From Cusco: Sacred Valley + Buffet Lunch

Set out on a captivating journey from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, where ancient Inca sites and colonial architecture intertwine. Explore the region’s rich cultural heritage as you explore iconic landmarks, witness traditional weaving, and savor a delectable buffet lunch. This full-day adventure promises an unforgettable experience, unveiling the secrets of a bygone era that still captivates the imagination.

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Key Points

Offers a full-day tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, including visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
Includes hotel pickup, transportation, a buffet lunch, and an expert guide, providing a comprehensive Sacred Valley experience.
Allows visitors to explore ancient Inca sites, witness traditional weaving practices, and learn about the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Provides a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, offering stunning views of the landscape.
Offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Cusco takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Over 12.5 hours, guests will discover ancient Inca sites, colonial towns, and traditional weaving practices.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a buffet lunch, and an expert guide.

Visitors can save up to 10% on the cost, which ranges from Kč 668 to Kč 601 per person.

With the option to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers flexibility and convenience.

Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and cash are recommended for this insightful experience.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour visits several towns and archaeological sites throughout the Sacred Valley.

In Chinchero, guests explore the colonial temple and witness Inca textile processes.

Next, they observe the mysterious agricultural terraces of Moray.

The tour then travels to the salt mines of Maras to learn about salt extraction.

Ollantaytambo Fortress provides a glimpse into the Inca Empire’s engineering prowess.

Finally, the Pisac Archaeological Complex offers a chance to discover ancient Inca ruins.

Throughout the day, travelers enjoy the rich history and cultural heritage of this remarkable region.

Chinchero’s Colonial Temple and Inca Textile Processes

Chinchero’s colonial temple stands as a testament to the blending of Inca and Spanish cultures.

Visitors explore the intricate architecture, where carved stone and whitewashed walls merge seamlessly. The tour also introduces the Inca textile processes, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich craft traditions:

Dyeing: Locals use natural pigments, such as cochineal insects, to create vibrant hues for their textiles.
Weaving: Skilled weavers demonstrate the intricate techniques used to produce the iconic Andean textiles, including the distinctive chevron patterns.
Spinning: The tour guides visitors through the process of transforming alpaca and sheep wool into yarn, a crucial step in the textile-making process.

Moray’s Agricultural Experimentation Terraces

Moray’s concentric agricultural terraces are a remarkable feat of Inca engineering and experimentation.

These elliptical terraces descend over 490 feet, with temperature variations of up to 27°F between the top and bottom. The Incas used this natural phenomenon to test and develop crops. Each level represented a different microclimate, allowing them to determine optimal growing conditions for various plant species.

Today, visitors can wander these terraces, marveling at the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and climate. The site provides a glimpse into the innovative agricultural practices that sustained the Inca Empire.

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Salt Extraction at Maras

While exploring the Sacred Valley, visitors encounter the remarkable Maras salt mines, a testament to the Incas’ ingenious salt extraction techniques.

This ancient site features thousands of small, terraced ponds where saltwater from a natural spring evaporates, leaving behind salt crystals.

Visitors can observe the local workers harvesting the salt by hand, a process that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The Maras salt mines offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and the innovative methods used by the Incas to harness natural resources.

The Maras salt mines showcase the Incas’ ingenious techniques for harnessing natural resources, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Key features of the Maras salt mines:

Thousands of small, terraced ponds where saltwater evaporates
Salt harvested by hand, using traditional methods
An ancient site that showcases the Incas’ innovative salt extraction techniques

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Ollantaytambo Fortress

One of the most impressive archaeological sites within the Sacred Valley tour is the Ollantaytambo Fortress. This Inca citadel, perched atop steep terraces, offers a glimpse into the engineering prowess of the Incas. Visitors can explore the impressive stonework, ancient storehouses, and the remains of an Sun Temple.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Stonework | Massive stones precisely cut and fitted without mortar |

| Storehouses | Inca-era warehouses for food and goods |

| Sun Temple | Ruins of a temple dedicated to the sun god Inti |

| Terraces | Steep agricultural terraces built into the hillside |

The Ollantaytambo Fortress stands as a testament to the Inca’s architectural and engineering genius, making it a must-see during the Sacred Valley tour.

Pisac Archaeological Complex

Beyond the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, the tour continues to the remarkable Pisac Archaeological Complex. Nestled in the Andes, this Inca site offers a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the empire.

Visitors can explore:

The Pisac Citadel, with its terraced agricultural fields and ceremonial plazas.
The Intihuatana, a sun dial-like structure believed to have been used for astronomical observations.
The intricately carved stone buildings, showcasing the Inca’s exceptional masonry skills.

The guided tour provides insights into the site’s history and the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of the natural world.

With its stunning vistas and well-preserved ruins, Pisac is a highlight of the Sacred Valley exploration.

Lunch and Transportation

After exploring the archaeological sites, the tour provides a buffet lunch in Urubamba.

Lunch is included in the tour package, so travelers don’t have to worry about finding a place to eat. The buffet offers a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes, allowing everyone to sample the local cuisine.

Throughout the day, the tour also includes hotel pickup from Cusco between 6:30 am and 7:00 am, as well as transportation provided to all the destinations.

Travelers can sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through the Sacred Valley without the hassle of navigating on their own.

Things To Know

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum group size. It’s a full-day tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas that’s available for individual travelers as well as groups.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended beyond 12.5 hours. However, travelers can choose to focus on certain sites and spend more time exploring those areas during the full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Can I Request a Private Tour Guide?

Yes, you can request a private tour guide for this Sacred Valley tour. This upgrade provides a more personalized experience and allows you to customize the itinerary to your preferences.

Are Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated for the Buffet Lunch?

The tour includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba, but it doesn’t specify if dietary restrictions are accommodated. Travelers with special dietary needs should contact the tour provider in advance to inquire about the availability of suitable menu options.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility. Customers can easily cancel their booking if their plans change without penalty.

Sum Up

This full-day tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley promises an immersive experience steeped in Inca history and culture. Visitors will explore iconic sites, witness traditional practices, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch – all under the expert guidance of knowledgeable local hosts. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to explore the rich heritage of this captivating region.

You can check availability for your dates here: