The Sacred Valley of Cusco offers a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant textile workshops of Chinchero to the captivating agricultural terraces of Moray and the stunning salt mines of Maras, this immersive tour provides an enriching experience. Visitors will also explore the impressive Inca architecture at Ollantaytambo and the archaeological site of Pisac, uncovering the valley’s enduring legacy. What secrets lay hidden within these ancient ruins and landscapes? Let’s delve deeper.
Key Points
- The Sacred Valley Cusco tour covers the key attractions of Chincheros, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, with guided tours and transportation.
- The tour is priced at $30 per person and includes pickup service, a bilingual guide, transportation, lunch, and entrance fees.
- Reservations are recommended at least 48 hours in advance, and the tour is not suitable for certain groups, such as pregnant women and individuals over 70.
- Highlights include exploring textile workshops and a colonial church in Chinchero, the Inca agricultural terraces in Moray, and the impressive salt mines in Maras.
- Visitors should dress in layers, bring essential items like sunscreen and a hat, and be prepared for short walks between locations during the tour.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Sacred Valley Cusco tour covers the highlights of this picturesque region, including the towns of Chincheros, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
Priced from $30 per person, the one-day tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Pickup service, bilingual guide, transportation, lunch, and entrance fees are included.
Priced at $30 per person, this one-day tour offers free cancellation, pickup service, a bilingual guide, transportation, lunch, and entrance fees.
Reservations are recommended at least 48 hours prior. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, recent surgery patients, or individuals over 70.
Visitors should dress in layers and bring necessary items like sunscreen, hat, and waterproof jacket.
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Itinerary Highlights
Starting in Cusco, the Sacred Valley Cusco tour takes guests on a journey through the region’s highlights. The tour visits:
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Chinchero, where visitors explore textile workshops and a colonial church during a 30-minute guided tour.
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Moray, an Inca site featuring remarkable circular terraces used for agricultural experimentation, with a 20-minute guided tour.
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Maras, home to impressive salt mines with over 3,000 salt ponds, explored during a 30-minute guided tour.
After lunch in Urubamba, the tour continues to Ollantaytambo for a 1-hour guided tour of significant Inca architecture, followed by a 45-minute guided visit to the archaeological site and artisan market in Pisac.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Sacred Valley Cusco tour includes pickup service from the historical center, a bilingual tour guide, bus transportation to the sites, a first aid kit, a buffet lunch in Urubamba, and entrance fees to the Sacred Valley (70 Nuevos Soles) and the salt mines (20 Nuevos Soles).
However, the tour excludes drinks, tips, and isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, recent surgery patients, or individuals over 70.
Visitors should dress in layers, bring sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof jacket. Some sites require additional tickets, and transportation includes vehicle transport and short walks.
Important Information and Recommendations
When visiting the Sacred Valley Cusco, it’s important to dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
The weather in the Sacred Valley Cusco can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers when visiting.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof jacket to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Some sites in the valley require additional tickets, so be sure to purchase the General or Partial Tourist Ticket if needed.
The tour includes vehicle transport, but there are also short walks to reach certain sites.
The tour is available in both Spanish and English, so check guide availability when booking.
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Dress in layers for unpredictable weather.
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Bring required tickets for some sites.
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Prepare for short walks between locations.
What to Bring and Restrictions
Visitors to the Sacred Valley Cusco should bring essential items like sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera, as well as an ID card (a copy is accepted).
Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour. The meeting point will require providing names and contact numbers for pick-up coordination.
This one-day tour covers highlights in Chincheros, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, so come prepared to explore ancient Inca sites and engage with local culture.
With the right gear and information, visitors can make the most of this immersive experience in the stunning Sacred Valley of Cusco.
Chinchero
One of the first stops on the Sacred Valley Cusco tour is Chinchero, a charming village nestled high in the Andes.
Visitors can expect to:
Explore the town’s colonial-era church, visit local textile workshops, and browse the lively outdoor market.
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Explore the town’s colonial-era church, known for its beautiful frescoes.
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Visit local textile workshops and observe skilled artisans weaving traditional Andean textiles.
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Spend time in the lively outdoor market, browsing an array of handcrafted souvenirs and local produce.
The guided tour of Chinchero provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region, setting the stage for the fascinating journey through the Sacred Valley that awaits.
Moray
Moray is a remarkable archaeological site located within the Sacred Valley of Cusco. Nestled in the Andes mountains, this ancient Inca site features a series of concentric circular terraces. These terraces were used for agricultural experimentation, allowing the Incas to test different crops and growing conditions. Visitors can explore the site on a guided tour, learning about the Inca’s innovative farming techniques.
| Moray | | |
|——-|:–:|:–:|
| Guided Tour | 20 minutes | Included |
| Circular Terraces | Used for agricultural experimentation | Impressive |
| Inca Farming Techniques | Innovative | Tested at this site |
Maras
Though just a short drive from the more famous archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, Maras is a unique destination that captivates visitors with its impressive salt mines.
Visitors can expect:
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A guided tour (30 minutes) of the salt mines, which consist of over 3,000 individual salt ponds.
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Witnessing the traditional salt-harvesting process that has been practiced for centuries.
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Exploring the dramatic landscape and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Maras salt mines are a must-see for anyone exploring the Sacred Valley of Cusco, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.
Things To Know
How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Disabilities?
The tour may not be suitable for people with disabilities. It’s not wheelchair-accessible and requires walking at some sites. Pregnant women, recent surgery patients, and individuals over 70 are also advised against participating.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 70 years old. It’s not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or recent surgery patients due to the physical demands of the itinerary.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Interests?
The tour doesn’t offer customizable itineraries, but you can discuss your interests with the guide to focus on the sites that interest you most. The standard itinerary covers the key highlights of the Sacred Valley.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?
The cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment, providing flexibility in planning their trip.
How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?
The tour group size typically ranges from 6 to 20 people, allowing for a more personalized experience. The exact group size can vary depending on the number of bookings for each departure.
Sum Up
The Sacred Valley Cusco tour offers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the region’s rich heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can explore vibrant textile workshops, ancient agricultural terraces, and the iconic salt mines, complemented by guided tours and a delectable buffet lunch. This comprehensive journey captures the essence of the Sacred Valley, providing an unforgettable glimpse into Peru’s captivating history and traditions.
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