From Cuzco: Sacred Valley Tour Moray, Salt Mines and Pisac

Set out on a captivating journey through the Sacred Valley from Cuzco. This tour showcases the region’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Explore the mesmerizing Moray terraces, uncover the fascinating Maras salt mines, and learn about the vibrant Pisac market. Enjoy comfortable transportation, a delightful lunch, and the expertise of a knowledgeable guide. Discover why this day-long adventure is a must-see for any visitor to the Cusco area.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Sacred Valley tour from Cusco visiting Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Pisac, lasting approximately 12 hours.
• Tour includes transportation, guided visits to historical and cultural sites, and lunch in Urubamba.
• Small group size limited to 15 participants for a personalized experience with a live tour guide.
• Optional visits to a local textile center in Chinchero and additional site access fees may incur extra costs.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, with a reserve now, pay later option.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco includes visits to the iconic sites of Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Pisac, offering travelers a comprehensive exploration of this stunning region.

Priced from Kč 1,040 per person, the 12-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

The 12-hour Sacred Valley Tour is priced from Kč 1,040 per person, offering free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option.

Transportation is provided in a comfortable vehicle with a small group size limited to 15 participants. A live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

The tour includes hotel pickup, guided tours, lunch, and visits to local markets and craft shops, though the tourist and Maras tickets require additional fees.

Itinerary and Highlights

After hotel pickup from one of four convenient locations in Cusco, the tour first visits Chinchero.

Travelers explore the Inca walls and colonial church, with an optional stop at a textile center.

Next, the group heads to the remarkable Moray site, featuring circular agricultural terraces built by the Incas.

The journey continues to the Maras Salt Mines, where over 3,000 salt pools have been used since Inca times.

Lunch is served in Urubamba before visiting the archaeological sites of Ollantaytambo and Pisac.

The tour returns to Cusco around 7:00 pm.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation for the Sacred Valley Tour is provided in a comfortable vehicle, such as a bus or coach.

The group size is kept small, limited to a maximum of 15 participants. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows for easier mobility during the tour.

The tour features:

1. Live tour guide available in both English and Spanish.

2. Small group size promotes a more intimate and interactive experience.

3. Comfortable transportation ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the day.

4. Flexibility to accommodate pickups from multiple locations in Cusco.

Chinchero: Inca Walls and Colonial Church

Chinchero is the first stop on the Sacred Valley tour, where visitors can explore the Inca walls and colonial church. The Inca walls here showcase the impressive stonework and engineering prowess of the Inca Empire. Nearby stands a 17th-century colonial church, a blend of Spanish and indigenous architectural styles. Travelers can also opt to visit a local textile center and learn about traditional weaving techniques.

| Inca Walls | Colonial Church | Textile Center |

| — | — | — |

| Impressive stonework | 17th-century construction | Traditional weaving |

| Engineering prowess | Spanish and indigenous styles | Learn about techniques |

| Showcase of Inca Empire | Blend of influences | Optional visit |

| First stop on tour | Stands near Inca walls | Hands-on experience |

| Explore and discover | Architectural highlight | Cultural immersion |

More Great Tours Nearby

Moray: Circular Agricultural Terraces

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Moray is a captivating Inca archaeological site renowned for its remarkable circular agricultural terraces.

Descending in stepped levels, these terraces were used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation, taking advantage of the site’s microclimate variations.

Visitors can:

1. Explore the largest of the three terraced areas, with its concentric rings reaching over 30 meters deep.

2. Imagine the Incas’ innovative farming techniques that allowed them to grow a variety of crops at this high-altitude location.

3. Marvel at the impressive engineering and construction of the terraces.

4. Capture stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Andes mountains.

Maras Salt Mines: Over 3000 Salt Pools

From the impressive Inca terraces of Moray, the tour continues to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines.

Over 3,000 salt pools dot the hillsides, remnants of Inca salt production. Visitors can wander among the terraced pools, watching local workers harvest the precious mineral. The salt is collected by hand and processed on-site, a centuries-old tradition.

The stark white of the salt against the brown earth creates a striking visual contrast. For travelers, it’s a chance to witness a unique and ancient method of salt production that has endured for generations in the Sacred Valley.

Ollantaytambo and Pisac Archaeological Sites

The tour now takes visitors to the renowned archaeological sites of Ollantaytambo and Pisac.

Ollantaytambo is a well-preserved Inca town with impressive terraced ruins, including a massive stone fortress. Visitors can explore:

Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca town, features impressive terraced ruins and a massive stone fortress for visitors to explore.

1. Inca-built stone streets and architecture

2. The impressive agricultural terraces

3. The Temple of the Sun, a significant Inca spiritual site

4. The Inca storehouses, providing insight into their advanced civilization

Next, the tour visits Pisac, known for its colorful Sunday market and the Inca ruins perched high above the town.

Exploring these sites offers a fascinating glimpse into the Inca empire’s remarkable legacy.

Inclusions and Additional Fees

The Sacred Valley tour includes hotel pickup, a professional guide, guided tours, lunch, and visits to local markets and craft shops.

However, there are a few additional fees travelers should be aware of. The Tourist Ticket, required to access the archaeological sites, costs 70 soles and must be purchased on the same day. Visitors will also need to pay 10 soles for the Maras Ticket at the entrance to the Maras Salt Mines.

While the tour covers the majority of expenses, gratuities for the guide aren’t included and should be considered.

Since You Asked

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Layers are advised as the weather can be cool, especially at higher altitudes.

How Much Spending Money Should I Bring?

For this tour, the recommended spending money is around 80-100 soles (approximately $20-25 USD). This covers the optional visit to the textile center, the tourist ticket, and the Maras ticket, with additional funds for souvenirs or personal expenses.

Are Photographs Allowed at the Sites?

Yes, photographs are generally allowed at the sites visited on the tour. However, visitors should be respectful and avoid using flash photography, which may be prohibited in certain areas for preservation purposes.

Can I Purchase Any Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes visits to local markets and craft shops where travelers can purchase souvenirs. It’s a great opportunity to find unique handmade items and support the local artisans and communities.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour offers an optional extension. Travelers can choose to add an extra 2-3 hours to explore Ollantaytambo fortress or visit additional sites like Chinchero’s weaving cooperative. This extended version costs slightly more but provides a more comprehensive Sacred Valley experience.

The Sum Up

This Sacred Valley tour from Cusco offers a captivating blend of ancient Inca sites, vibrant local markets, and natural wonders. With comfortable transportation, a small group, and a knowledgeable guide, travelers can enjoy the region’s rich history and culture. The tour’s flexibility with free cancellation and pay-later options makes it an appealing choice for an unforgettable Peruvian adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: