The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a captivating journey into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. This full-day excursion takes visitors through breathtaking landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and the stunning salt ponds of Maras. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide, travelers can enjoy the region’s history and traditions, while enjoying a delectable buffet lunch. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that may just leave you craving for more.

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Key Points

Full-day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including visits to Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and the Salt Mines of Maras.
Tour is priced at $40 per person and accommodates up to 15 participants.
Tour includes a bilingual guide, buffet lunch with vegan options, and site admission tickets.
Transportation provided from hotels in Cusco’s historic center, with no pickups from private residences.
Tour is non-refundable, and cancellation policy should be reviewed before booking.

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley of Incas Full Day Trip provides travelers an opportunity to explore the historic and picturesque region of the Inca Empire. Priced from $40 per person, the tour accommodates up to 15 participants and departs from the historic center of Cusco at 6:30 am.

Included are a bilingual tour guide, buffet lunch with vegan options, and partial or full-access tickets to key sites. Transportation is provided from hotels within Cusco’s historic center, but not private residences.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with heart conditions or other serious medical concerns.

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Inclusions

This Sacred Valley of Incas Full Day Trip includes a bilingual tour guide who provides services in both Spanish and English.

Travelers will enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, with a vegan option available.

The tour includes transport from hotels in the historic center of Cusco, excluding private residences.

Admission to the Partial Tourist Ticket (70 soles per person) for 10 days or the Full Sites Ticket (130 soles) is included, as well as entrance fees for the salt mines of Maras (20 soles per person).

The tour starts at 6:30 am and isn’t suitable for those with certain medical conditions.

Pickup Information

Where are pickups offered for this Sacred Valley of Incas Full Day Trip?

Pickups are provided from hotels within the historic center of Cusco only. This excludes private residences such as Airbnbs.

The tour starts at 6:30 am, so prompt pickup is essential.

Key pickup details:

Pickup from hotels in Cusco’s historic center
No pickups from private residences
Tour departs at 6:30 am

Travelers should be ready for on-time pickup to ensure a smooth start to their Sacred Valley adventure.

Cancellation Policy

As per the cancellation policy, there are no refunds for cancellations on this Sacred Valley of Incas Full Day Trip.

The tour is non-refundable, meaning customers won’t receive any money back if they decide to cancel their booking. This policy applies regardless of the reason for cancellation.

The tour is non-refundable, meaning customers won’t receive any money back if they decide to cancel their booking, regardless of the reason.

Customers should be aware of this policy before making a reservation. It’s important to consider the cancellation terms carefully and ensure the trip fits their schedule before booking.

This policy ensures the tour operator can effectively manage their operations and resources.

Highlights of the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is renowned for its remarkable Inca ruins, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

Highlights of this captivating region include:

Exploring the awe-inspiring Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress and urban center with impressive stone terraces and temples.
Marveling at the salt ponds of Maras, a stunning patchwork of evaporation ponds used for salt extraction since Inca times.
Discovering the charming town of Pisac, famous for its colorful indigenous market and the impressive Inca ruins perched on the mountainside.

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Visiting the Salt Mines of Maras

Although small in scale, the Salt Mines of Maras offer visitors a captivating glimpse into the region’s ancient salt production methods that have been in use since Inca times.

Nestled in the Andes, the thousands of salt-harvesting pools create a striking visual against the rugged terrain. Visitors can explore the salt terraces, observing the local workers scrape and collect the salt crystals.

The unique microclimate allows for year-round salt production, an integral part of the local economy. After visiting the mines, travelers can purchase various salt products, from cooking salts to bath salts, directly from the community.

Exploring Ollantaytambo Fortress

After visiting the salt mines, travelers continue their journey to the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress.

This Inca site offers a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the empire.

Highlights include:

Massive stone terraces that once served as military, religious, and agricultural functions
Intricately carved stone walls demonstrating the engineering feats of the Incas
Stunning views of the Urubamba River valley from the top of the fortress

Visitors can explore the ruins, climb the steep staircases, and imagine the bustling activity that once filled this ancient stronghold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Water and Snacks?

The tour doesn’t include water or snacks, so it’s recommended to bring your own. You’ll likely be out for the full day, so having hydration and light refreshments on hand can make the experience more comfortable.

Can We Make Additional Stops Along the Way?

Yes, travelers can make additional stops along the way, but this may incur extra costs or require renegotiating the tour itinerary with the tour provider. It’s best to confirm any desired stops with the tour company beforehand.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for most travelers, though not recommended for individuals with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Children are welcome to participate in the tour.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Our Preferences?

The tour operator doesn’t offer custom itineraries. However, the standard itinerary includes key Inca sites in the Sacred Valley, with a buffet lunch and transportation provided. Travelers can’t modify the pre-set tour program.

What Is the Dress Code for This Excursion?

The tour does not have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Layering is advised as the weather can be cool, especially at higher elevations.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating history and stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley on this full-day excursion. Discover the ancient Inca sites of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and marvel at the mesmerizing salt ponds of Maras. With a bilingual guide, delectable lunch, and hassle-free transportation, this tour offers an unforgettable cultural experience for a great value.