Exploring the breathtaking sites of Peru’s Sacred Valley has never been more accessible. The Sacred Valley VIP Full Day tour offers an enriching experience for travelers, immersing them in the rich history and culture of the Inca civilization. With a modest price tag of just $30 per person, this comprehensive journey promises to captivate visitors through its carefully curated itinerary and the guidance of knowledgeable tour guides. From the picturesque Chinchero to the mesmerizing Maras Salt Mines, this tour invites you to uncover the wonders that have long captivated the hearts of those who venture into this enchanting region.

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Key Points

A comprehensive Sacred Valley tour covering major sites like Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Maras Salt Mines, priced from $30 per person.
Includes hotel pickup, roundtrip transportation, buffet lunch, and professional English/Spanish-speaking guide, as well as all admission tickets.
Tour accommodates up to 17 travelers and departs from Cusco at 7:00 am, with significant transportation between sites throughout the day.
Key sites visited include the traditional town of Chinchero, the archaeological site of Moray, the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, and the Maras Salt Mines.
Tour returns to Cusco around 5:30 pm, providing a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley VIP Full Day tour is a comprehensive excursion that allows visitors to explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley region near Cusco, Peru. Priced from $30 per person, the tour accommodates up to 17 travelers.

It includes hotel pickup, roundtrip transportation, a buffet lunch, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide. The tour covers the major sites of Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and the Maras Salt Mines, with the required admission tickets provided.

With an early 7:00 AM start time, the tour involves significant transportation between the various locations throughout the day.

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Inclusions

The Sacred Valley VIP Full Day tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, roundtrip transportation, a buffet lunch, and an English/Spanish-speaking professional tour guide.

Plus, the tour includes a tourist ticket for Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, as well as a ticket for the Maras Salt Mines.

With significant transportation between sites, this comprehensive tour ensures travelers can fully experience the highlights of the Sacred Valley.

Pickup Information

Pickup for the Sacred Valley VIP Full Day tour takes place between 6:45 am and 7:00 am at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.

The tour staff will be wearing company polo shirts and will call out participants’ names. Travelers should arrive at the meeting point during this pickup window to join the group.

The tour departs promptly at 7:00 am, so it’s important to be on time. The tour involves significant transportation between sites, so an early start ensures ample time to explore the Sacred Valley’s highlights.

Tour Itinerary

The tour starts promptly at 7:00 am and involves significant transportation between the sites in the Sacred Valley.

Guests will first visit Chinchero, a traditional Inca town known for its colorful textile market and Inca ruins.

Next, they’ll explore the ancient agricultural terraces of Moray, followed by the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.

After a buffet lunch, the tour continues to the Pisac Inca ruins and the Maras Salt Mines, where saltwater has been evaporated for salt production since Inca times.

The tour concludes with the return to Cusco, typically arriving back around 5:30 pm.

Chinchero

Chinchero, a traditional Inca town, is known for its colorful textile market and well-preserved Inca ruins.

Visitors can explore the remains of an Inca palace and an impressive agricultural terracing system.

The town’s main plaza features a 17th-century colonial church built on Inca foundations.

Tourists have the opportunity to witness local weavers demonstrating their traditional techniques and purchase handmade textiles and crafts.

Chinchero offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley, providing a fascinating insight into the region’s Inca past and present-day indigenous traditions.

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Moray

After visiting the traditional Inca town of Chinchero, the tour continues to Moray.

Moray is an archaeological site featuring a series of concentric circular terraces, believed to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory.

Visitors can descend into the terraces and marvel at the site’s engineering and the temperature differences between the levels.

The terraces are said to have been used to experiment with crops and growing conditions.

The unique microclimate created by the sunken circular design makes Moray a fascinating stop on the Sacred Valley tour.

Ollantaytambo

Next, the tour visits Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress and former estate of Emperor Pachacuti. The site features impressive agricultural terraces and stone ruins.

Visitors can explore:

The Ollantaytambo fortress, which served as a royal estate and spiritual center.
The Temple of the Sun, a partially reconstructed temple with intricate stonework.
The Inca baths and royal residence area, showcasing the advanced engineering of the Inca.
The Pinkuylluna storehouses, where the Inca stored surplus food and other supplies.

The tour provides a glimpse into the engineering feats and daily life of the Inca civilization.

Maras Salt Mines

Leaving Ollantaytambo, the tour proceeds to the Maras Salt Mines. This unique site consists of hundreds of salt-evaporation ponds dating back to the Inca Empire.

Visitors can observe the local workers harvesting the salt, a process that’s remained largely unchanged for centuries. The different ponds produce varying grades of salt, ranging from coarse to fine. Adventurous travelers may even get a chance to help collect the salt.

After exploring the mines, the group continues on to the nearby town of Moray, known for its ancient Inca agricultural terraces and stunning mountain vistas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Special Dietary Requests for the Buffet Lunch?

Yes, you can make special dietary requests for the buffet lunch. The tour company is accommodating and will try to meet any dietary needs or restrictions you have, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.

Do I Need to Bring Any Extra Water or Snacks for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide extra water or snacks, so it’s recommended to bring your own. Staying hydrated and having some snacks on hand can help you stay energized during the long day of touring.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks Scheduled During the Long Transportation?

The tour itinerary doesn’t explicitly mention scheduled restroom breaks, but travelers can likely request stops during the long transportation periods if needed. It’s a good idea to plan accordingly and use restrooms when available at the tour sites.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Local Crafts at the Sites?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs and local crafts at several of the sites visited on the tour, including Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Guests can find a variety of handmade textiles, pottery, and other artisanal items to bring home.

Is It Possible to Modify the Itinerary or Have a Private Tour Option?

It’s possible to modify the itinerary or request a private tour, but this would likely incur additional fees. Travelers should contact the tour company directly to discuss any customization options and associated costs prior to booking.

The Sum Up

The Sacred Valley VIP Full Day tour offers a captivating exploration of Peru’s Inca heritage. Priced affordably at $30 per person, the tour includes essential sights like Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and the Maras Salt Mines. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a delightful lunch, this comprehensive journey promises to immerse travelers in the rich history and culture of the region.