From Cusco: Sacred Valley + Maras and Moray

Explore the heart of Peru’s ancient Inca civilization with a captivating day trip from Cusco. Discover the vibrant textile arts of Chinchero, marvel at the innovative agricultural terraces of Moray, and uncover the salt-hewn beauty of Maras. Enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, capping off the day with a delicious buffet lunch in the charming town of Urubamba. But the adventure doesn’t end there – venture onward to the iconic Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and the bustling handicraft market of Pisac.

Key Points

• Explore the ancient Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, which were used for crop experimentation at varying temperatures.
• Visit the historic Maras salt mines, where salt has been harvested for over 500 years using traditional methods.
• Tour the Textile Interpretation Center in Chinchero to learn about the region’s vibrant textile arts and weaving techniques.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, surrounded by scenic mountain views, before visiting the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
• Receive hotel pickup in Cusco between 6:30 and 6:55 AM, with the tour returning between 7:00 and 7:30 PM.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Highlights

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 06:30 and 06:55 AM, kicking off the day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley.

The day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley begins with a pickup from your Cusco hotel between 6:30 and 6:55 AM.

First, you’ll visit the Textile Interpretation Center in Chinchero to learn about traditional Andean weaving.

Next, you’ll discover the archaeological complex of Moray, known for its unique concentric circular terraces.

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

Lunch is a delicious buffet in Urubamba, followed by visits to Ollantaytambo’s stone terraces and the Pisac archaeological site and handicraft market.

Pickup and Itinerary

Your tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 06:30 and 06:55 AM. The first stop is Chinchero, where you’ll visit the Textile Interpretation Center. Next, you’ll explore the archaeological complex of Moray, followed by a visit to the famous salt mines of Maras. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba before continuing to Ollantaytambo to see its iconic stone terraces. The tour then takes you to Pisac, where you can visit the archaeological site and handicraft market. Finally, you’ll return to Cusco, arriving between 19:00 and 19:30.

| Pickup | Departure |

| — | — |

| 06:30 – 06:55 AM | 19:00 – 19:30 |

| Highlights |

| — |

| Chinchero Textile Center |

| Moray Archaeological Complex |

| Maras Salt Mines |

| Urubamba Buffet Lunch |

| Ollantaytambo Stone Terraces |

| Pisac Archaeological Site & Market |

Exploring Chinchero

After the initial pickup from your hotel in Cusco, the tour begins with a visit to Chinchero, a traditional Andean town known for its vibrant textile arts.

At the Textile Interpretation Center, you’ll learn about the intricate process of creating Chinchero’s famous textiles, from shearing the alpacas to dying the wool with natural pigments.

Skilled weavers demonstrate their techniques, providing insights into this centuries-old craft.

The town’s colonial church and nearby archaeological site offer a glimpse into Chinchero’s rich cultural heritage.

This immersive experience sets the stage for the day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley.

Discovering Moray

After leaving the Textile Interpretation Center, the tour continues onward to the remarkable archaeological complex of Moray.

This intriguing site features a series of circular terraces, believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation. Visitors can descend into the distinctive depressions, which may have been used to test crop cultivation at various temperatures.

The complex offers a fascinating glimpse into the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and climate adaptation.

With its unique design and historical significance, Moray provides an engaging and educational experience for all who explore its well-preserved ruins.

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Visiting the Maras Salt Mines

The tour then proceeds to the renowned Maras salt mines, a captivating destination that has been in operation for centuries.

Visitors are mesmerized by the thousands of small, rectangular salt pools carved into the mountainside, glistening in the sun. The saline water flows from a natural spring, and the evaporation process leaves behind a blanket of pure, white salt.

Some key features of the Maras salt mines:

1. Approximately 3,000 salt ponds maintained by local families.

2. Salt production has been a way of life for the Maras community for over 500 years.

3. Unique landscape with the snow-capped Andes mountains as a breathtaking backdrop.

4. Opportunity to purchase high-quality, artisanal salt as a souvenir.

Lunch in Urubamba

Following the visit to the Maras salt mines, the tour takes a break for a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba.

This picturesque town nestled in the Sacred Valley offers a variety of local Peruvian dishes. The buffet includes a selection of traditional starters, hearty main courses, and tempting desserts.

Guests can savor the flavors of the region while enjoying the scenic mountain views surrounding Urubamba. The lunch break provides a chance to refuel and recharge before continuing the exploration of the Sacred Valley’s ancient sites and stunning landscapes.

Ollantaytambo and Pisac

After the lunch break in Urubamba, the tour continues to the iconic Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo.

Explore the impressive stone terraces and ancient fortress that once guarded the entrance to the Sacred Valley.

Next, the group visits the Pisac archaeological site and its lively handicraft market.

Here, they can marvel at the Inca stonework and browse the vibrant stalls selling traditional textiles, pottery, and more.

The tour then returns to Cusco, ending around 7:30 PM.

The key highlights of this portion of the tour include:

1. Ollantaytambo: Tour the iconic Inca ruins and fortress.

2. Pisac: Discover the archaeological site and bustling handicraft market.

3. Handicrafts: Browse the vibrant stalls for traditional textiles, pottery, and souvenirs.

4. Timing: Arrive back in Cusco between 7:00 and 7:30 PM.

Tour Duration and Inclusions

As the tour progresses, it lasts a full day, running from early morning pickup at the hotel until the return to Cusco in the late evening.

The itinerary includes visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Highlights are the textile interpretation center, archaeological complexes, the famous salt mines, and a delicious buffet lunch.

The itinerary includes visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Highlights are the textile interpretation center, archaeological complexes, the famous salt mines, and a delicious buffet lunch.

Inclusions cover hotel pickup, transportation, a professional guide, the buffet lunch, and entrance fees.

With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 3 reviews, this comprehensive tour offers an excellent value for exploring the Sacred Valley and its iconic sites.

Since You Asked

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour group size is not specified in the provided information. However, it is a shared group tour, so the group size may vary depending on the number of participants booked for the particular tour date.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized. However, the provider offers flexibility with the tour’s duration and start time. Travelers should communicate any special requests or needs directly with the tour operator to see if accommodations can be made.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is needed for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a water bottle are recommended to fully enjoy the sights and experiences. The tour provider will handle any necessary gear or equipment.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

This tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Travelers of all ages can participate. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, as it involves walking at archaeological sites.

Can I Leave the Tour at a Different Location?

Yes, travelers can leave the tour at a different location. However, this should be discussed with the tour operator in advance, as it may incur additional fees or require special arrangements. Customers are advised to communicate their needs prior to the tour.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour from Cusco offers a captivating exploration of the Sacred Valley‘s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will discover the vibrant textile arts of Chinchero, the innovative agricultural techniques at Moray, and the ancient salt mines of Maras. With a delicious lunch in Urubamba and visits to the iconic Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and the bustling Pisac market, this experience provides a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s stunning landscapes and enduring traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: