The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a captivating destination that promises to transport visitors back in time. Nestled in the Andes Mountains, this region showcases the architectural marvels and agricultural ingenuity of the Incan civilization. From the mystical Moray terraces to the bustling salt mines of Maras, each site offers a window into the past, leaving travelers in awe of the Incas’ remarkable engineering prowess and their deep reverence for the natural world. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an immersive cultural experience, the Sacred Valley is certain to leave a lasting impression. Uncover the secrets that lie within this enchanting landscape and…
Good To Know
- The Sacred Valley tour explores Incan sites, including Chinchero archaeological complex, Moray circular terraces, and the Maras salt mines.
- The tour provides insights into Incan agricultural, mining, and textile techniques through guided visits and demonstrations.
- The full-day excursion includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, and a bilingual guide, with a maximum group size of 20.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for individuals with back problems.
- The tour is highly rated by customers, who praise the guided visits, textile demonstrations, and the overall convenience of the experience.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Overview of the Sacred Valley Tour
What does the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour entail? The full-day excursion explores the historic region, visiting Chinchero, Maras, Pisaq, and Ollantaytambo.
Travelers will gain insights into the Incas’ agricultural, mining, and textile techniques. The tour includes a maximum of 20 people and departs at 6:30 am from selected Cusco hotels. A bilingual guide leads the group, which travels by van. Entrance fees are an additional cost.
Key attractions include the archaeological site of Chinchero, known for its Incan constructions and a colonial church, as well as the circular terraces of Moray, an Incan agricultural laboratory.
The tour earns rave reviews, with 15 out of 16 customers rating it 5 stars.
Tour Details
The Sacred Valley of the Incas tour operates as a full-day excursion, departing at 6:30 am from selected Cusco hotels.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers, with transportation provided in a van. A bilingual (English/Spanish) guide accompanies the group throughout the day.
The tour’s starting points include Plaza San Francisco and Plaza San Blas in Cusco. Entrance tickets, costing 80 soles PEM, are included in the tour price, which starts from $65.00.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for individuals with back problems, though most travelers can participate.
Included Services
The Sacred Valley tour includes several key services that enhance the experience.
Travelers receive hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Cusco hotels, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. The tour also provides a professional, bilingual guide who shares insights into the historic sites.
Entrance tickets to the archaeological complexes are included, saving guests the hassle of purchasing them separately. The meeting points are conveniently located at various spots in Cusco, making it easy for participants to join the tour.
With these thoughtful inclusions, the Sacred Valley experience is well-organized and allows visitors to focus on exploring the captivating Incan sites.
Chinchero Archeological Complex
The Complejo Arqueologico Chinchero, or Chinchero Archaeological Complex, features captivating Incan constructions and a 16th-century colonial church. Visitors can explore the site, which showcases local textiles and alpaca clothing. The tour of Chinchero lasts approximately 1 hour, though admission tickets are not included in the tour price.
| Feature | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Incan Constructions | Remnants of Incan architecture and engineering | 30 minutes |
| Colonial Church | 16th-century church with Spanish colonial influence | 20 minutes |
| Textile Showcasing | Demonstration of traditional weaving and textile production | 10 minutes |
The Chinchero Archaeological Complex provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley and the enduring legacy of the Incas.
Moray Circular Terraces
Situated within the Sacred Valley, Moray stands out for its captivating circular terraces, which the Incas ingeniously designed as an agricultural laboratory.
These terraces, descending in a spiral pattern, were used to study the effects of different microclimates on crop cultivation. The deeper the terraces, the more the temperature varied, allowing the Incas to experiment with growing a variety of crops.
Today, visitors can marvel at this remarkable Incan engineering feat and gain insights into their sophisticated understanding of agriculture.
The site offers a 30-minute exploration, providing a glimpse into the Incas’ innovative approach to food production in their sacred land.
Additional Information
You’ll find that the Sacred Valley tour offers a range of helpful details to consider.
The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient for travelers. While it’s not wheelchair accessible, most people can participate. It’s essential to have a valid passport on travel day.
The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, but it’s suitable for the majority of travelers. With a maximum group size of 20, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience.
Plus, the tour includes bilingual guides, ensuring clear communication throughout the day’s activities.
Customer Reviews
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Sacred Valley tour, with an impressive 5.0 overall rating based on 16 reviews.
Highlights include:
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Nearly all reviewers (15 out of 16) gave the tour 5 stars, indicating exceptional quality and value.
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The guided visits to historic Incan sites and demonstrations of traditional textile techniques were widely praised.
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The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the knowledgeable bilingual guide, were noted as key strengths.
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While the tour includes some shopping stops, the main attractions were deemed worthwhile and engaging.
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The included lunch was described as "decent," providing a satisfactory dining experience during the day-long excursion.
Departure and Pricing
The Sacred Valley tour departs at 6:30 am from selected hotels in Cusco, providing an early start to the day’s explorations.
The full-day tour has a maximum group size of 20 travelers and is conducted by a bilingual guide who provides insights in both English and Spanish.
Transportation is via a comfortable van. The cost of the tour is $65.00 per person, which is non-refundable.
The tour price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide services, and entrance tickets to the archaeological sites, valued at 80 soles (PEM).
Meeting points for the tour are located in various spots around Cusco, such as Plaza San Francisco and Plaza San Blas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Sacred Valley?
The best time to visit the Sacred Valley is during the dry season, from May to October. The weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller, allowing for a more enjoyable and comfortable experience exploring the Incan sites.
Can I Purchase Additional Snacks or Meals During the Tour?
The Sacred Valley tour doesn’t provide additional snacks or meals, but travelers can purchase their own at various stops along the way. There are ample opportunities to buy snacks, drinks, and even lunch during the tour.
Are There Any Cultural Performances or Demonstrations During the Tour?
The tour includes cultural demonstrations, such as live weaving and textile presentations, that provide insights into traditional Incan agricultural and textile techniques. However, there are no scheduled cultural performances during the tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Accommodations for Children?
The Sacred Valley tour does not have any age restrictions. Children are welcome, but parents should consider their child’s ability to participate in the walking tour. Special accommodations may be arranged with the tour provider upon request.
Can I Book Private or Customized Sacred Valley Tours?
Yes, you can book private or customized Sacred Valley tours. Many tour operators offer personalized itineraries to accommodate your interests and preferences, allowing you to explore the region at your own pace.
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The Sum Up
The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient Incan agricultural practices and witness the traditional salt extraction methods. Visitors can marvel at the Moray circular terraces, an ingenious agricultural laboratory, and discover the captivating salt mines of Maras, still in operation today. This unforgettable experience provides an immersive glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and deep connection to nature that defined the Incan way of life.