Cusco: 2D/1N Tour of the Sacred Valley & Maras Moray – Machu Picchu

Exploring the ancient wonders of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley tour offers a captivating two-day journey through Cusco’s most iconic sites. Visitors will uncover the well-preserved ruins of Chinchero, marvel at the innovative agricultural terraces of Moray, discover the ancient salt mines of Maras, and culminate their experience with a tour of the legendary Machu Picchu. This immersive exploration provides deep insights into the Inca’s advanced understanding of engineering, agriculture, and land management, leaving travelers with a profound appreciation for the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Key Points

• 2-day, 1-night tour exploring the Sacred Valley and visiting key sites like Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and the iconic Machu Picchu.
• Opportunity to observe traditional textile-making demonstrations by local weavers and learn about the Inca’s innovative agricultural practices at Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.
• Guided tour of the well-preserved Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo, featuring impressive stonework, ceremonial baths, and advanced irrigation systems.
• Early morning visit to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour, followed by independent exploration of the legendary Inca citadel.
• Comprehensive tour package including transportation, guides, entrance fees, meals, and accommodations, providing a seamless immersive experience in the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 2-day, 1-night tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley and the iconic Machu Picchu site.

During the first day, visitors will discover the Chinchero archaeological site, the unique circular terraces of Moray, and the salt pans of Maras, which have been in use since pre-Inca times.

After lunch in Urubamba, the tour continues to the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins before taking the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

The second day is dedicated to a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the grandeur and mystery of this ancient Inca wonder.

Day 1: Sacred Valley Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the Chinchero archaeological site, where visitors can explore the well-preserved Inca ruins and witness traditional textile-making demonstrations.

Next, the group travels to Moray, a remarkable Inca site featuring circular terraces thought to have been used for agricultural experimentation.

Nearby, the iconic Maras salt mines are explored, with their thousands of salt-harvesting ponds dating back to pre-Inca times.

After a lunch stop in Urubamba, the tour continues to Ollantaytambo, an impressive Inca fortress and town that serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Visiting Chinchero Archaeological Site

Visitors begin the Sacred Valley tour at the Chinchero archaeological site, where they can explore the well-preserved Inca ruins and witness traditional textile-making demonstrations.

The site features remnants of Inca buildings, plazas, and agricultural terraces that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Locals showcase the time-honored weaving techniques passed down through generations, using natural dyes and traditional looms to create vibrant textiles. Travelers have the opportunity to observe the intricate process and even purchase handcrafted souvenirs.

This stop provides an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to connect with the living heritage of the Andean highlands before continuing their journey through the Sacred Valley.

Exploring Moray’s Circular Platforms

After marveling at the Chinchero ruins, travelers move on to the remarkable site of Moray, known for its intricate circular agricultural terraces.

These unique platforms were ingeniously designed by the Incas as an experimental agricultural laboratory, allowing them to study the effects of microclimate variations on crop cultivation.

Nestled in a natural depression, the concentric rings descend to a depth of over 100 feet, creating distinct microclimates at each level.

Visitors can explore these fascinating terraces and imagine the Inca scientists carefully tending to their experimental crops.

The site offers a glimpse into the Inca’s advanced understanding of agriculture and their ability to harness the power of the land to improve their food supply.

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Discovering the Maras Salt Mines

From Moray, the tour continues to the captivating Maras salt mines, where visitors can witness the centuries-old salt harvesting process that has sustained the local community for generations. The Maras salt mines, a network of over 5,000 small, individual salt pools, have been in use since pre-Inca times. Visitors can observe the locals meticulously harvesting the salt by hand, collecting the mineral-rich brine as it evaporates in the sun. The salt produced here is renowned for its purity and distinctive flavor, making it a prized ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. Exploring the Maras salt mines offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and the ingenuity of its people.

Salt Harvest Season	Salt Harvest Technique	Salt Production Capacity	Salt Purity Level	Salt Culinary Uses
Year-round	Manual collection of brine, solar evaporation	70-100 tons per year	High mineral content, low impurities	Cooking, seasoning, preserving

Touring Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site

Leaving the striking Maras salt mines behind, one arrives at the captivating Ollantaytambo archaeological site, a testament to the remarkable engineering feats of the Inca civilization.

This ancient fortress town boasts impressive stone terraces, massive fortified walls, and well-preserved Inca buildings. Visitors can explore:

• The impressive stone fortress, with its towering agricultural terraces and storehouses
• The remains of an Inca palace, with intricate stonework and thoughtful architectural design
• A series of ceremonial baths, reflecting the site’s religious and cultural significance
• Inca-era irrigation systems, demonstrating the advanced engineering capabilities of the Incas

Stunning mountain vistas provide a picturesque backdrop to this fascinating historical site.

Day 2: Machu Picchu Immersion

Travelers rise early on the second day, eager to witness the splendor of Machu Picchu at dawn.

They board the first bus of the day, climbing the winding road to the legendary citadel perched high in the Andes.

With a local guide, they embark on a 2-hour tour, exploring the remarkably well-preserved Inca ruins. Guides offer insights into the site’s history, architecture, and purpose, bringing the ancient city to life.

After the guided tour, travelers have time to wander the site independently, taking in panoramic vistas and snapping photos.

Following their Machu Picchu immersion, they enjoy a leisurely lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo and the bus to Cusco, completing their captivating journey.

Important Information and Inclusions

The tour includes several important details travelers should be aware of, such as what to bring and what isn’t allowed. Participants must bring their passport, a change of clothes, hiking shoes, insect repellent, and cash, as these items are essential for the experience. Pets, large bags, mobility scooters, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited on the tour.

The tour provides the following inclusions:

• Day 1: Hotel pickup, transportation, guide, entrance fees, lunch, train ticket, and lodging
• Day 2: Breakfast, buses, Machu Picchu entry, guide, lunch, return train, and bus to Cusco

These inclusions ensure a seamless and worry-free journey through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it’s generally suitable for children, as long as they’re able to handle the walking and physical activity involved in exploring the historical sites.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and snacks on the tour. However, it’s important to check with the tour operator about any restrictions or rules regarding outside food and beverages before the trip.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there are typically options to extend the tour duration. Travelers can often add extra days to explore the Sacred Valley or spend more time at Machu Picchu. However, they’ll need to check with the tour operator for availability and pricing.

Do I Need to Purchase Travel Insurance for This Tour?

While travel insurance is not required for this tour, it’s generally recommended to protect against unexpected events like illness, injury, or trip cancellations. Many providers offer comprehensive plans that can give you peace of mind during your travels.

Can I Purchase Additional Activities at Machu Picchu?

Yes, visitors can purchase additional activities at Machu Picchu beyond the included guided tour. Options may include hiking to the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge, visiting the Inca Museum, or participating in a guided tour to see more of the site.

Recap

The Sacred Valley tour offers an immersive exploration of Inca heritage. Visitors will discover ancient ruins, innovative agricultural terraces, and the iconic Machu Picchu.

The guided tours and cultural demonstrations provide deep insights into the Inca’s advanced understanding of engineering, agriculture, and land management.

This 2-day tour is a comprehensive and practical way to experience the cultural wonders of the Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here: