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

Exploring the ancient Incan sites around Cusco offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. This full-day tour takes visitors through the Sacred Valley, where they’ll witness traditional weaving techniques, discover the unique circular terraces of Moray, and marvel at the mesmerizing salt mines of Maras. The impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisaq further reveal the engineering prowess of the Incas. Each site provides a unique opportunity to take in the remarkable history and traditions that have shaped this remarkable part of Peru.

Key Points

• This full-day guided tour from Cusco takes visitors to the Sacred Valley, including stops at Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq.
• Highlights at each site include traditional weaving demonstrations, ancient agricultural terraces, salt mines, towering temple-fortresses, and Incan ruins.
• The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and a buffet lunch in Urubamba.
• Entrance fees and tips are not included, and visitors should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and local currency.
• The tour concludes at Cusco’s Plaza Regocijo, providing a comprehensive experience of the Sacred Valley’s cultural and historical significance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Itinerary

This full-day guided tour from Cusco takes visitors to the picturesque Sacred Valley.

The itinerary includes stops at Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq. At each site, guests enjoy a guided tour lasting 30-60 minutes.

After visiting Moray and Maras, the group breaks for a 45-minute lunch in Urubamba.

The tour culminates with a visit to the Incan ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisaq before returning to Cusco’s Plaza Regocijo.

While the itinerary is subject to change, the tour provides a rundown of the Sacred Valley’s key archaeological and cultural highlights.

Pricing and Booking Information

The tour costs from $35.00 per person. Guests can reserve the tour now and pay later, with no upfront payment required.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The Turistic ticket costs 70.00 soles, and the entrance ticket to Maras is 20.00 soles.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation by van, a professional guide who speaks Spanish and English, and a lunch buffet. Tips and personal expenses aren’t included.

Included Services

The tour includes several services to enhance the experience.

Pickup from your Cusco hotel, transportation by comfortable van, and a professional guide who provides commentary in both Spanish and English are all included.

Pickup from your Cusco hotel, transportation by comfortable van, and a professional guide in Spanish and English are all included.

• The guide will lead you through the day’s itinerary, sharing insights about the history and cultural significance of each site.

• A buffet lunch is provided in Urubamba, giving you a chance to refuel and try local Peruvian cuisine.

• Tips and personal expenses, however, aren’t included, so be sure to budget accordingly for souvenirs and additional expenses.

What to Bring and Important Information

When exploring the Sacred Valley, it’s important to come prepared. Wear comfortable shoes to handle the varying terrain.

Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay protected from the sun. Bring a camera to capture the stunning Incan ruins and landscape.

However, leave the drones at home as they aren’t allowed. Be ready for the high altitudes, which can affect some visitors.

Make sure to have local currency on hand for personal expenses and tips.

With the right gear and mindset, you’ll be set to fully enjoy the wonders of the Sacred Valley.

More Great Tours Nearby

Chinchero: a Glimpse Into Incan Textiles

As visitors arrive at the first stop, Chinchero, they’re immediately immersed in the vibrant world of Incan textiles.

The local community showcases their traditional weaving techniques, passed down through generations.

Visitors can expect to:

Visitors can expect to observe skilled weavers, learn about cultural significance, and browse handcrafted textiles.

1. Observe skilled weavers demonstrating the intricate process of dyeing and weaving alpaca and sheep wool into colorful fabrics.

2. Learn about the symbolic meanings and cultural significance behind the intricate patterns and designs.

3. Browse a selection of handcrafted textiles, including rugs, shawls, and tapestries, available for purchase.

The Chinchero experience provides a captivating introduction to the Incan textile heritage.

Moray: The Unique Circular Terraces

Nestled within the Sacred Valley, Moray’s unique circular terraces captivate visitors with their intriguing design and purpose.

These concentric depressions, believed to have been an Inca agricultural experiment, descend into the earth like a natural amphitheater. Experts suggest the terraces were used to study micro-climates and cultivate a variety of crops.

Visitors can wander the ruins, marveling at the site’s sophisticated engineering and the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture.

While the precise function remains a mystery, Moray’s ethereal beauty and historical significance make it a highlight of any Sacred Valley tour.

Maras: The Mesmerizing Salt Mines

The Maras salt mines are a mesmerizing sight nestled in the rugged Andes mountains. Visitors are captivated by the geometric ponds where saltwater evaporates, leaving behind brilliant white salt crystals.

The highlights include:

1. Witnessing the ancient salt harvesting techniques that have been used for centuries.

2. Exploring the vast, stepped ponds that dot the hillside, each operated by a local family.

3. Breathing in the crisp, salty air and appreciating the sheer scale of this impressive natural wonder.

The Maras salt mines offer a glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring bond between people and the land.

Ollantaytambo and Pisaq: Exploring Incan Ruins

After exploring the captivating Maras salt mines, the tour continues to two of the Sacred Valley‘s most impressive Incan ruins – Ollantaytambo and Pisaq.

Ollantaytambo impresses with its towering temple-fortress and carefully engineered terraces. Guides explain the site’s strategic military and agricultural significance.

Next, the tour visits Pisaq, known for its extensive Incan ruins sprawling across a hilltop. Visitors can wander through the complex, discovering plazas, storehouses, and tombs.

Despite the limited time at each site, the guided tours provide fascinating insights into the engineering feats and daily life of the Incas who once inhabited these remarkable places.

Things To Know

Can I Visit Sites Individually Instead of the Full-Day Tour?

Yes, you can visit the sites individually instead of taking the full-day tour. Many travelers choose to explore the Sacred Valley on their own schedule and pace, rather than following the set tour itinerary.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom facilities at the various sites visited, as well as during the lunch stop in Urubamba. Travelers can use these restrooms as needed throughout the day’s itinerary.

Is It Possible to Extend the Stay at Any of the Sites?

While the standard tour itinerary doesn’t allow for extended stays, some travelers may be able to coordinate with the tour operator to spend more time at certain sites, depending on availability and logistics. However, this would likely incur additional costs.

Can I Pay for the Tour in US Dollars Instead of Soles?

Yes, you can pay for the tour in US dollars instead of soles. The price range of $35-$70 per person includes the option to pay in either currency, according to the tour’s pricing and booking information.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Sacred Valley?

The best time to visit the Sacred Valley is during the dry season, from April to October. The weather is sunny and mild, making it an ideal time to explore the region’s Incan ruins and natural landscapes.

Sum Up

This captivating full-day tour from Cusco offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Sacred Valley. Visitors will be awestruck by the region’s remarkable sites, from the vibrant textiles of Chinchero to the ancient engineering feats of Ollantaytambo. Each destination provides a unique opportunity to take in the legacy of the Incan civilization, creating an unforgettable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: