Super Sacred Valley in Group – Full Day

The "Super Sacred Valley in Group – Full Day" tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Peru’s renowned Sacred Valley. Travelers can enjoy the rich Inca culture and history, with personalized attention in a small group setting. While the full-day itinerary may seem daunting, the tour’s inclusions, such as transportation, meals, and scenic views, promise an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a deeper understanding of this captivating region, this tour might be the perfect way to uncover the Valley’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores the highlights of Peru’s Sacred Valley, including Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisac market, and Chinchero weaving community.
• The tour is conducted in a small group of up to 15 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the experienced guide.
• Convenient transportation, meals, and alcoholic beverages are included, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Confirmation is provided upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
• While the comprehensive itinerary is appreciated by some, others find the pace rushed and the long duration of 12 hours a potential drawback.

Tour Overview

The full-day tour of Peru’s Sacred Valley offers an in-depth introduction to Inca culture and history.

Travelers visit the sites of Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Pisac market, and Chinchero weaving community. The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.

Transportation is provided via air-conditioned vehicle, and meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Alcoholic beverages are also provided.

Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Pickup and drop-off locations are conveniently located in Cusco.

Inclusions

This full-day tour of Peru’s Sacred Valley includes several key amenities to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience.

The package includes:

• Air-conditioned vehicle for transportation

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Alcoholic beverages

• Confirmation received at booking

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

These inclusions allow travelers to focus on seeing the Inca culture and history without the hassle of logistics.

The tour caps at 15 participants, providing personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide throughout the day’s activities.

Pickup and Meeting Points

Pickup and meeting points for this tour are coordinated one day prior to the scheduled departure.

The tour starts at the Plaza de Armas de Cusco, located at Del Medio 123, Cusco 08000, Peru. From there, the tour concludes at Calle Saphy, C. Saphy, Cusco, Peru, just 2-3 blocks from the Plaza de Armas.

Both the pickup and drop-off locations are accessible via public transportation, making it convenient for travelers.

Passengers are advised to be prepared for the day’s activities, as the tour covers a significant amount of ground throughout the Sacred Valley.

Tour Experience

One of the highlights of this tour is the opportunity for travelers to soak up the stunning scenery of the Sacred Valley without the hassle of driving themselves. An experienced, knowledgeable guide leads the way, providing in-depth insight into Inca culture and history.

The small group size of up to 15 travelers ensures personalized attention throughout the day. The tour includes:

• Visits to the renowned archaeological sites of Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo

• Exploration of the lively Pisac market and Chinchero weaving community

• Meals and alcoholic beverages included

• Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible

While the long duration of 12 hours may be tiring for some, the opportunity to take in the Sacred Valley’s rich heritage makes this tour a standout experience.

Reviews and Feedback

Though the tour offers an extensive sightseeing itinerary, the reviews highlight a mix of experiences.

While some travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of the tour, others feel it moves at a rushed pace with too many stops, including a jewelry shop.

The average rating of 4.0 out of 10 reviews reflects this divide.

Some note the long 12-hour duration and additional costs for entrance tickets as drawbacks.

Maras Salt Mines

The Maras Salt Mines are one of the highlights of the Sacred Valley tour.

Situated in the Andes mountains, the salt mines feature thousands of small, terraced pools where salt is extracted from a natural spring.

Visitors can:

• Admire the geometric patterns of the salt pools

• Observe local workers harvesting salt by hand

• Learn about the ancient Inca salt production techniques

• Purchase salt and other craft goods from on-site vendors

• Capture stunning photographs of the picturesque salt mines against the backdrop of the mountains.

This unique and captivating site offers a glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Moray Circular Terraces

Situated within the Sacred Valley, the Moray Circular Terraces captivate visitors with their remarkable engineering and historical significance.

Constructed by the Incas, these massive, concentric terraces were used as agricultural experimentation sites. The terraces descend nearly 500 feet, with each level having a slightly different microclimate. This allowed the Incas to test the optimal growing conditions for a variety of crops.

Descending the site’s stone staircases, travelers gain insights into the Incas’ advanced understanding of agronomy and their ability to harness the natural environment for their benefit.

Ollantaytambo Fortress

Ollantaytambo Fortress, a majestic Inca ruin, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient civilization. The fortress overlooks the Sacred Valley, its terraced walls and massive stone blocks a remarkable feat of construction.

Visitors can explore the site, marveling at the intricately carved stonework and the impressive agricultural terraces. The site offers a glimpse into the Inca Empire’s architectural and engineering accomplishments, including:

• Massive stone blocks, some weighing over 50 tons

• Intricate stone carvings and masonry

• Extensive agricultural terraces

• Impressive water-management system

• Panoramic views of the Sacred Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be well-suited for young children. It’s a long, full-day itinerary with extensive sightseeing and some challenges like not being wheelchair accessible. Families with kids might consider a more child-friendly tour option or a private tour tailored to their needs.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t allow participants to bring their own food and beverages. The package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as alcoholic beverages, so outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Are There Any Opportunities for Shopping Along the Way?

The tour includes stops at the Pisac market and Chinchero weaving community, providing opportunities for shopping and browsing local handicrafts and textiles. However, the pace is quite intensive, so there may not be much free time for additional shopping.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour itinerary can be customized to your preferences, but it may come at an additional cost. You can discuss your desired changes with the tour operator before booking the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Layers are advised as the temperatures can vary throughout the day in the Sacred Valley.

The Sum Up

The "Super Sacred Valley in Group – Full Day" tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Peru’s Sacred Valley, immersing travelers in Inca culture and history. With personalized attention and comfortable transportation, the tour promises unforgettable scenic views and cultural insights, though the pace may be mixed. Whether seeking an in-depth experience or a glimpse into this remarkable region, this tour provides a well-rounded opportunity to discover the Sacred Valley’s highlights.