Sacred Valley Tour 1 Day

The Sacred Valley Tour offers travelers a captivating one-day adventure through Incan history and stunning landscapes. Priced at €35.86 per person, this full-day excursion includes visits to remarkable sites like Pisac ruins, Moray terraces, and the Maras Salt Mines. Guests enjoy a delightful local Peruvian lunch, professional bilingual guidance, and round-trip transportation. With the opportunity to explore vibrant markets and weaving cooperatives, this tour promises a rich cultural experience amidst the scenic beauty of the Andes. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this excursion is sure to leave you captivated.

Key Points

• A one-day guided tour showcasing the Incan history and landscapes of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac ruins, Moray, Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
• Tour covers approximately 95 kilometers round trip and includes visits to various high-altitude sites, making it moderately difficult due to the walking required.
• Includes a buffet lunch featuring local Peruvian cuisine, professional bilingual guide, and round-trip transportation, but excludes entrance fees to the sites.
• Recommended items for the tour include passport or ID, change of clothes, camera, food and drinks, and other essentials for a day excursion.
• Overall traveler rating of 5/5, ensuring a memorable experience with a focus on the cultural significance of weaving in Andean communities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco is a one-day adventure that showcases the region’s Incan history and breathtaking landscapes.

Priced at €35.86 per person, the tour covers key highlights like the Pisac ruins and market, Moray, the Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can enjoy the services of a live English and Spanish-speaking guide, plus an audio guide.

The tour covers approximately 95 kilometers round trip, reaching an altitude of 3,700 meters.

With a moderate difficulty level, the full-day excursion lasts around 10 hours, including a local Peruvian lunch.

Itinerary Details

The tour departs early morning from Cusco, with the first stop at Chinchero to explore the local textile art and terraced landscapes.

Next, visitors discover the historic Maras Salt Mines and their intricate salt pans.

The tour then ventures to the mesmerizing Moray terraces, believed to be agricultural experiments by the Incas.

Lunch is served in Urubamba, showcasing the region’s Peruvian cuisine.

Afterward, the group visits the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress to learn about its strategic significance.

The final stop is Pisac, where guests can explore the vibrant market and archaeological site before returning to Cusco in the evening.

Key Statistics

Covering approximately 95 kilometers (59 miles) round trip, the Sacred Valley tour takes visitors to various sites at altitudes ranging from 2,792 meters (9,160 feet) in Urubamba to 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) at Chinchero, the highest point.

The tour is considered moderately difficult due to the high-altitude walking. Spanning roughly 10 hours, the tour covers key Incan sites like Maras Salt Mines, Moray terraces, Ollantaytambo fortress, and Pisac’s ruins and market.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Sacred Valley tour includes a professional bilingual guide, round-trip transportation, a buffet lunch, and guided tours of the Maras Salt Mines, Moray terraces, Ollantaytambo fortress, and Pisac.

A comprehensive tour of the Sacred Valley with a professional bilingual guide, transportation, lunch, and guided visits to key sites.

However, the tour excludes:

• Entrance fees to the sites (requires Boleto Turistico)

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

• Tips

Comfort stops are provided for restroom breaks and snack purchases.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with claustrophobia, non-swimmers, or those with epilepsy.

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Preparation and Recommendations

To prepare for the Sacred Valley tour, visitors should bring a passport or ID, a change of clothes, a camera, food and drinks, a credit card, insect repellent, headphones, cash, a daypack, goggles, and a first aid kit.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with claustrophobia, non-swimmers, or those with epilepsy.

The meeting point is easy to identify, as the guide will be wearing a red 69 Explorer jacket.

Based on traveler reviews, the Sacred Valley tour has an overall rating of 5/5, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Explore Chinchero Textile Art and Terraces

Travelers begin their Sacred Valley adventure at Chinchero, a picturesque town nestled high in the Andes. Here, they’ll enjoy the rich textile tradition of the region, exploring centuries-old weaving techniques and intricate designs.

The highlights include:

• Visiting a local weaving cooperative to watch skilled artisans in action

• Admiring the stunning Inca terraces, once used for agricultural purposes

• Exploring the colorful Sunday market, a hub for vibrant local crafts and produce

• Learning about the natural dyes and materials used to create the vibrant textiles

• Gaining insights into the cultural significance of weaving in Andean communities

Journey to Maras Salt Mines

Next, the tour continues its journey to the iconic Maras Salt Mines. These historic salt pans have been in use since Inca times, producing the renowned pink salt of the region. Visitors can marvel at the shimmering terraced pools carved into the mountainside. A table below highlights key details about the Maras Salt Mines experience:

| Feature | Details |

| — | — |

| Location | Situated in the Cusco Region, approximately 40 kilometers from Cusco |

| History | Salt production at Maras dates back to the Inca Empire |

| Experience | Stroll among the salt pans and learn about traditional harvesting methods |

| Duration | Around 1 hour spent exploring the salt mines |

| Difficulty | Easy walking, suitable for most fitness levels |

From the salt mines, the tour progresses to the remarkable Inca site of Moray.

Discover Moray Terraces and Ollantaytambo Fortress

After exploring the shimmering salt pans of Maras, the tour proceeds to the remarkable Inca site of Moray.

Believed to be an agricultural research laboratory, the vast terraced bowls offer a glimpse into the Inca’s advanced farming techniques.

Visitors can:

• Descend into the central depression, surrounded by concentric rings of terraces

• Marvel at the temperature variations across the different levels, a testament to Inca engineering

• Imagine the experiments and crop cultivation that once took place within this unique site

• Capture stunning panoramic views of the Sacred Valley from the top of the terraces

• Learn about the site’s historical significance and its role in the Inca Empire.

Since You Asked

How Much Is the Boleto Turistico and Where Can I Purchase It?

The Boleto Turistico, or Tourist Ticket, costs 70 Peruvian soles and can be purchased at the entrance of the archaeological sites or from authorized vendors in Cusco. It’s required to access the major attractions in the Sacred Valley.

What Are the Options for Vegetarian or Dietary-Restricted Meals?

The tour provider offers vegetarian and other dietary-restricted meals upon request. Travelers should notify the company of any special dietary needs when booking to ensure appropriate meal options are available during the lunch stop.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour and Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, travelers can extend the tour and visit additional sites. The tour operator offers customizable options to explore more of the Sacred Valley, such as visiting Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac over a longer duration.

Can I Book the Tour Directly With the Guide on the Day of the Activity?

Travelers can book the tour directly with the guide on the day of the activity, but it’s recommended to reserve in advance to ensure availability and secure the listed price. Direct bookings are subject to guide and transportation capacity.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students, Seniors, or Children?

There are no explicitly advertised discounts for students, seniors, or children on this Sacred Valley tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider directly, as they may offer special rates or promotions not listed online.

The Sum Up

The Sacred Valley Tour provides a captivating one-day journey through Incan history and breathtaking landscapes. Visitors can explore remarkable sites like Pisac ruins, Moray terraces, and the Maras Salt Mines, while savoring local Peruvian cuisine and seeing the region’s vibrant culture. With professional guidance, round-trip transportation, and the opportunity to discover traditional weaving, this tour offers a rich and memorable experience amidst the scenic beauty of the Andes.

You can check availability for your dates here: