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Pisac, URUBAMBA, MORAY
Sacred Valley & Maras Moray Tour Are you ready for an adventure that combines history and culture? The Sacred Valley and Maras Moray tour is the perfect choice. This journey will take you to explore some of the most important archaeological sites of the Inca Empire, where you can immerse yourself in its rich culture and history while marveling at the spectacular landscapes of Peru. From ancient ruins and circular agricultural terraces to the Maras Salt Mines and the traditional Pisac market, each stop will offer you an exciting and enlightening experience. Accompanied by an expert guide, you'll explore mysterious archaeological sites, learn about the wool weaving process, and discover the ancient salt extraction technique still in use today. Additionally, you'll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba and have the opportunity to purchase local crafts at the Pisac market. Join this incredible adventure and discover the best of the Sacred Valley!
Sacred Valley & Maras Moray Tour Itinerary
We will begin our exciting adventure early at 6:00 AM. We will drive for 40 minutes to Chinchero (12,343 feet), where you will see traditional textile production and have the opportunity to purchase and support local artisans.
Next, we will visit Moray, located at an altitude of 11,318 feet, where you can see four impressive Inca ruins with beautiful circular terraces in depressions used as agricultural laboratories by the Incas.
Afterwards, we will visit Maras, where you will discover over 3,000 salt ponds. The people of Maras have been harvesting salt from these ponds for centuries, even before the Inca period.
We will then stop in Urubamba for a delicious buffet lunch featuring typical Peruvian dishes. You will find a wide variety of options available. After lunch, we will continue to Ollantaytambo, the "last living Inca city." We will visit its unique and extensive archaeological site, which includes water fountains, high terraces, temples, and much more. The site is surrounded by towering mountain peaks and offers views of a distant glacier, showcasing the impressive architectural skills of the Incas.
Next, we will head to the Pisac archaeological site. The Pisac complex is famous for its terraces that extend harmoniously from the base of the mountain to the top. You will also see the largest Inca cemetery and the Pisac Intihuatana, known for predicting solstices and equinoxes, which helped calculate the agricultural calendar of the ancient culture.
Finally, we will stop at the Taray viewpoint to marvel at the breathtaking panoramic view of the Sacred Valley.
We will then return to Cusco by transport and drop you off in the historic center for a well-deserved rest after a day filled with culture, history, and unique landscapes in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Sacred Valley & Maras Moray Tour Includes:
Sacred Valley & Maras Moray Tour Does Not Include:
What to bring for the Sacred Valley & Maras Moray Tour:
Places visited during the Sacred Valley & Maras Moray Tour:
Chinchero (Land of Great Weavers)
A small town located at 12,343 feet above sea level, Chinchero was the royal residence of the tenth Inca King, Tupac Inca Yupanqui. Today, the town is renowned for its archaeological site, which includes a colonial church, a palace, and well-preserved agricultural terraces. Chinchero is also famous for its exceptional weavers who produce handmade alpaca textiles using natural dyes obtained from local plants.
Pisac Archaeological Site
The Pisac archaeological site is located at the beginning of the Sacred Valley and is one of the most notable Inca ruins in the region. It is famous for its impressive agricultural terraces and spectacular views from the hilltops.
The complex is believed to have been built during the peak of the Inca Empire (1438-1532) and played a crucial role as a military and religious center for the Incas. The ruins of Pisac include an elaborate set of temples, residential areas, and various administrative and military buildings.
One of the most notable features of Pisac is its agricultural terraces, carved into the sloping mountainside. These terraces were designed to optimize irrigation and prevent erosion, facilitating the cultivation of corn, potatoes, and quinoa. Today, these terraces continue to be used by local farmers.
Pisac Market
Located in the heart of the modern city, the colonial town of Pisac is known for its renowned textile and craft markets. Although these markets are now primarily aimed at tourists, it is still possible to see locals from neighboring villages coming to town on Sundays to trade their agricultural products and purchase essentials for their homes. This practice dates back to the Inca period when Pisac was a prominent trading center between cities.
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo, a picturesque town located about 38 miles from Cusco, is known for its well-preserved Inca ruins and its key role as a starting point for travelers to Machu Picchu.
This town has been named one of the world's best tourist destinations by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). It was recognized for its extraordinary Inca architecture, deep cultural heritage, and importance as a major gateway to Machu Picchu.
The UNWTO’s "Best Tourism Villages" initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism in rural communities, emphasizing the importance of small towns in tourism development. Selection criteria include heritage conservation, promotion of local products and services, and implementation of sustainable tourism practices.
Moray
Moray is an archaeological site located in the high part of the Sacred Valley, about 31 miles from Cusco. It is famous for its impressive circular terraces, which the Incas used for agricultural experimentation.
These terraces were built within a natural depression and are arranged in concentric circles that decrease in size as they go down. The Incas used these terraces to experiment with various agricultural techniques and grow crops like corn, potatoes, and quinoa.
One of the most notable features of Moray is its microclimates. The temperature in the center of the terraces is significantly higher than at the edges, creating a variety of climatic conditions. This allowed the Incas to study how different crops could adapt to different climates, thus optimizing their agriculture.
Salineras (Salt Mines)
The Maras Salt Mines are an ancient system of salt terraces located on a hillside in the Sacred Valley. In use since pre-Inca times, they are currently managed by local families for salt extraction.
These terraces are situated on a sloping hill and are fed by a natural saltwater spring. The water flows through channels into the ponds, where it evaporates under the sun, leaving a layer of salt that is collected manually. The salt is then purified and sold both locally and in nearby cities.
Visitors to the Maras Salt Mines can enjoy guided tours of the terraces, where they will learn about the rich history and tradition of salt production in the region. Additionally, the site offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and landscape.
Tour in shared service.
This group service means that you will take the tour with other people, this standard service is done with a group between 12 to 18 people, we have confirmed departures for every day, so if it is only one or two people, don't worry, they can join to one of our groups.
From: $85 USD
Tour in private service.
This service is an exclusive way to make this trip where the service is much more personalized, prices vary according to the number of people in your group. Please consult: WhatsApp +51 914201334
How long is the Sacred Valley tour?
The Sacred Valley Tour with Maras and Moray is a full-day experience lasting approximately 8-9 hours. This itinerary takes you to explore the impressive archaeological sites of Moray and the fascinating Maras Salt Mines, immersing you in the cultural and natural richness of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
What does the Sacred Valley Tour include?
The Sacred Valley + Maras Moray Tour is a comprehensive experience that includes transportation, a professional guide, and entrance fees to key sites such as Pisac, the Maras salt mines, the agricultural terraces of Moray, and Ollantaytambo. Additionally, it includes a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba. This all-inclusive tour allows visitors to explore the main attractions of the Sacred Valley of the Incas comfortably and worry-free.
Is the Sacred Valley and Maras Moray tour suitable for children?
Yes, the Sacred Valley tour with Maras and Moray is suitable for children. However, note that there will be some walking involved, so comfortable footwear and a readiness to explore are recommended.
When is the best time of year to take the Sacred Valley tour with Maras Moray?
The best time to take the tour is during the dry season, from May to September. However, the Sacred Valley tour with Maras Moray is available year-round, offering an enriching experience in any season.
What should you bring for the Sacred Valley + Maras Moray tour?
For the Sacred Valley tour, bring warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and a water bottle. These items will ensure comfort and protection during your visit to the stunning landscapes and archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
What are the Maras salt mines?
The Maras salt mines consist of a network of salt ponds in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. These ponds, in use since Inca times, are still managed by local communities and remain an active part of the regional economy to this day.
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