From Cusco:Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo With Lunch

Set out on a captivating day trip from Cusco to explore the Sacred Valley’s rich cultural heritage. You’ll discover traditional Andean textile arts, marvel at Moray’s remarkable circular terraces, and wander through the historic Maras Salt Mines. Enjoy a hearty buffet lunch in Urubamba before concluding your adventure at the impressive archaeological complex in Ollantaytambo. With a knowledgeable guide and seamless transportation, this tour promises to immerse you in the stunning landscapes and captivating stories of the region.

Key Points

• Guided day trip from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, including visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo.
• Includes hotel pickup, professional guide, transportation, buffet lunch, and entrance fees, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Explore Chinchero’s Andean textile traditions, Moray’s Inca agricultural terraces, and the historic Maras Salt Mines.
• Enjoy a hearty Peruvian buffet lunch in Urubamba, featuring local dishes and Andean desserts.
• Tour the impressive archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, known as the "Last Living Inca City," with opportunities to climb Inca steps and marvel at the intricate engineering.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This guided day trip from Cusco offers an immersive exploration of the Sacred Valley, taking visitors to the picturesque sites of Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo.

Priced from $32 per person, the 9-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a professional guide, transportation, a buffet lunch, and entrance fees.

Highlights include learning about Andean textiles, marveling at Inca ruins, and visiting the famous Maras salt mines.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve a spot without upfront payment, this tour provides an accessible way to discover the region’s rich history and culture.

Cusco Hotel/Airbnb Pickup

The tour begins with a convenient hotel or Airbnb pickup in Cusco, scheduled between 6:20 am and 7:00 am. This ensures a punctual start to the day’s adventures. The pickup service is included in the tour package, allowing guests to relax and be transported directly to the first destination.

• The pickup service covers all major hotels and Airbnb accommodations in Cusco, making it easy for participants to join the tour.

• Guests are advised to be ready at their pickup location during the designated time frame to avoid delays.

• The pickup service is handled by the tour operator, providing a seamless start to the day’s activities.

• Prompt transportation ensures guests can make the most of the day’s itinerary and experience the highlights of the Sacred Valley.

Chinchero Textile Explanation and Archaeological Site

After the comfortable hotel pickup, the tour takes visitors to the town of Chinchero, known for its rich Andean textile traditions.

At a local family home, the guide provides an informative explanation of the intricate process of weaving and dyeing textiles using traditional methods.

Visitors then explore the Chinchero archaeological site, which features impressive Inca walls and a colonial church, offering a glimpse into the region’s layered history.

The stop in Chinchero provides an immersive cultural experience, allowing travelers to appreciate the enduring textile arts of the Andes.

Exploring Moray’s Circular Terraces

Departing from the vibrant textile demonstrations in Chinchero, the tour then ventures to the archaeological site of Moray.

This ancient Inca site features remarkable circular terraces, which served as an important agricultural laboratory. The concentric rings descend into the earth, creating a unique microclimate at each level.

The ingenious design allowed the Incas to experiment with various crops and growing conditions. Visitors can wander the terraces, marveling at the site’s engineering and imagining the Inca’s innovative agricultural practices.

Key highlights include:

• Circular terraces descending into the earth

• Unique microclimate at each level

• Inca agricultural experimentation site

• Impressive engineering and design

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Visiting the Maras Salt Mines

From Moray’s captivating terraces, the tour continues to the historic Maras Salt Mines.

Over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds dot the mountainside, a legacy of Inca ingenuity. Visitors descend into the picturesque valley, following the winding paths between the salt pools. The ponds glisten in the sun, their white surfaces a stark contrast to the surrounding earth tones.

Guides explain the ancient salt harvesting techniques, still used today. Participants have the chance to walk through the salt pans, brimming with the mineral-rich brine.

It’s a unique glimpse into the Andes’ enduring traditions.

Lunch in Urubamba

Next, the tour group enjoys a hearty buffet lunch in the town of Urubamba.

The spread includes:

• An array of traditional Peruvian dishes, such as lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), aji de gallina (creamy chicken), and quinoa salad.

• Fresh, seasonal produce sourced from local farms.

• Colorful vegetable sides and rice or potatoes.

• A selection of Andean desserts, like lucuma mousse and mazamorra morada (purple corn pudding).

The meal provides a satisfying midday refuel before the group continues exploring the sacred sites of the region.

Ollantaytambo: The Last Living Inca City

After their satisfying lunch in Urubamba, the tour group moves on to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, known as "The Last Living Inca City."

This impressive complex, perched on the edge of the Sacred Valley, offers a unique glimpse into the engineering prowess and enduring legacy of the Inca civilization.

Visitors can climb the steep Inca steps to reach the Temple of the Sun, marveling at the massive stone blocks that were precisely cut and fitted together.

The site’s terraced agricultural fields and intricate water channels further showcase the Incas’ advanced understanding of their environment.

Tour The Sum Up and Return

As the captivating tour of the Sacred Valley winds down, the group boards the transportation and heads back to Cusco, arriving around 3:00 pm.

The tour has provided an immersive experience, offering:

• Ample opportunities to learn about Andean textile traditions and Inca agricultural practices

• Mouthwatering Peruvian cuisine during the buffet lunch

• Breathtaking views of the stunning Inca ruins and natural landscapes

• Insightful commentary from the knowledgeable guide throughout the journey

With memories and souvenirs in hand, the participants depart the tour, eager to explore more of Cusco’s cultural riches.

Things To Know

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum number of participants required. Guests can book their spot without any upfront payment and the tour is available for individual travelers as well as groups.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also reserve a spot without any upfront payment, allowing them to book the tour now and pay later.

Can I Take My Own Transportation to the Meeting Point?

You can’t take your own transportation to the meeting point. The tour package includes hotel/Airbnb pickup, so you’ll need to meet the guide at your accommodation. This ensures a smooth start to the day’s activities.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?

The tour includes a buffet lunch with typical Peruvian dishes, but it doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions. Participants should inform the tour operator ahead of time if they have any special dietary needs.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t specify any discounts for children or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $32.00 per person, regardless of age. Customers should inquire with the tour operator for any potential age-based pricing options.

Sum Up

On this captivating day trip from Cusco, travelers will explore the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley. From discovering traditional Andean textile arts in Chinchero to marveling at the remarkable Moray terraces and the historic Maras Salt Mines, the tour culminates in the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological complex. Enjoy a delicious local lunch in Urubamba, all while benefiting from the knowledge of a guide and seamless transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here: