Explore the Sacred Valley with an Expert Guide
Tour Information: Explore the Sacred Valley with an Expert Guide
If you enjoy ancient history, Andean landscapes, and authentic expressions of local culture, this one-day excursion to Maras, Moray, and Chinchero, accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide, is an excellent opportunity to discover some of the most captivating destinations in the Cusco region.
As you travel through the hills and valleys of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary ingenuity and knowledge of the Inca civilization. In Chinchero, you will experience the living traditions preserved by local master weavers; in Moray, you will admire the impressive circular agricultural terraces; and at the famous Maras Salt Mines, you will be amazed by the spectacular contrast of thousands of white salt ponds shining across the mountainside.
Sacred Valley with a Tour Guide
Option 1: A tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley (Tambo del Inca Hotel) or any other hotel located within the valley.
Option 2: The tour guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin the Sacred Valley excursion and finish the tour at the Ollantaytambo train station, allowing you to continue your journey to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu in the afternoon.
Option 3: The tour guide will pick you up from your accommodation for the Sacred Valley tour, and once the excursion is completed, transportation back to Cusco will also be included.
Enjoy a private guided experience visiting Chinchero, the impressive Maras Salt Mines, and the mysterious circular terraces of Moray. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to admire some of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
The first stop will be the traditional Andean village of Chinchero, located in the highlands of the Anta province.
After visiting the renowned Chinchero Inca Weaving Center, we will continue to the ancient salt mines located near the village of Maras. Here, you will observe how natural saltwater springs emerge from the mountainside while terraces built by ancient cultures collect and channel the water for salt extraction.
The excursion then continues to Moray, an extraordinary complex where the Incas designed enormous circular agricultural terraces within natural limestone depressions to experiment with different crops.
Although some studies suggest that the site may have had a cosmological significance, it is also believed to have functioned as an advanced agricultural laboratory where the Incas evaluated the ideal growing conditions for various species according to altitude and climate.
At the end of the visits, the tour concludes at the Ollantaytambo train station.
Photos
What Does the Sacred Valley Tour with a Specialized Guide Include?
Includes
Does Not Include
What To Bring
Itinerary of the Sacred Valley Tour with a Specialized Guide
Day 1:Maras, Moray, and Chinchero Excursion – Full Tour with Lunch Stop
Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 08:00 a.m. to begin this fascinating journey.
Our first destination will be Moray (3,385 m / 11,110 ft), reached after approximately one hour of driving. Here, you will discover the famous circular terraces used by the Incas to conduct innovative agricultural experiments. This site provides an exceptional opportunity to understand the advanced farming knowledge of this ancient civilization. In addition, the combination of spectacular natural scenery and archaeological structures makes the visit truly unforgettable.
We will then continue for approximately thirty minutes through the highlands of the Sacred Valley to reach Maras (3,385 m / 11,105 ft), a small village located about 40 kilometers northwest of Cusco.
This charming town is known for its rich historical legacy, having served as a residence for Inca nobility, an important colonial commercial center, and a location closely linked to traditional salt production. Visitors can stroll through its narrow streets, admire old adobe buildings, and visit its beautiful colonial church.
The highlight of the excursion will be a visit to the famous Maras Salt Mines (3,200 m / 10,498 ft), located about twenty minutes from the village.
These salt ponds have been in operation since pre-Inca times, and the traditional production methods are still used today. The ponds are managed by local families who harvest salt through a natural evaporation process that can take several weeks.
Once collected, the salt is sold in regional markets or used according to traditional practices. Today, there are approximately 3,000 salt ponds, making this one of the most photogenic and remarkable landscapes in the region.
Finally, we will travel approximately forty minutes to Chinchero (3,762 m / 12,343 ft), where you will have the opportunity to observe the traditional textile-making process and visit a colorful market that directly supports local artisans.
The people of Chinchero are widely recognized for their skill in working with natural fibers such as alpaca wool, llama wool, and sheep wool, which they use to create exquisite textiles rich in cultural symbolism.
Through ancestral techniques of spinning, dyeing, and weaving, they produce intricate designs and patterns that reflect the history, traditions, and identity of the Andean people.
In addition to the textile experience, you will also visit the Chinchero archaeological site, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and surrounding Andean landscapes.
Once the excursion is completed, you will return to your accommodation in Cusco.
Important: This tour can be customized according to your preferences. There is an option to include a visit to Ollantaytambo or spend additional time exploring each destination throughout the day.
