Tour Overview
Discover the essential treasures of the Sacred Valley of the Incas on an unforgettable journey through ancient engineering, living culture, and dramatic Andean landscapes. Designed for maximum flexibility, this tour offers convenient pick-up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley (Urubamba), or Cusco city.
Explore three of the region’s most iconic destinations: the intriguing circular agricultural terraces of Moray, the ancient salt pans of Maras, and the vibrant weaving village of Chinchero. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you will experience the magnificent stone architecture and living traditions of the Incas while enjoying continuous panoramic views of the snow-capped Urubamba mountain range.
Tour Highlights:
• Flexible Pick-Up Options: Ideal for travelers staying in Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, or Cusco.
• Moray Agricultural Terraces: Discover the fascinating Incan experiment station built into natural sinkholes.
• Maras Salt Mines: Walk past thousands of handcrafted salt pans actively harvested since pre-Inca times.
• Chinchero Living Culture: Experience a traditional Andean textile demonstration and explore historical Inca ruins.
• Breathtaking Andean Views: Marvel at sweeping panoramas of Mount Veronica, Mount Chicón, and golden valley fields.
• Personalized Experience: Paced comfortably so you can explore, take photos, and absorb the history without feeling rushed.
Quick Details:
• Duration: Full Day (Approx. 6 to 7 hours)
• Pick-Up Locations: Hotel pick-up in Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley (Urubamba), or Cusco.
• Pick-Up Time: ~8:00 AM (Flexible depending on your hotel location)
• Drop-Off Locations: Drop-off available in Cusco, Sacred Valley hotels, or Ollantaytambo Train Station.
• Tour Type: Cultural, Historical & Scenic
• Physical Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Tour Itinerary
• 08:00 AM – Hotel Pick-Up (Cusco, Sacred Valley, or Ollantaytambo)
Your guide and private transportation will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Enjoy a scenic drive through the high-Andean plateau with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and traditional agricultural fields.
• 09:15 AM – Visit to the Chinchero Textile Center & Archaeological Site
Arrive in the traditional town of Chinchero. Explore the ancient Incan agricultural terraces and the colonial church built over an Inca palace. Afterward, attend a live demonstration by local weavers to learn how natural alpaca wool is spun, dyed with indigenous plants and minerals, and woven using ancestral techniques.
• 11:00 AM – Exploration of Moray Agricultural Terraces
Head towards Moray, one of the most intriguing Incan archaeological sites. Marvel at the dramatic circular amphitheater-like terraces carved into natural sinkholes. Your expert guide will explain how the Incas utilized these different levels as a microclimate laboratory to experiment with crop cultivation at varying altitudes.
• 12:30 PM – Visit to the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras)
Drive down to the historic salt pans of Maras. Discover thousands of terraced pools that have been family-owned and continuously harvested for natural pink salt since pre-Incan times. Enjoy dedicated time to walk around designated viewing points, capture incredible photographs, and visit local craft shops offering authentic pink mountain salt products.
• 02:00 PM – Scenic Return Drive & Drop-Off
After completing the circuit, relax in comfortable transportation as we head back. Drop-off is available according to your travel plans:
– Drop-off at your hotel in Ollantaytambo or Ollantaytambo Train Station (ideal if catching a train to Machu Picchu).
– Drop-off at your hotel in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba/Yucay).
– Drop-off near the Cusco city center (~03:00 PM – 03:30 PM).
Included:
• Professional English/Spanish Speaking Guide: Official licensed local guides graduated in tourism.
• Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Pick-up and return from your hotel in Cusco, Sacred Valley, or Ollantaytambo.
• Tourist Transportation: Modern, comfortable, and fully insured vehicle according to group size.
• Set Menu Lunch Included: Delicious traditional sit-down lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley.
• First Aid Kit: Oxygen tank and first aid equipment available on board.
Not Included:
• Tourist Ticket (Boleto TurÃstico del Cusco): Required for Moray and Chinchero (Partial ticket ~70 PEN per person).
• Maras Entrance Fee: Individual entrance ticket to the Salt Mines (~20 PEN per person, paid directly at site).
• Extra Snacks & Personal Beverages: Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, or additional personal snacks.
• Gratuities: Tips for guide and driver (optional/voluntary).
What do you need to bring:
- Comfortable clothes
- Good shoes
- Rain gear, sunscreen, hat
- water, snacks (nuts, chocolate, bars…)
- Camera, battery charged
- Extra cash for souvenirs
Why Choose Sacred Expeditions Peru?
Here’s how booking with us, you make a positive impact:
- Intimate Experiences: Â We focus on creating intimate travel experiences by capping our group sizes at 8 participants during the pandemic and 16 during standard operations. This allows us to provide personalized service tailored to each traveler’s needs.
- Fair Treatment of Staff: Â Our dedication to equity is reflected in the fair wages and respect we extend to all our porters, cultivating a nurturing and inclusive work environment for both men and women.
- Social Impact: Â Your reservation plays a vital role in supporting social initiatives in Cusco, enabling us to provide local children with essential resources such as computers and internet connectivity.
- Comfort in Nature: Â We prioritize your comfort on all camping tours by providing portable toilets and hot showers, ensuring a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
- Transparent Practices: Â We uphold a commitment to transparency, which is why we do not charge any booking or credit card fees, allowing you to plan your trip without unexpected costs.
- Join Us: Â Experience the beauty of travel with Sacred Expeditions Peru, where your journey not only enriches your life but also positively impacts the communities we serve.
