Sacred Valley VIP Tour – Maras Moray Salt Mines Chinchero

The Sacred Valley VIP Tour promises an immersive journey through the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes. From the remarkable Inca ruins in Chinchero to the captivating salt-harvesting techniques at Maras, this 12-hour experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the engineering marvels of the Inca civilization. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an enriching adventure, this tour provides a unique opportunity to connect with Peru’s cultural heritage in a way that leaves a lasting impression.

Key Points

• A 12-hour VIP tour of the Sacred Valley that includes visits to the Inca ruins of Maras, Moray, and Chinchero, with roundtrip transportation, a buffet lunch, and a professional guide.
• Highlights of the tour include exploring the ancient salt mines of Maras, the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, and the well-preserved Inca ruins and colonial church in Chinchero.
• The tour is restricted for individuals with high blood pressure or over 70 years old, and provides insights into the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices and engineering feats.
• The Chinchero segment includes a visit to a textile center showcasing traditional weaving techniques, and the opportunity to purchase handcrafted textiles and local crafts.
• The Moray segment allows visitors to marvel at the Inca’s experimentation with crop cultivation through the use of concentric circular terraces with varying microclimates.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley VIP Tour – Maras Moray Salt Mines Chinchero offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s cultural and historical highlights.

Priced from Kč 807 per person, the 12-hour tour departs from Cusco, providing roundtrip transportation, a buffet lunch, and a professional guide.

Visitors explore the Inca ruins of Chinchero, the agricultural terraces of Moray, and the ancient salt mines of Maras.

The tour also includes stops in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, showcasing the diversity of the Sacred Valley.

Travelers should bring comfortable clothing, cash, and personal medications, and note the tour’s restrictions for those with high blood pressure or over 70 years old.

Itinerary Highlights

Chinchero offers visitors a glimpse into the Inca’s architectural prowess, with well-preserved wall constructions and a colonial church that showcase the region’s rich history. Nearby, the circular terraces of Moray were once an important agricultural site for the Incas. Maras boasts over 3,000 salt wells, a historic Incan site still in use today. Lunch in Urubamba provides a chance to refuel. In Ollantaytambo, the "Last Living Inca City," ancient stone structures impress. Finally, the market in Pisac allows for exploration of local handicrafts and the archaeological park’s Inca stonework.

| Location | Duration |

| — | — |

| Chinchero | 25 minutes |

| Moray | 20 minutes |

| Maras Salt Mines | 30 minutes |

| Urubamba | 50 minutes |

| Ollantaytambo | 1 hour |

| Pisac | 1 hour |

Chinchero

Though known for its well-preserved Inca wall constructions, Chinchero also boasts a colonial church that blends indigenous and Spanish architectural styles.

The tour stops here for 25 minutes, allowing visitors to explore the site’s textile center, where artisans demonstrate traditional weaving techniques. Guests can browse and purchase handcrafted textiles and other local crafts.

The Inca ruins provide a glimpse into the ancient civilization’s advanced construction methods, showcasing the impressive stonework that has endured for centuries.

This stop offers a unique cultural experience within the Sacred Valley’s rich history.

Moray

Circular terraces at Moray descend into the earth, an important agricultural site where the Incas experimented with crop cultivation.

The terraces are arranged in a series of concentric circles, each level having a slightly different microclimate. This allowed the Incas to test:

The Inca’s terraced concentric circles at Moray allowed them to experiment with various microclimates for crop cultivation.

• Various elevations and soil types

• Different temperatures and moisture levels

• Diverse crop varieties

The Moray site provided invaluable insights into Inca agricultural practices and innovations that enabled their civilization to thrive in the challenging Andean environment.

Today, visitors can marvel at this remarkable feat of Inca engineering and agricultural ingenuity.

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Maras Salt Mines

Nestled in the Andes, the Maras Salt Mines captivate visitors with their ancient charm.

Guests explore over 3,000 salt wells that have been historically used by the Incas. The shallow pools naturally evaporate in the sun, leaving behind the coveted mineral. Visitors can witness locals harvesting salt using traditional techniques.

The site offers a unique glimpse into the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices. With 30 minutes allocated, guests have ample time to wander the terraced salt pans and appreciate the stunning natural landscape.

The Maras Salt Mines provide an authentic cultural experience in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Urubamba

After exploring the captivating salt mines, the tour proceeds to Urubamba, where guests enjoy a well-deserved buffet lunch.

The spread features a variety of local delicacies, including:

• Hearty Andean stews

• Fresh, vibrant salads

• Mouth-watering grilled meats

Fueled by the nutritious meal, the group continues the adventure, ready to enjoy the rich history and culture of the next destination.

The stop in Urubamba provides a much-needed respite, allowing the travelers to recharge before continuing their journey through the Sacred Valley.

Ollantaytambo

As the tour heads towards the next stop, the group arrives at the ancient Inca citadel of Ollantaytambo, known as "The Last Living Inca City".

This impressive site features finely crafted Inca stone buildings, terraces, and agricultural systems. The tour guide provides insights into the site’s history and significance, explaining how it served as a stronghold during the Spanish conquest.

Visitors have an hour to explore the ruins, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The tour then departs Ollantaytambo, heading towards the final destination of Pisac.

Pisac

The tour then heads to Pisac, where travelers explore the indigenous market for handcrafted goods.

They browse vibrant stalls showcasing an array of textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. The Archaeological Park offers a glimpse into the Incas’ remarkable stone masonry, with finely crafted buildings and terraces adorning the mountainside.

Visitors can:

• Admire the intricate weavings and patterns of traditional Andean textiles

• Discover unique pottery, figurines, and other artisanal creations

• Immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the bustling marketplace

After an hour spent in Pisac, the tour continues its journey back to Cusco.

Things To Know

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. Most tours of this nature accommodate up to 20 people to ensure a personalized experience, but the exact group size may vary depending on demand.

Are Vegetarian/Dietary-Restricted Meal Options Available?

The tour offers a buffet lunch, and the provider can accommodate vegetarian and other dietary restrictions if requested in advance. Travelers should notify the provider of any special dietary needs when booking the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed, but a buffet lunch is included in the tour price. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies or restrictions.

Are There Any Stops for Bathroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour likely includes bathroom breaks at certain stops, such as Urubamba during the buffet lunch. However, it’s always a good idea to use the restroom before departing, as availability may be limited at some sites.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?

The tour can’t be customized, but travelers can discuss adding extra stops with the operator. There are no scheduled bathroom breaks, but the guide can accommodate requests during the day. Check with the operator about any itinerary changes.

Sum Up

The Sacred Valley VIP Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Peru’s Inca heritage. Showcasing the remarkable Maras, Moray, and Chinchero sites, this immersive journey provides a fascinating insight into Inca engineering and agricultural practices. With roundtrip transportation, a buffet lunch, and a professional guide, it’s a must-do experience for history enthusiasts seeking to explore the captivating past of the Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here: