From Cusco: Sacred Valley With Maras and Moray Without Lunch

Exploring the Sacred Valley from Cusco, this day trip offers a chance to discover the mesmerizing sites of Maras and Moray. Departing early, visitors can expect a captivating journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich cultural insights, and the opportunity to witness the unique salt mines and circular terraces that have long fascinated travelers. With a professional guide and hassle-free logistics, this experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of the Andes.

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Key Points

A day-long tour exploring key sites in the Sacred Valley, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
Round-trip transportation from Cusco and a professional bilingual guide are included.
Option to be dropped off in Ollantaytambo around 3:00 pm.
Entrance tickets for all sites are handled by the tour provider.
No lunch is provided, allowing participants to explore the local cuisine on their own.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a day-long exploration of the Sacred Valley, starting with a 6:30 am pickup from an agreed meeting point.

It covers key sites like Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo, providing a guided experience with free time for photos.

Visitors can expect round-trip transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and the option to be dropped off in Ollantaytambo around 3:00 pm.

While lunch isn’t included, the tour provides a comprehensive look at the region’s Inca and colonial history, as well as its renowned textile crafts and salt production.

The tour concludes with a visit to Pisac before returning to Cusco.

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Itinerary Highlights

After a 6:30 am pickup from the agreed meeting point, the tour first visits Chinchero, where guests explore Inca and colonial temples and observe local Andean textile crafts.

Next, the group travels to Moray, where they’ll discover the circular terraces and learn about their guided explanation. Guests then have free time to take photos.

The tour next visits Moray, where guests explore the circular terraces and learn about their guided explanation. Visitors then have free time to capture photos.

The tour continues to Maras, where visitors witness salt mines and local salt production.

Lastly, the group explores the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo before returning to Cusco around 6:30-7:00 pm, with an optional drop-off in Ollantaytambo around 3:00 pm.

Transportation and Accessibility

Round trip transportation is included in the tour. Guests are picked up from an agreed upon meeting point in Cusco at 6:30 am.

The tour involves walking only within the archaeological sites. There’s an option to be dropped off in Ollantaytambo around 3:00 pm if you don’t want to continue the full itinerary back to Cusco.

The return to Cusco is expected between 6:30-7:00 pm. The transportation is provided in a comfortable vehicle, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey through the Sacred Valley.

Guide and Language

As part of the tour, a professional bilingual guide accompanies the group, providing live commentary in both Spanish and English throughout the day.

Whether guests are native Spanish or English speakers, the guide ensures everyone can fully understand and engage with the historical and cultural information shared at each site.

With expertise in the region’s heritage, the guide offers valuable insights, answering questions and enhancing the overall tour experience.

This bilingual support makes the Sacred Valley adventure accessible and enriching for all participants.

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Costs and Tickets

To visit the Sacred Valley sites, travelers will need to purchase a tourist ticket, which costs 70 soles for key attractions like Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.

Plus, the Salineras (salt mines) in Maras require a separate 10 soles ticket. For foreign visitors, the general admission ticket costs 130 soles, plus 10 soles for the Salineras Maras.

This covers the entrance fees for the entire tour. The tour provider will handle the ticket purchases, ensuring a seamless experience for guests.

The tourist ticket provides access to the most significant archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley.
The Salineras ticket allows visitors to explore the traditional salt production in Maras.
Purchasing tickets through the tour provider simplifies the process for travelers.

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Chinchero: Inca and Colonial Temples, Local Andean Textile Crafts

The tour begins at the charming town of Chinchero, where visitors can admire the Inca and colonial-era temples that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The guide provides insights into the architectural features and historical significance of these structures.

Nearby, locals demonstrate the traditional Andean textile-making techniques, offering a glimpse into the vibrant weaving culture of the Sacred Valley.

Visitors can witness the intricate process of dyeing and weaving, and even have the opportunity to purchase unique handcrafted products as souvenirs.

This stop provides a captivating introduction to the cultural treasures that await throughout the tour.

Moray: Circular Terraces With Guided Explanation and Free Time for Photos

From Chinchero, the tour moves on to the remarkable site of Moray.

This intriguing archaeological site features a series of concentric circular terraces, believed to have been an Inca agricultural research station.

With a guided explanation, visitors can learn about the site’s purpose and engineering marvels.

Afterward, they’ll have free time to explore the terraces and capture stunning photos.

Moray offers:

Insight into Inca agricultural innovations
Breathtaking views of the circular terraces
Opportunity for uninterrupted exploration and photography

The tour then proceeds to the next stop, the salt mines of Maras.

Maras: Salt Mines and Local Market Salt Production

After exploring the captivating Moray site, the tour moves on to Maras, where visitors can witness the unique salt mines and local market salt production.

The Maras salt mines, dating back to pre-Inca times, consist of thousands of small pools where salt is extracted from a salty spring. Visitors can walk through the salt pans and see the locals harvesting salt.

The tour also includes a visit to the local market where the salt is sold. Here, visitors can learn about the traditional salt-making process and purchase some of the high-quality salt produced in Maras.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food for the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food for the tour. The tour overview doesn’t mention if lunch is included, so you’re free to pack your own meal to eat during the day.

Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not mention any discounts for children or seniors. Pricing is listed as a flat rate of $23 per person, with no special pricing tiers indicated.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Interests?

While the tour’s itinerary is set, you can likely customize the experience to better fit your interests by discussing options with the tour provider. They may be able to accommodate special requests or modifications within the tour’s scope.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Site Visit?

The tour’s itinerary allocates approximately 1-2 hours at each site, including Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. The tour guide will provide commentary and allow time for photos at each location.

Are Professional Cameras Allowed at the Sites?

Professional cameras are generally allowed at the sites. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour guide or local authorities to confirm any restrictions or fees that may apply for using professional photography equipment.

Sum Up

This day trip from Cusco to the Sacred Valley provides a captivating exploration of Maras and Moray. Visitors will uncover the fascinating circular terraces of Moray and the unique salt mines of Maras, while a professional bilingual guide offers insights into the rich history and culture of the region. Convenient round-trip transportation and hassle-free entrance fees ensure a seamless and memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: