at the Inca terraces and colorful local market.

Next, they’ll explore the enigmatic circular terraces of Moray, once used for agricultural experimentation.

The tour then moves to the salt mines of Maras, where salt has been harvested for centuries.

After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, they’ll visit the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress before ending at the Pisac Archaeological Complex.

The day concludes with return to Cusco around 7:00 p.m.

Cultural and Culinary Experience

Amid the captivating landscapes of the Sacred Valley, visitors can enjoy the rich cultural and culinary tapestry of the region.

They’ll discover ancient Inca architecture and agricultural practices, giving them a unique glimpse into the past. The tour also includes a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch, showcasing the local agricultural wealth and diverse flavors.

At the Pisac Artisan Market, travelers can explore an array of handcrafted goods, reflecting the Andean artistry and creativity.

Visitors can explore the Pisac Artisan Market’s handcrafted goods, reflecting the Andean artistry and creativity.

This cultural and culinary experience promises to leave a lasting impression, deepening the understanding of Peru’s vibrant heritage.

Guided Tour Features

Experienced and accredited guides lead the tour, offering live commentary in both English and Spanish. They provide insights into the ancient Inca architecture and agricultural practices that visitors will witness.

With fast-track access, the tour skips the lines, ensuring a seamless experience. Guests can rely on the guides’ expertise, as they’re accredited by the Peruvian government.

The guides’ deep knowledge and passion for the destination make the tour engaging and informative, enriching visitors’ understanding of the Sacred Valley’s cultural and historical significance.

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

Based on the 21 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Guests praise the knowledgeable and passionate guides, who provide valuable insights into the ancient Inca architecture and agricultural practices.

The transportation also receives high marks, with a 4.6/5 rating. While the value for money is rated 4.3/5, reviewers suggest some improvements to the timing at various destinations.

The tour offers a well-rounded cultural and culinary experience, allowing visitors to:

Discover the Maras salt mines and Moray circular terraces
Savor traditional Peruvian cuisine
Explore the Pisac Artisan Market
Skip the line with express security check
Experience the guidance of an accredited government-approved professional.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Exploring Chinchero: A Picturesque Inca Village

The tour begins with a visit to the picturesque Inca village of Chinchero, nestled high in the Andes at an elevation of 3,762 meters (12,335 feet) above sea level.

Guests will marvel at the impressive colonial-era church and the well-preserved Inca ruins.

The village is known for its vibrant weekly market, where local artisans showcase their traditional weaving techniques and sell colorful textiles.

Travelers can explore the market, interact with the friendly vendors, and even learn about the production of natural dyes used in the textiles.

This stop offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Andes.

Discovering the Mystical Moray Terraces

After exploring the colorful textiles and artisan culture of Chinchero, the tour moves on to one of the Sacred Valley’s most intriguing archaeological sites – the enigmatic Moray terraces.

The concentric stone circles descend into the earth, creating a series of microclimates. Experts believe these were used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas, who experimented with different crops and growing conditions.

Visitors can walk the rim, marveling at the ingenious Inca engineering and speculating on the site’s purpose. Its mystical atmosphere and stunning views make Moray a highlight of any Sacred Valley adventure.

Circular stone terraces
Microclimate experiments
Inca agricultural innovation
Stunning natural setting
Mystical and enigmatic aura

Uncovering the Maras Salt Mines

From Moray, the tour descends into the Maras salt mines, a mesmerizing network of salt ponds that have been harvested for centuries.

Visitors are captivated by the ponds’ striking white hues, created by the natural evaporation of salty spring water.

The ponds’ striking white hues, created by the natural evaporation of salty spring water, captivate visitors.

Stepping into the mines, they learn how local communities have adapted this ancient Inca practice, meticulously extracting salt by hand.

The process is both labor-intensive and visually stunning, with workers scraping salt crystals from the ponds and collecting them in woven baskets.

Exploring this unique landscape, travelers gain insight into Andean culture and the enduring legacy of Inca ingenuity.

Since You Asked

Are There Any Requirements for the Tour, Such as Physical Fitness?

The tour doesn’t have any strict physical fitness requirements, but participants should be able to walk for extended periods and handle uneven terrain. Those with concerns should consult the tour provider for guidance on suitability.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit your interests. You can discuss your preferences with the tour operator, who’ll work to tailor the itinerary to ensure you get the most from your Sacred Valley experience.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Gear or Equipment for the Tour?

You don’t need any specialized gear for this tour. Just wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket in case the weather changes. The tour provider will handle all the necessary equipment and transportation.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Recommended Minimum Age for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, but a minimum age of 6 is recommended. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The itinerary and activities are suitable for all ages, with options to accommodate different fitness levels.

Can I Receive a Discount if I Book the Tour as Part of a Group?

Yes, you can get a discount for booking the tour as part of a group. The tour operator offers special group rates for bookings of 4 or more people, allowing you to save on the per-person cost.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the enchanting beauty and rich history of Cusco’s Sacred Valley. Explore the Inca ruins, witness the unique Moray terraces, and see the stunning salt mines, all while indulging in a traditional Peruvian lunch and interacting with local artisans. This exceptional 12-hour tour, priced at just $39 per person, offers an unparalleled cultural experience that brings the vibrant essence of Peru to life.