From Cusco: Sacred Valley Tour Salineras De Maras and Moray

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco provides an exceptional opportunity to explore two of Peru’s iconic sites – the Salineras de Maras and the Moray agricultural terraces. Priced affordably, the full-day excursion includes convenient hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and an expert bilingual guide to enrich the experience. Guests can savor an Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba and uncover the region’s rich cultural heritage, making it a memorable adventure in Peru’s breathtaking landscape. What awaits visitors at these remarkable destinations?

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Key Points

A full-day tour from Cusco that visits the Salineras de Maras salt ponds and the Moray agricultural terraces, showcasing the Sacred Valley’s archaeological and natural wonders.
The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and an Andean buffet lunch, priced from $27 per person.
Highlights of the tour include the Chinchero archaeological site, Moray agricultural laboratory, Maras salt ponds, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac terraces.
The tour has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on customer reviews, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guide and the tour’s highlights.
Flexible booking allows reservation without immediate payment, and the cancellation policy offers a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the remarkable archaeological sites and natural wonders of this historic region.

The full-day tour includes visits to the Salineras de Maras salt ponds, the Moray agricultural terraces, and other highlights of the Sacred Valley. Priced from $27 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and lunch.

Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can book the tour without immediate payment.

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Itinerary Highlights

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco kicks off with a 6:30 am hotel pickup, whisking visitors away to explore the archaeological site in Chinchero and its colonial temple. Next, the tour delves into the agricultural laboratory of Moray, where Inca-era terraces showcase ancient farming techniques. The journey continues to the Maras salt ponds, in use since Inca times. After an Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba, the tour visits the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological site before concluding at the Pisac terraces. Throughout the day, a bilingual guide provides insights and commentary.

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Inclusions

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco includes several key features to enhance the experience.

Guests enjoy hotel pickup in Cusco and round-trip transportation. A bilingual guide accompanies the group, providing insights throughout the day.

Lunch at Urubamba, an Andean buffet, is included. The tour covers top attractions like the archaeological site in Chinchero, the agricultural laboratory of Moray, the Maras salt ponds, Ollantaytambo, and the Inca terraces in Pisac before returning to Cusco.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley’s iconic sites and cultural heritage.

Customer Reviews

While the Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco received a mixed bag of customer reviews, with an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews, there were both positive and negative sentiments expressed.

Some customers praised the knowledgeable guide Andy, highlighting his performance. However, others were less satisfied, commenting on the effectiveness of the guide and the quality of the included lunch.

Despite the mixed feedback, the tour’s offerings, including visits to the Salineras de Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo, seem to have appealed to most guests, suggesting a generally worthwhile experience.

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Booking Information

To check availability for the Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco, customers can select their preferred starting time and the number of participants before booking.

The tour offers flexibility, allowing customers to reserve their spot without immediate payment. When booking, customers should consider the following:

Customers can reserve their spot on the Sacred Valley Tour without immediate payment, allowing for flexible booking.

Choose from multiple daily tour start times
Select the desired number of participants
Review tour inclusions and exclusions
Familiarize with the free cancellation policy
Ensure the tour aligns with their schedule and interests

Once the booking is complete, customers can look forward to an immersive exploration of the Sacred Valley’s renowned archaeological sites and natural wonders.

There's plenty more to explore in Urubamba

Exploring the Archaeological Site in Chinchero

After being picked up from their hotel in Cusco, visitors embark on their exploration of the Sacred Valley.

The first stop is the archaeological site in Chinchero. This pre-Inca and Inca site features a colonial-era church with ornate frescoes. Visitors wander through the ruins, marveling at the intricate stonework and terraces. The guide provides insights into the site’s history and cultural significance.

Next, they visit the nearby colonial temple, where they can observe the blending of indigenous and European architectural styles. This stop offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region before continuing the journey through the Sacred Valley.

Discovering the Agricultural Laboratory of Moray

Next, the tour proceeds to the remarkable agricultural laboratory of Moray.

This Inca site features large, circular terraces descending into a bowl-shaped depression. The terraces were used as an agricultural testing ground, with each level having a different microclimate. This allowed the Incas to experiment with growing different crops and determine optimal conditions.

Key features of Moray include:

Circular, descending agricultural terraces
Each terrace has a unique microclimate
Used for agricultural experimentation by the Incas
Intriguing example of Inca engineering and innovation
A highlight of the Sacred Valley tour

Visiting the Maras Salt Ponds

From Moray, the tour moves on to the remarkable Maras salt ponds.

Used since Inca times, the Maras salt ponds sit in a dramatic valley setting. Visitors can wander through the terraced salt ponds, watching as workers harvest the salt.

The ponds glisten in the sunlight, creating a striking visual contrast with the surrounding mountains. Guests have the opportunity to purchase salt directly from the workers, allowing them to take home a unique souvenir.

The Maras salt ponds offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and provide a memorable experience for those exploring the Sacred Valley.

Things To Know

Is Wheelchair Access Available for the Tour Sites?

The tour itinerary does not explicitly mention wheelchair accessibility. It’s best to check directly with the tour operator to inquire about any special accommodations or accessibility options available for visitors with mobility needs.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes lunch, but travelers are welcome to supplement this with their own provisions if they prefer. There are no restrictions on bringing personal snacks or beverages.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions or requirements. Travelers of all ages can participate. Children under a certain age may be eligible for discounted tickets, but the tour is open to adults and families alike.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group Instead of a Shared Group?

Yes, you can book the tour as a private group. The tour operator offers private group options, allowing you to customize the experience and have the guide and transportation just for your group.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility to reschedule if needed. Customers can reserve their spot without immediate payment, giving them time to finalize their plans.

Sum Up

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco offers a captivating exploration of the region’s cultural and natural wonders. Visitors can enjoy the stunning landscapes of Salineras de Maras and Moray, while learning about the area’s rich heritage. With an Andean buffet lunch, hotel pickup, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides a comprehensive and memorable experience in Peru’s breathtaking Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here: