From Cusco: Sacred Valley & Salt Mines & Moray With Buffet

Explore the captivating highlights of the Sacred Valley on this comprehensive 1-day tour from Cusco. Explore the region’s rich history and cultural significance as you discover the awe-inspiring Maras salt mines and the intriguing Moray agricultural terraces. With a bilingual guide, delicious buffet lunch, and transportation provided, this tour offers an immersive and hassle-free experience that showcases the stunning Andean scenery. Uncover the ancient Inca secrets that lie within each remarkable destination, leaving you eager to learn more.

Key Points

• 1-day tour exploring the Sacred Valley, including visits to Maras salt flats and Moray agricultural terraces, starting from $30 per person.
• Comprehensive itinerary featuring Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, with hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guide, buffet lunch, and entrance fees included.
• Tour duration is approximately 12 hours, from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
• Opportunities to learn about the history, cultural significance, and engineering feats of the ancient Andean civilization.
• Scenic views showcasing the natural beauty and archaeological wonders of the Sacred Valley region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

This 1-day tour allows visitors to experience the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including the Maras salt flats and the Moray terraces.

At a price starting from $30 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, transport, a bilingual guide, a buffet lunch, and all entrance fees.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, guests can book now and pay later.

The tour duration is approximately 12 hours, from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm, providing ample time to explore the region’s ancient sites and natural wonders.

Itinerary Highlights

The day begins with a 6:30 am hotel pickup, followed by a visit to the Chinchero archaeological site and its colonial temple.

The day begins with a 6:30 am hotel pickup, followed by a visit to the Chinchero archaeological site and its colonial temple.

Next, the tour explores the Moray agricultural terraces, an ancient Inca laboratory. The group then travels to the Maras salt flats, which have been in operation since the Inca era.

An Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba provides a break before visiting the Ollantaytambo archaeological site and train terminal.

The final stop is the Pisac archaeological center and preserved Andean cemetery before returning to Cusco by 7:00 pm.

Some key highlights include:

1. Visiting the Chinchero archaeological site and colonial temple.

2. Exploring the Moray agricultural terraces.

3. Witnessing the Maras salt flats in operation since the Inca era.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup from the historic center of Cusco, tourist transport, and a bilingual guide who speaks both English and Spanish.

A buffet lunch is provided during free time in Urubamba. Entrance tickets to all sites on the itinerary are covered as well.

Travelers can expect to visit the Chinchero archaeological site, Moray agricultural terraces, the Maras salt flats, Ollantaytambo, and the Pisac archaeological center.

Throughout the day, the guide will share insights into the history and cultural significance of these impressive Andean sites.

Additional Information

Beyond the included features, the tour offers opportunities to learn about the history and cultural significance of the sites visited.

Guests will explore the archaeological centers of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, gaining insights into the region’s Inca legacy. The scenic views at each location showcase the natural beauty and engineering feats of the ancient Andean civilization.

Key highlights include:

1. Learning about the history and purpose of the Moray agricultural terraces, an Inca-era "laboratory" for crop experimentation.

2. Appreciating the cultural significance of the Maras salt flats, which have been in operation since the Inca era.

3. Exploring the Chinchero archaeological site and colonial-era temple.

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Booking and Meeting Details

Travelers can check availability for desired start times when booking the tour. They select the number of participants and their preferred date.

The meeting point is available in Google Maps for convenient navigation. Guests should note that travel insurance isn’t included and is an additional expense.

The tour provides a thorough exploration of the Sacred Valley, Maras salt flats, and Moray terraces, showcasing the region’s rich history and cultural significance.

With a duration of one day and an affordable price starting at $30 per person, this tour offers an immersive experience in the Cusco area.

Chinchero Archaeological Site and Colonial Temple

After being picked up from their hotel at 6:30 am, travelers first visit the Chinchero archaeological site and colonial temple.

This site showcases:

1. Inca ruins, including the remains of palaces, plazas, and agricultural terraces.

2. A colonial-era church built on Inca foundations, featuring impressive murals and altars.

3. A traditional Andean textile workshop, where visitors can observe the ancient weaving techniques.

Situated at an elevation of over 12,000 feet, Chinchero provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region and sets the stage for the day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley.

Moray Agricultural Terraces

From Chinchero, the tour proceeds to the remarkable Moray agricultural terraces, an ancient Inca engineering marvel. This unique site features a series of circular terraces descending into a natural depression, believed to have been an experimental agricultural laboratory. The terraces display a range of microclimates, allowing the Incas to test crop cultivation at different elevations. Visitors can explore the site and observe the intricate design that showcases the Inca’s advanced understanding of agronomy and hydrology.

| Site | Elevation | Purpose | Features |

| —- | ——— | ——- | ——– |

| Moray | 3,500 m | Agricultural experimentation | Circular terraces, microclimate testing |

| Maras | 3,380 m | Salt production | Salt evaporation ponds, Inca-era techniques |

| Ollantaytambo | 2,792 m | Inca administrative center | Towering ruins, sacred sites, train station |

Maras Salt Flats

The Maras salt flats are the next destination on the tour, located at an elevation of 3,380 meters.

Here, visitors can observe the ancient Inca salt-making process that has been in operation since the 15th century. The salt ponds are filled with salty water that evaporates, leaving behind the valuable mineral.

Visitors can:

1. Witness the locals manually harvesting salt.

2. Admire the striking geometric patterns created by the salt ponds.

3. Learn about the cultural and economic significance of salt production in the region.

After exploring the salt flats, the tour continues to the agricultural terraces of Moray.

Things To Know

Can I Book This Tour for a Group of 10 or More?

Yes, you can book this tour for a group of 10 or more. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option, making it easy to accommodate larger groups.

Is Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free Food Available for the Buffet Lunch?

The tour provider offers a variety of dietary options for the buffet lunch, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Guests should inform the company of any special dietary requirements when booking the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Participants are recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. No formal attire is required for this activity.

Can I Take Photographs at the Archaeological Sites?

Yes, visitors can take photographs at the archaeological sites during the tour. The itinerary allows for free time to explore the sites and capture the scenic views and cultural significance of the ancient ruins.

Is There Any Discount Available for Children or Seniors?

Yes, there’s a discounted rate for children and seniors on this tour. Children under 12 receive a 10% discount, while seniors 65 and older get 15% off the regular per-person price.

Sum Up

This captivating 1-day tour from Cusco takes visitors on a journey through the Sacred Valley, showcasing the stunning Maras salt mines and the intriguing Moray agricultural terraces. With a comprehensive itinerary, delicious buffet lunch, and knowledgeable bilingual guide, it’s an immersive experience that allows travelers to explore the rich history and cultural significance of these remarkable Andean sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: