The Sacred Valley Tour offers a captivating journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient Inca ruins, encounter vibrant local culture, and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Andes mountains. From the intricate stonework of Chinchero to the mesmerizing salt ponds of Salinas De Maras, each destination promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this tour provides an opportunity to explore the rich heritage and natural wonders of the region.

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Key Points

Explore the stunning Inca ruins and colonial architecture of Chinchero, set at an elevation of 3,762 meters.
Discover the ancient salt ponds of Salinas de Maras, offering a tranquil immersion in local history against snow-capped peaks.
Marvel at the circular terraces of Moray, an Inca agricultural laboratory with breathtaking Andean vistas.
Visit the impressive stone fortifications and temples of Ollantaytambo, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Customize your Sacred Valley tour to include additional archaeological sites and outdoor activities for a personalized experience.

Exploring Chinchero

Why does Chinchero serve as a popular starting point for the Sacred Valley tour?

Situated at an elevation of 3,762 meters, Chinchero boasts impressive Inca ruins and colonial architecture. Visitors can explore the remains of an Inca palace, admire the intricate stonework, and marvel at the colorful local textiles.

At an elevation of 3,762 meters, Chinchero offers impressive Inca ruins, colonial architecture, and a showcase of intricate local textiles.

The town’s Sunday market is a highlight, where locals sell traditional crafts and produce.

From Chinchero, the tour progresses to the nearby Salinas de Maras, a series of salt ponds that have been in use since Inca times.

This versatile starting point sets the stage for a captivating journey through the Sacred Valley.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Discovering Salinas De Maras

After exploring the captivating Inca ruins and colonial architecture of Chinchero, the Sacred Valley tour then takes visitors to the remarkable Salinas de Maras.

These ancient salt ponds have been used for salt production since Inca times. Guests can wander along the terraced ponds, each one a unique shade of white, pink, and brown.

They’ll learn about the painstaking process of harvesting salt by hand. This stunning natural landscape, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, offers a tranquil respite and a chance to take in the region’s rich history and traditions.

Marveling at Moray

The Sacred Valley tour then takes visitors to the remarkable archaeological site of Moray.

Situated amid the Andes, Moray features a series of circular terraces, each one descending progressively. Scholars believe these terraces were an Inca agricultural laboratory, used to study crop cultivation at different microclimates.

Moray features a series of circular terraces, believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory for studying crop cultivation across microclimates.

Visitors can explore the concentric rings, marveling at the ingenuity of the Inca engineers. The site offers stunning vistas, with the snow-capped peaks of the Andes providing a dramatic backdrop.

Moray is a testament to the Inca’s advanced understanding of agriculture and their ability to thrive in the challenging Andean environment.

Visiting Ollantaytambo

Continuing the Sacred Valley tour, visitors arrive at the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo.

This ancient Inca stronghold features:

Massive stone terraces climbing up the hillside
Impressive stone fortifications and temples
Remnants of Inca water management systems
Breathtaking mountain vistas surrounding the site

Ollantaytambo provides a glimpse into the engineering prowess and strategic thinking of the Inca.

Guests can explore the ruins, learn about Inca history, and take in the awe-inspiring natural setting.

The flexibility of the tour allows ample time to fully experience this remarkable archaeological site.

Highlights of the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley tour showcases a rich tapestry of Inca history and cultural heritage.

Visitors will explore the archaeological site of Chinchero, known for its well-preserved Inca ruins and colonial church.

Next, they’ll marvel at the Salinas de Maras, a stunning network of salt evaporation ponds.

The tour then takes them to Moray, an Inca agricultural experiment station featuring concentric terraced circular depressions.

Finally, they’ll discover the iconic fortress of Ollantaytambo, once an important stronghold during the Inca Empire.

With a flexible itinerary, guests can spend more time at their preferred locations, seeing the valley’s captivating past.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Customizing Your Tour Experience

Although the standard Sacred Valley tour covers the highlights, travelers can customize their experience to suit their interests and preferences.

Travelers can customize their Sacred Valley experience to suit their unique interests and preferences beyond the standard tour.

The private tour allows for a flexible itinerary, enabling visitors to spend more time at their preferred locations.

Key customization options include:

Exploring additional archaeological sites beyond the standard itinerary
Arranging private meetings with local artisans or cultural experts
Incorporating outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or horseback riding
Tailoring the pace and timing to match individual energy levels and schedules

This personalized approach ensures an enriching and memorable Sacred Valley experience.

Transportation and Logistics

As part of the Sacred Valley tour, the private transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle. This ensures a comfortable journey as you explore the archaeological sites and stunning landscapes.

The fuel surcharge, gratuities, lunch, and snacks are all included in the tour price, making it a hassle-free experience. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from any location in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, providing flexibility.

The tour operates Monday through Sunday, with confirmed start times between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Whether you’re arriving at the Cusco airport or your hotel, the logistics are seamlessly handled.

Reviews and Recommendations

According to the 7 reviews, this Sacred Valley tour has an impressive 5.0 overall rating.

The tour is well-received by travelers, who praise its:

Travelers praise the tour’s informative guides, flexibility, comfortable transportation, and delicious included meals.

Informative guides who share rich Inca history and culture
Flexibility to spend more time at preferred locations
Seamless transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
Delicious included lunch and snacks to fuel the adventure

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers, including infants who can sit on laps.

With free cancellation and a "Reserve Now, Pay Later" option, this Sacred Valley tour offers excellent value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

The minimum group size for the private Sacred Valley tour from Cusco is not specified. The tour can accommodate groups of any size, with the price per person varying depending on the total number of participants.

Can the Tour Start From Any Location in Cusco?

The tour offers pickup from any location in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, allowing flexibility for travelers. The meeting point is available in Cusco, providing convenient options to start the tour.

Is the Tourist Ticket Included in the Price?

Yes, the tourist ticket (S/ 80 soles) which covers all the archaeological sites is included in the tour price. The pricing ranges from $102.57 per person, depending on the group size.

Can the Tour End at Any Location in the Sacred Valley?

The tour can end at various locations throughout the Sacred Valley, including the train station, airport, bus station, hotel, or restaurant. This flexibility allows guests to continue their travels or return to Cusco conveniently.

Is There a Dress Code or Special Clothing Required?

There’s no formal dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. The tour involves visits to archaeological sites, so casual, modest attire that allows for easy movement is best.

The Sum Up

The Sacred Valley Tour offers an unforgettable adventure, showcasing Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich Inca heritage. Visitors can explore iconic sites, marvel at intricate stonework, and enjoy the vibrant local culture. Whether it’s the breathtaking views, the fascinating history, or the opportunity to customize the experience, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on it.