The Sacred Valley excursion offers travelers a captivating journey through one of Peru’s most stunning regions. Priced at $65 per person, the tour showcases the Inca Empire’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Visitors explore Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines before ending in the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo. With hotel pickup, a buffet lunch, and a bilingual guide, this immersive experience is a must-see for anyone seeking to uncover the wonders of the Andes.

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Good To Know

Comprehensive day-long tour of the Sacred Valley, including visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
Includes hotel pickup in Cusco, buffet lunch in Urubamba, and guided exploration in English and Spanish.
Opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Inca Empire’s past and explore the region’s rich heritage and traditions.
Total cost of $65.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Entrance fees to Maras Salt Mines and archaeological sites, as well as the live tour guide, are included in the cost.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This excursion to the Sacred Valley and transfer to Ollantaytambo offers a comprehensive day-long tour. Priced at $65.00 per person, the tour covers key sites in the region with ample time to explore.

A comprehensive day-long tour of the Sacred Valley, covering key sites for $65.00 per person with ample time to explore.

It includes hotel pickup in Cusco and a buffet lunch in Urubamba. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The 12-hour tour takes visitors to Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo, showcasing Inca history and culture.

Guided in English and Spanish, the tour provides an immersive experience in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

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Itinerary and Highlights

The guided tour from Cusco takes visitors through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, showcasing the region’s highlights.

First, explore the colonial church and traditional market in Chinchero, a town nestled at 3,772 meters.

Next, marvel at the Moray agricultural terraces, an Inca experimental center.

Then, discover the Maras Salt Mines, with over 4,000 salt wells.

Finally, the tour ends at the military fortress of Ollantaytambo, where guests can observe the impressive Inca stonework.

Throughout the day, enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba featuring regional flavors.

Detailed Tour Experience

The excursion begins with hotel pickup in Cusco, where guests embark on a guided journey through the Sacred Valley.

The excursion begins with hotel pickup in Cusco, where guests embark on a guided journey through the Sacred Valley.

Admiring the diverse crops and picturesque villages against snow-capped mountains, the tour first stops at Chinchero, situated at 3,772 meters above sea level. Guests explore the colonial church and traditional market before continuing to:

Moray, an experimental agricultural center of the Incas
Maras Salt Mines, with over 4,000 salt wells
Ollantaytambo, observing its impressive military fortress

The tour concludes at Ollantaytambo, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of the Inca Empire’s past.

Included in the Cost

The excursion to the Sacred Valley includes several key components.

The package includes hotel pickup in Cusco, visits to the archaeological sites of Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.

A buffet lunch in Urubamba featuring regional flavors is provided.

The entrance fees to the Maras Salt Mines and the archaeological sites are covered, totaling 90 soles.

An English and Spanish-speaking live tour guide accompanies the group throughout the day-long adventure.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

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Pick-up and Drop-off

The excursion begins with hotel pickup in Cusco, allowing participants to start their day-long journey to the Sacred Valley.

The pickup service ensures a seamless transition from the city to the scenic destinations, eliminating the need for self-transportation.

After exploring the highlights of the Sacred Valley, the tour concludes with a transfer to Ollantaytambo, where participants can:

Witness the impressive Inca fortress
Observe the town’s well-preserved architecture
Enjoy the convenience of a hassle-free return
Reflect on the day’s cultural and historical discoveries

This comprehensive service provides a stress-free and immersive experience throughout the excursion.

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Chinchero: Colonial Church and Traditional Market

As the excursion begins, visitors first explore the town of Chinchero, situated at an impressive altitude of 3,772 meters above sea level. They admire the colonial church, adorned with impressive Inca stonework, and experience the vibrant traditional market. Locals showcase their handmade textiles, artisanal crafts, and fresh produce. Visitors can browse the stalls and enjoy the local culture.

| Item | Price (Soles) |

| — | — |

| Alpaca Scarf | 50 |

| Hand-Woven Throw Blanket | 80 |

| Ceramic Figurine | 30 |

| Embroidered Tote Bag | 25 |

| Fresh Produce (per kg) | 5-10 |

The Chinchero experience provides a glimpse into the rich heritage and traditions of the Sacred Valley.

Moray: Experimental Agricultural Center

After exploring the colonial charm of Chinchero, the excursion continues to Moray, an intriguing archaeological site known for its unique circular terraces.

This Inca agricultural laboratory provides fascinating insights into their advanced farming techniques:

The terraces are arranged in a series of concentric circles, creating a vast, bowl-like depression.
This unique design allowed the Incas to experiment with different microclimates and growing conditions.
Researchers believe the Incas used Moray to test the adaptability of crops and develop more productive strains.
The site’s strategic location and impressive engineering showcase the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of agriculture and environmental factors.

Maras Salt Mines: Centuries-Old Salt Production

Nestled in the rugged Andean landscape, the Maras Salt Mines represent a centuries-old system of salt production that continues to this day. Over 4,000 salt wells dot the hillside, each fed by a natural spring containing saline water. Visitors can witness the local community’s traditional harvesting techniques, where the water is channeled into the wells, allowed to evaporate, and the salt is then collected and packaged.

| Salt Wells | Salt Harvesting | Salt Production |

| — | — | — |

| Over 4,000 salt wells | Traditional evaporation techniques | Continues to this day |

| Fed by natural saline springs | Collected and packaged by local community | Part of the region’s cultural heritage |

The Maras Salt Mines offer a glimpse into the region’s enduring salt-making heritage, a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Andean people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Schedule?

You can customize the tour to fit your schedule. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust the itinerary and start times to suit your preferences and needs.

Are There Any Age or Physical Fitness Requirements?

The tour doesn’t have any age or physical fitness requirements. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages and abilities. The tour involves some walking, but there are no strenuous activities.

What Should I Bring for the Day-Long Excursion?

Participants should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a light jacket, snacks, water, and any necessary medications. A small backpack or day bag is recommended to carry personal items during the day-long excursion.

Is There an Option to Visit Machu Picchu on the Same Day?

No, there’s no option to visit Machu Picchu on the same day as this excursion. The tour focuses on the highlights of the Sacred Valley, with the end point at Ollantaytambo. A separate ticket and trip would be required to visit Machu Picchu.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group or Family?

Yes, you can book the tour for a private group or family. The tour operator offers private tours and group bookings, allowing you to customize the experience to your preferences and group size.

The Sum Up

The Excursion to the Sacred Valley & Transfer to Ollantaytambo offers a comprehensive and immersive experience that showcases the Inca Empire‘s remarkable heritage and the region’s stunning natural beauty. With visits to Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines, as well as a transfer to the historic town of Ollantaytambo, this tour provides travelers with an unforgettable journey through one of Peru’s most captivating destinations.