From Cusco: Sacred Valley Tour Moray, Pisac & Maras Salt Min

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Sacred Valley from Cusco. Discover the agricultural wonders of Moray’s circular terraces, the vibrant Pisac market, and the ancient salt ponds of Maras. This comprehensive tour blends history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes into a single day excursion. Indulge in a buffet lunch in Urubamba, making it a truly immersive experience. What secrets does the Sacred Valley hold?

Good To Know

• Comprehensive one-day Sacred Valley tour from Cusco, visiting iconic sites like Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
• Opportunity to explore the traditional textile center of Chinchero, where skilled local weavers demonstrate their techniques.
• Discover the remarkable archaeological site of Moray, featuring circular terraces used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation.
• Tour the ancient Maras salt mines, showcasing over 3,000 salt ponds carved into the mountainside and harvested using traditional methods.
• Flexible booking with hotel pickup, buffet lunch, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley Tour is a comprehensive one-day excursion that takes visitors to several of the region’s most iconic sites, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.

A comprehensive one-day tour that explores the iconic sites of the Sacred Valley, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.

Priced from $59 per person, the tour runs in English and Spanish. Flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make it easy to plan.

The day starts with hotel pickup at 6:30 AM and includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba.

Key highlights are exploring Inca ruins, traditional textile centers, and the ancient Maras salt ponds.

The tour ends with return to Cusco.

Itinerary Highlights

The Sacred Valley Tour begins with hotel pickup at 6:30 AM.

First, you’ll visit the traditional textile center of Chinchero for 45 minutes.

Then, you’ll explore the archaeological site of Moray with its circular terraces for another 45 minutes.

Next, you’ll tour the ancient Maras salt mines, with over 3,000 salt ponds, for 45 minutes.

After a buffet lunch in Urubamba lasting 80 minutes, you’ll visit the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo for 45 minutes.

The tour ends with a visit to the market and archaeological site of Pisac for 45 minutes before returning to Cusco.

Chinchero: Traditional Textile Center

Visitors start their Sacred Valley Tour with a visit to the traditional textile center of Chinchero. Here, they’ll discover:

1. Skilled local weavers demonstrating their centuries-old techniques, using natural dyes and traditional looms.

2. A vibrant market where artisans sell handwoven textiles, clothing, and souvenirs.

3. The opportunity to purchase unique, high-quality products directly from the creators.

The 45-minute stop in Chinchero provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region and the importance of textile production in Andean communities.

Moray: Circular Terraces Exploration

After visiting Chinchero, the tour continues to Moray, where visitors can explore the remarkable archaeological site featuring a series of circular terraces. These terraces, carved into a natural bowl-shaped depression, were used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation, taking advantage of the distinct microclimate created by the structure. Visitors can wander along the terraces, marveling at the Incas’ engineering prowess.

| Purpose | Depth | Temperature |

|——|——-|————-|

| Agricultural Experimentation | 150 meters | Up to 15°C difference |

The site offers a glimpse into the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and climate.

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Maras: Ancient Salt Mines Tour

Departing Moray, the tour makes its way to the Maras salt mines, an ancient site where over 3,000 salt ponds have been meticulously carved into the mountainside.

Visitors have 45 minutes to explore this unique and captivating landscape:

1. Witness the intricate system of salt ponds fed by a natural spring, where salt has been harvested since pre-Inca times.

2. Observe local workers collecting salt using traditional methods, providing a glimpse into a centuries-old practice.

3. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes mountains, providing a stunning backdrop to this one-of-a-kind experience.

Ollantaytambo: Inca Ruins Visit

After exploring the Maras salt mines, the tour makes its way to the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo.

This archaeological site was once a thriving Inca town and stronghold. Visitors can wander through the impressive stone structures, terraced agricultural fields, and water channels that provided the town’s water supply.

The massive stone fortress overlooking the valley was a strategic military position during the Inca Empire. Guests will have 45 minutes to explore the site and learn about its history and significance from the knowledgeable, English-speaking guide.

Pisac: Market and Archaeological Site

The final stop on the Sacred Valley tour is Pisac, where visitors can explore both the lively local market and the impressive Inca archaeological site.

At the market, travelers can browse stalls selling colorful textiles, handicrafts, and local produce.

The archaeological site offers stunning views of the Urubamba River valley and features:

1. Impressive terraced farming fields.

2. Remains of an ancient Inca citadel.

3. Intricately carved stonework and architecture.

After exploring Pisac, the tour returns to Cusco, concluding a comprehensive day of discovering the Sacred Valley’s rich history and culture.

Inclusions and Important Information

The Sacred Valley tour includes several key inclusions to provide a comprehensive experience for travelers.

Pickup from the hotel, transportation to the Sacred Valley sites, and an English and Spanish-speaking guide are all provided.

Lunch at a buffet in Urubamba and return transportation to Cusco are also part of the package.

Travelers will need to pay the Cusco tourist ticket (70 PEN) and the entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines (20 PEN) on-site.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and drones aren’t allowed.

Flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Another Activity in Cusco?

Yes, one can combine the Sacred Valley tour with other activities in Cusco. This tour has a flexible itinerary, allowing travelers to add or customize their experience based on their interests and available time.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water and Snacks?

The tour includes a buffet lunch, but it’s a good idea to bring your own water and snacks. Staying hydrated and having extra sustenance can help you better enjoy the day’s activities.

Is There an Option to Visit Machu Picchu on This Tour?

No, there’s no option to visit Machu Picchu on this Sacred Valley tour. The itinerary focuses on other archaeological sites like Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. This is a separate day trip from Cusco.

Can I Visit the Sites at My Own Pace or Do I Have to Follow the Group?

The tour follows a set itinerary, so travelers can’t visit the sites at their own pace. However, there’s ample time allocated for each stop, allowing guests to explore independently within the given timeframe.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer discounts for students or seniors. However, the flexible booking option allows you to reserve now and pay later, which could help manage your budget. Travelers should inquire about any promotions or deals when booking.

The Sum Up

This Sacred Valley tour from Cusco offers a captivating blend of Inca history, vibrant local culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can explore the unique circular terraces of Moray, marvel at the ancient salt ponds of Maras, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Pisac market. With a delightful buffet lunch and knowledgeable guides, this excursion provides an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to discover the wonders of the Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here: