Cusco , Peru

Sacred Valley Complete Tour (Full Day)

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(16 reviews)

13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, connected with the salt mines of Maras and the agricultural terraces of the Inca of Moray, is an unforgettable tour for people who have little time in the city of Cusco.

You will appreciate the beautiful Inca Valley and snow-capped mountains, fields of culture, and villages full of color and tradition.

Available options

Sacred Valley Complete Tour (Full Day)

Pickup included

What's included

Pick up from your hotel between 06:30 am to 07:00 am

Round Trip Transport (touristy class vans).

Buffet Lunch with more than THIRTY varieties of traditional Peruvian food.

Bi-lingual Professional Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

We start the tour with the pick up from your hotel at 06:30 hours to go to the picturesque town of Chinchero where we will appreciate the remains of the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, a beautiful colonial temple with interesting frescoes on the porch (this place was built on the foundations of an Inca construction). We can also admire the Inca walls in the main square of the village, etc.

Continuing with our tour we will visit the town of Maras, located 52 km from Cusco at an altitude of 3,380 m; the importance of the place is given by the mines of salt that it possesses; these salt mines are composed of about 3000 small wells of approximately 5 m ² from which the salt is extracted. The production of salt follows the process of extraction and drying of the salt water from an underground spring. The “Salinas de Maras” have been exploited since the time of the Incas in which it was used as a means of economic exchange.

Stop 3

We then proceed to the Archaeological Group of Moray, located about 7 km. Of Maras. Moray is a group of terraces or circular platforms of different sizes, which at the time of the Incas were used as an agricultural experimental center; this was where they performed their studies of adapting plants to new ecosystems. In Moray 1 observes how the overlapping of the concentric rings of stone widens as it rises; the total depth is one 150 m.
Our lunch will be a buffet style in a tourist restaurant in the city of Urubamba.

In the afternoon we head to the village of Ollantaytambo; There we will go up first to the Inca archaeological complex that was built to guard and protect against invasions, then there will be time to walk the streets of this small town and thus have a clearer idea of how this military, religious and cultural center was during the period of the Inca Empire.\

Then the bus will take us to the town of Pisaq to visit the local market; we will immediately ascend the archaeological complex of Pisaq and appreciate the agricultural terraces, cemeteries and real Inca constructions.
Continuing, we will pass by the viewpoint of the Sacred Valley of the Incas; here we can take excellent views and photos of the Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley itself.
Finally, we will return in the bus to the city of Cusco and arrive around 19:30 hours.

What's not included

Tourist ticket (70 soles for the Ibca sites & 20 soles for the Salt mines).

Tips

Inca sites

Salt mines

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Cusco

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is a captivating blend of Indigenous and colonial influences. Known for its well-preserved archaeological sites, vibrant culture, and stunning Andean landscapes, it's a gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The city's rich history, combined with its lively arts scene and delicious cuisine, makes it a must-visit destination in South America.

Top Attractions

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is a stunning region filled with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and breathtaking landscapes. It's a must-visit for history and nature lovers.

Historical/Nature Full day PEN 10-50 (USD 2.50-12.50) depending on the site

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the iconic Inca citadel and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Its breathtaking views and rich history make it a must-see.

Historical/Adventure Full day or overnight PEN 152 (USD 38) for entrance, train tickets vary

Qorikancha

Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. It's a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is a massive Inca fortress with impressive stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco. It's a testament to Inca engineering and military might.

Historical 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

San Pedro Market

San Pedro Market is a bustling market offering a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional foods. It's a great place to experience local life.

Cultural/Food 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cuy al Horno

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Lomo Saltado

Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian

Aji de Gallina

Shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Sopa de Quinoa

Quinoa soup, a nutritious and traditional dish.

Soup Can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Trekking Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Visiting spas Exploring parks Enjoying local cafes Visiting museums

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the dry season, offering the best weather for exploring the city and its archaeological sites. The skies are clear, and temperatures are mild.

5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) 41°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: Quechua, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with common-sense precautions

Cusco is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious with street food

Getting there

By air

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center

By train

San Pedro Station

By bus

Cusco Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Shared taxis (colectivos) are a common and affordable way to get around Cusco. They follow specific routes and can be flagged down.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, Easy Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center San Blas San Cristobal

Day trips

Pisac

35 km (22 miles) from Cusco • Full day

Pisac is a charming town known for its vibrant market and impressive Inca ruins. It's a great day trip from Cusco.

Ollantaytambo

60 km (37 miles) from Cusco • Full day or overnight

Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town with well-preserved Inca ruins and a gateway to Machu Picchu. It's a must-visit for history and adventure lovers.

Tipon

25 km (16 miles) from Cusco • Half day

Tipon is a beautiful archaeological site with well-preserved Inca terraces and water channels. It's a peaceful and less crowded alternative to other Inca sites.

Festivals

Inti Raymi • June 24 Cusco Festival of Music and Dance • August

Pro tips

Acclimatize to the altitude before engaging in strenuous activities
Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures
Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish or Quechua to enhance your experience
Visit the San Pedro Market early in the morning for the best selection and prices
Book tickets and train tickets in advance for Machu Picchu and other popular attractions