The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-visit destination for those seeking to enjoy Peru’s rich cultural heritage. This comprehensive 12-hour tour promises to showcase five of the valley’s most captivating sites, including the iconic Salt Mines of Maras and the ingenious agricultural terraces of Moray. With a small group size and a knowledgeable guide, travelers can expect a personalized and unforgettable experience, complete with a delectable buffet lunch. Uncover the secrets of the Inca civilization and witness the breathtaking natural beauty that defines this remarkable region.

Contents show

About Your Stay

This 12-hour tour offers an immersive experience covering five Inca sites, including the Salt Mines of Maras and the agricultural terraces of Moray.
The tour is designed for a maximum of 15 travelers, providing a more personalized experience with round-trip transportation, a buffet lunch, and entrance fees included.
Departing promptly at 7:00 AM from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, the tour offers pickup options and caters to travelers who may need to walk to the meeting point.
With an overall 4.5-star rating, the tour has received positive feedback for its engaging tour guides, diverse sites, and tasty lunch, but some concerns about tight schedules and transportation issues.
The operator is committed to enhancing the experience, including improving translations for non-Spanish speakers and addressing transportation comfort, while also supporting authentic shopping experiences with local artisans.

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley of the Incas 5 Places in One Day + Maras and Moray tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s historical and cultural highlights.

This 12-hour excursion takes visitors to five renowned Inca sites, including the Salt Mines of Maras and the agricultural terraces of Moray.

Led by a professional guide, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and includes round-trip transportation, a buffet lunch, and all necessary entrance fees.

Priced from $29 per person, the tour provides an immersive experience with ample time at each location, allowing travelers to capture stunning photographs and gain deeper insights into the Inca heritage.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cusco

Meeting and Pickup Information

Travelers can meet the group at the designated meeting point of Plaza de Armas de Cusco, located at Del Medio 123 in Cusco 08000, Peru.

Pickup options are available, and travelers can request this service. The tour will end back at the Plaza de Armas de Cusco.

Pickup options are available, and the tour will end back at the Plaza de Armas de Cusco.

Depending on the hotel location, travelers may need to walk a short distance to meet the guide. It’s important to be at the meeting point on time, as the tour departs promptly at 7:00 AM.

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the pickup and drop-off process aims to be efficient and convenient.

Customer Feedback and Experiences

This tour has received an impressive 4.5-star rating out of 10 reviews.

Travelers praise the engaging and fun tour guides, the good variety of sites visited, and the tasty buffet lunch.

However, some have expressed concerns about tight schedules and additional shopping stops perceived as tourist traps.

There have also been issues with transportation comfort, such as a lack of air conditioning.

For non-Spanish speakers, language barriers have posed challenges.

To enhance the experience, the operator plans to improve translations and consider adjusting the tour schedule and transportation comfort.

Tour Highlights and Recommendations

Highlights of the tour include visits to the Maras Salt Mines and Moray agricultural terraces, which offer cultural insights and ample photo opportunities. The tour guide provides helpful tips to make the most of the experience.

| Recommendations | Description |

| — | — |

| Carry Cash | Have sufficient Peruvian PEN, as ATMs are scarce along the route. |

| Be Prepared | Expect potential delays due to weather or traffic. |

| Start Early | Consider an earlier start for a more relaxed experience. |

Travelers should heed these recommendations to enhance their Sacred Valley tour.

Visiting the Maras Salt Mines

One of the highlights of the Sacred Valley tour is the visit to the Maras Salt Mines.

These ancient salt ponds, carved into the mountainside, have been in use since Inca times. Visitors can observe the traditional process of harvesting salt by evaporation.

The striking white ponds create a visually stunning landscape against the backdrop of the Andes. Travelers have the opportunity to purchase locally-sourced salt products, supporting the small-scale producers.

The Maras Salt Mines offer a unique cultural experience and insight into the region’s sustainable practices.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Exploring the Moray Agricultural Terraces

After visiting the Maras Salt Mines, the tour continues to the Moray Agricultural Terraces.

This unique Inca site features a series of concentric circular terraces, believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation.

Travelers descend into the terraces, marveling at the intricate engineering and the stunning vistas. The guide explains how the Incas utilized the site’s microclimate to cultivate a variety of crops.

Travelers descend into the terraces, marveling at the intricate engineering and the stunning vistas as the guide explains Inca agricultural practices.

Visitors have ample time to explore the terraces, take photographs, and gain a deeper understanding of Inca agricultural practices.

The tour then moves on to the next stop in the Sacred Valley.

Operator Response and Improvements

The tour operator acknowledges the feedback from customers and is committed to improving the overall experience. To address the concerns, the operator plans to enhance translations for non-Spanish speakers and consider adjusting the tour schedule and transportation comfort. Plus, the operator emphasizes their support for local artisans through the shopping stops, aiming to provide a more authentic and immersive experience.

| Proposed Improvements | Rationale | Timeline |

| — | — | — |

| Adjust tour schedule | Provide a more relaxed experience | Within 3 months |

| Improve transportation comfort | Address lack of air conditioning | Within 6 months |

| Enhance translations | Accommodate non-Spanish speakers | Immediate |

| Clarify pricing and fees | Avoid confusion | Immediate |

| Expand support for local artisans | Offer a more authentic experience | Ongoing |

Questions About Your Stay

What Kind of Clothing and Shoes Are Recommended for the Tour?

Comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Prepare for varying weather conditions, as the tour involves outdoor sites. Layers and sun protection are advised to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Requirements for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour, but it’s recommended for travelers who can handle moderate physical activity. Children under 5 may require special arrangements. Participants should be in good health and able to walk for extended periods.

Can I Purchase Additional Entrance Tickets or Activities During the Tour?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional entrance tickets or activities during the tour. The tour operator states they support local artisans, so there may be opportunities to buy souvenirs or participate in optional experiences not included in the main itinerary.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary or Duration?

The tour company may offer some flexibility to customize the itinerary or duration, though this could incur additional costs. Travelers should inquire about these options when booking the tour to ensure it meets their specific needs and preferences.

How Reliable Is the Tour Operator’s Response to Customer Feedback and Concerns?

The tour operator seems reasonably responsive to customer feedback. They acknowledge issues and plan improvements like enhancing translations and adjusting schedules. However, it’s unclear if significant changes have been implemented based on the provided information.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The "Sacred Valley of the Incas 5 Places in One Day + Maras and Moray" tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the captivating history and breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Sacred Valley. Visitors can explore the renowned Maras Salt Mines, marvel at the innovative Moray agricultural terraces, and savor a delightful buffet lunch, all while enjoying personalized attention in a small group setting. This tour provides an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the region’s profound Inca legacy.