The Sacred Valley Complete Tour in Cusco, Peru, offers travelers an immersive full-day experience exploring the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. With round-trip transport, a knowledgeable bilingual guide, and a variety of inclusions like a buffet lunch, this tour provides an efficient and well-organized way to discover significant sites like Chinchero and Maras. Priced at $55, the tour caters to small groups of up to 15 participants, ensuring a personalized journey through the ancient Inca heartland. Those seeking to delve deeper into the valley’s captivating past won’t want to miss this comprehensive excursion.
Good To Know
- A full-day excursion in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Peru, with visits to Chinchero and Maras, providing an immersive cultural and historical experience.
- Highly rated tour (5.0 with 16 reviews) with a badge of excellence, offering round-trip transport, a bilingual guide, buffet lunch, and admission tickets.
- Explore Chinchero’s royal hacienda, colonial temple, and Inca walls, and the historic salt mines of Maras, both significant Inca-era sites.
- Maximum of 15 travelers for a personalized experience, with an itinerary that covers multiple sites and emphasizes the region’s rich history and culture.
- Accessible and flexible option for visitors, with a starting price of $55.00 and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
The Sacred Valley Complete Tour is a full-day excursion that allows visitors to explore the culturally rich and scenic region of Cusco, Peru.
Rated 5.0 out of 16 reviews, this tour boasts a Badge of Excellence and a lowest price guarantee starting at $55.00.
It features free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and includes round-trip transport, a bilingual guide, a traditional Peruvian buffet lunch, and admission tickets.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour visits the colonial town of Chinchero and the historic salt mines of Maras.
While some travelers found the itinerary packed, the tour’s knowledgeable guide and safe driver have received positive feedback.
Location and Reviews
Where’s the Sacred Valley Complete Tour located? The tour takes place in Cusco, Peru, a popular destination for travelers visiting the Inca heartland.
According to the provided information, the tour has received 16 reviews with an impressive 5.0 average rating, earning it a Badge of Excellence. This suggests the tour offers an excellent experience for visitors.
The low starting price of $55.00 and the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start of the tour add to the appeal, making it an accessible and flexible option for those exploring the Sacred Valley.
Itinerary Highlights
What’re the itinerary highlights of the Sacred Valley Complete Tour?
The tour begins with a visit to Chinchero, where travelers can explore the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui and a colonial temple with frescoes.
They’ll also admire the Inca walls in the main square.
Next, the tour heads to Maras, located 52 km from Cusco at an altitude of 3,380 m.
Here, visitors can witness the salt mines with approximately 3,000 wells used for salt extraction, which date back to Inca times.
The tour’s itinerary highlights the rich cultural and historical significance of these iconic Peruvian sites.
- Chinchero: Royal hacienda, colonial temple, Inca walls
- Maras: Salt mines with 3,000 wells, historical significance
- Duration: 45 minutes in Chinchero, 1 hour in Maras
Chinchero
Departing at 06:30 am from the hotel, the tour begins with a visit to Chinchero.
Here, travelers will explore the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui and a colonial temple adorned with intricate frescoes.
The highlight is the Inca walls located in the main square, which showcase the architectural prowess of the ancient civilization.
The duration of the Chinchero visit is approximately 45 minutes, and the admission ticket is free, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Maras
The tour next takes visitors to Maras, located 52 km from Cusco at an altitude of 3,380 m.
Here, travelers have the opportunity to explore the region’s historic salt mines, which feature approximately 3,000 wells used for the extraction of salt.
This site holds significant historical importance, dating back to the Inca era when it served as an economic exchange.
Visitors can spend around an hour exploring the salt mines and learning about their fascinating history.
The tour includes the cost of admission to the salt mines, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for all participants.
- Approximately 3,000 salt extraction wells
- Historical significance dating back to Inca times
- Admission ticket included in tour
Inclusions
The Sacred Valley Complete Tour includes a round-trip transport in touristy class vans, a bilingual professional tour guide, and a buffet lunch featuring over 30 varieties of traditional Peruvian food. Plus, the tour package includes a tourist ticket, which covers admission fees for the Inca sites and salt mines. Here’s a table outlining the inclusions:
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Round-trip transport in touristy class vans |
| Guide | Bilingual professional tour guide |
| Lunch | Buffet lunch with 30+ varieties of traditional Peruvian food |
| Admission | Tourist ticket for Inca sites and salt mines |
| Tips | Included in the tour price |
The tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and is not suitable for individuals with heart problems or serious medical conditions.
Additional Information
Traveling on the Sacred Valley Complete Tour is limited to a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it may not be suitable for individuals with heart problems or serious medical conditions. Most travelers, however, can participate in this tour without issue.
The itinerary covers several sites, so some guests have suggested focusing on fewer locations for a more enjoyable experience.
The Sacred Valley Complete Tour provides an immersive glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not suitable for those with certain medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
Customer Feedback
Reviewers have praised the Sacred Valley Complete Tour, highlighting the guide Jorge’s exceptional knowledge and engaging presentation style.
Travelers also commended the driver Paul for his safe driving. However, some guests felt the itinerary was too packed, suggesting a focus on fewer sites for a more enjoyable experience.
The tour has received an impressive 5.0 average rating from 16 reviews, earning it a Badge of Excellence.
The varied Peruvian cuisine at the included buffet lunch has also received positive feedback.
With round-trip transportation, all admission tickets, and gratuities covered, the Sacred Valley Complete Tour offers a comprehensive cultural experience at a reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Departure Time for the Tour?
The tour departs at 6:30 am from the hotel, providing an early start to the day’s activities. This allows travelers to make the most of the tour’s itinerary and avoid crowds at the sites.
Is There Any Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no specific dress code for this tour. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended, as the tour includes some walking on uneven terrain. Sunscreen, hat, and layers may also be useful.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a buffet lunch featuring over 30 varieties of traditional Peruvian food is included in the tour package for convenience and to experience the local cuisine.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, and it’s suitable for most travelers. However, it’s not recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions or accessibility needs, as stated in the additional information.
Can I Use My Own Transportation to Get to the Sites?
No, travelers cannot use their own transportation to get to the sites. The tour includes round-trip transport in tourist-class vans, providing a convenient and hassle-free way to reach the various locations on the itinerary.
The Sum Up
The Sacred Valley Complete Tour offers an immersive full-day experience in Cusco, Peru, with a well-designed itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and a variety of cultural and historical highlights. Priced at $55, the tour provides excellent value, with round-trip transport, a buffet lunch, and admission tickets included. Travelers consistently praise the personalized journey and the opportunity to discover the ancient Inca heartland in a small group setting.