From Cusco: Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac

Setting out on a journey from the historic city of Cusco, travelers can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Andes. This comprehensive tour explores the breathtaking sites of Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, each offering a unique glimpse into the ancient Incan civilization. From the vibrant markets to the impressive ruins and agricultural terraces, this experience promises to captivate the senses and unveil the enduring legacy of the Incas. What awaits beyond this introduction is a truly unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

• Comprehensive tour package exploring iconic Incan sites, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, available in English and Spanish.
• Chinchero features impressive Inca ruins, a vibrant market, and opportunities to learn about the town’s textile heritage and dyeing techniques.
• Moray showcases concentric circular terraces believed to be used for agricultural experimentation by the Incas, offering stunning mountain vistas.
• Maras Salt Mines feature over 3,000 salt ponds harvested since Inca times, with the cultural significance of salt harvesting highlighted.
• Ollantaytambo boasts well-preserved Inca ruins, impressive stonework, and a strategically positioned fortress with sweeping views of the Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Sacred Valley Day Tour from Cusco" is a comprehensive package that takes visitors on a journey through the region’s most iconic Incan sites.

Priced from $30 per person, the 10-hour tour explores destinations like Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.

Tours are offered in English and Spanish, with a friendly cancellation policy and flexible booking options.

Highlights include guided tours of archaeological sites, experiencing local textile production, and admiring the spectacular scenery of the Sacred Valley.

The tour offers a well-rounded experience, catering to a range of interests and abilities, except for those with specific mobility challenges.

Visiting Chinchero

Chinchero, a picturesque Andean town, marks the first stop on the Sacred Valley tour. Visitors explore the impressive Inca ruins, which include an old temple, terraced agricultural fields, and the remnants of an ancient palace.

The highlight is the vibrant market, where local artisans display their intricate weavings, colorful textiles, and traditional ceramics. Guides explain the significance of the town’s textile heritage, providing insights into the dyeing techniques and intricate weaving patterns.

Stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains complete the experience, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the Sacred Valley.

Exploring Moray

After exploring the picturesque town of Chinchero, the tour continues to the intriguing archaeological site of Moray.

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Moray is a remarkable Inca engineering marvel. Visitors are captivated by its unique concentric circular terraces, which are believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation.

The site offers:

1. Stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains

2. Informative guided tours explaining the site’s purpose and history

3. Opportunities to learn about Inca farming techniques and crop cultivation

4. A chance to appreciate the ingenuity of Inca architects and builders

Discovering Maras Salt Mines

Next, the tour group ventures to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines, a unique and ancient site nestled in the picturesque Andean hills. Here, over 3,000 salt ponds have been harvested since Inca times, creating a stunning visual tapestry. As the guide leads the group through the site, they learn about the intricate process of salt extraction and the cultural significance of this longstanding tradition. Meandering through the ponds, the travelers are awestruck by the glistening white salt crystals and the breathtaking vistas that surround them.

| Maras Salt Mines Key Facts | | | | |

|—|—|—|—|—|

| Location | Altitude | Origin | Production | Significance |

| Cusco, Peru | 3,400 m (11,154 ft) | Inca Empire | Over 3,000 salt ponds | Ancient salt harvesting tradition |

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Lunch in Urubamba

With the wonders of the Maras Salt Mines behind them, the tour group now heads to the charming town of Urubamba for a well-deserved lunch.

They’re greeted by a local restaurant offering a delightful buffet spread. The menu features:

1. Hearty Andean stews and soups

2. Freshly grilled meats and fish

3. An array of colorful vegetables and grains

4. A selection of Peruvian desserts and refreshing drinks

The group savors the authentic flavors, taking the time to recharge and reflect on the morning’s remarkable discoveries in the Sacred Valley.

Bellies full, they prepare to continue their exploration of this captivating region.

Guided Tour of Ollantaytambo

As the group leaves the charming town of Urubamba, they make their way to the historic site of Ollantaytambo. The guide leads them through the well-preserved Inca ruins, pointing out the impressive stone terraces and temple complex. Visitors are in awe of the engineering feat, marveling at the massive stonework and strategically positioned fortress.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Walls | Massive stone structures with intricate carvings |

| Terraces | Impressive agricultural terraces carved into the hillside |

| Storehouses | Granaries used for storing food and supplies |

| Temple | Remnants of an important Inca religious site |

| Views | Sweeping vistas of the Sacred Valley |

The tour continues, leaving the group inspired by the enduring legacy of the Inca Empire.

Discovering Pisac

The tour then ventures to the ancient Inca town of Pisac, nestled in the Urubamba River valley.

The guided tour explores the impressive Pisac Ruins, revealing:

1. The massive Incan stone terraces, once used for agriculture.

2. The remnants of the Inca citadel, with its ceremonial center and military quarters.

3. Intricate stone carvings and architectural details that showcase the engineering prowess of the Incas.

4. Stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Andes mountains and the Sacred Valley below.

After the guided tour, visitors have the opportunity to browse the traditional Pisac Market, known for its vibrant array of Peruvian handicrafts, textiles, and local produce.

Finishing at Plaza Regocijo

After exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley, the tour concludes at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.

This lively plaza, also known as the "Plaza of Rejoicing," serves as the perfect end to the day’s adventures. Visitors can stroll through the plaza, admiring the colonial architecture and bustling activity.

Many choose to savor a final Peruvian meal or pick up local handicrafts from the vendors before heading back.

With a newfound appreciation for the region’s cultural and natural wonders, travelers depart from Plaza Regocijo, their Sacred Valley experience complete.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the Sacred Valley Day Tour from Cusco. The tour operators do not permit animals due to the nature of the activities and sites visited during the tour.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water and Snacks?

You don’t need to bring your own water and snacks on this tour, as it includes a buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba. However, you may want to bring extra cash for any personal expenses or drinks not included in the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the tour, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Avoid wearing sandals or open-toe shoes as you’ll be exploring various archaeological sites and walking on uneven terrain.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the Sacred Valley Day Tour, except for when visiting the Maras Salt Mines where drone usage is prohibited. The tour provides ample opportunities to capture the stunning scenery and cultural sites along the way.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer discounts for children or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $30.00 per person, regardless of age. However, the tour is free for children under 5 years old.

Sum Up

This comprehensive tour from Cusco provides an unforgettable glimpse into the rich Incan heritage. Visitors will marvel at the impressive ruins, vibrant markets, and stunning agricultural terraces across Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. With knowledgeable guides and breathtaking scenery, this experience offers a deep insight into the ancient Incan civilization, creating lasting memories for all who embark on this captivating journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: