Embark on an unforgettable excursion from Cusco to uncover the stunning sites of Pisac, Salineras de Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. This comprehensive tour offers a comfortable and enriching experience, providing private transportation and included meals. Discover the rich Inca heritage at Pisac’s archaeological marvels and vibrant market, marvel at the unique salt wells of Salineras de Maras, and explore Moray’s innovative circular terraces. Conclude your journey in Ollantaytambo, where impressive Inca architecture awaits. With a seamless itinerary and expert guidance, this excursion promises to immerse you in the captivating essence of Peru’s Sacred Valley. What secrets and wonders lie in store for those who venture forth?
Good To Know
- Explore the Inca archaeological sites of Pisac, Salineras de Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley on a comprehensive day excursion from Cusco.
- Enjoy private transportation, self-guided tour, and moderate physical activity to discover ancient Inca engineering, agriculture, and cultural heritage.
- Admire the picturesque salt terraces of Salineras de Maras, the circular agricultural laboratories of Moray, and the well-preserved Inca structures in Ollantaytambo.
- Feast on a delicious breakfast and lunch included in the tour package, with optional archaeological site tickets available.
- Benefit from a flexible cancellation policy, convenient pickup locations, and exceptional service from the tour provider.
Tour Overview and Itinerary
The excursion takes visitors on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and Inca ruins of Pisac, Salineras de Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo.
Guests will explore the Pisac archaeological site, with its Inca cultivation terraces, temple of the sun, and large cemetery. They’ll then discover the Pisac traditional market for shopping.
Next, they’ll visit the Salineras de Maras, a unique site with over 3,000 natural salt wells fed by an ancient underground spring.
The tour continues to Moray, showcasing the circular Inca terraces used as agricultural laboratories.
Transportation and Accessibility
Providing private transportation, the excursion ensures a comfortable journey for passengers.
The tour is self-guided, allowing visitors to explore the sites at their own pace without the need for a guide.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, making it suitable for families with young children.
The sites are located near public transportation, making it easy for visitors to access the tour.
However, a moderate level of physical fitness is required due to the nature of the sites, such as the Inca terraces and archaeological ruins.
Inclusions and Pricing
The excursion includes breakfast and lunch, ensuring visitors are well-fed throughout the day.
Optional tickets to the archaeological sites are available for $33 per person.
The overall price for the tour is $140.00 per group, which can accommodate up to 4 people.
Travelers can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
With these inclusions and pricing details, the excursion offers a convenient and affordable way to explore the historic sites of Pisac, Salineras de Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo from Cusco.
Meeting and Pickup Details
Communicates with passengers for orderly collection at the various pickup points available.
The tour starts at 9:00 AM, allowing ample time to reach the first destination. Passengers can choose from multiple pickup locations, ensuring a convenient start to the excursion.
The driver will coordinate the pickups, guaranteeing a smooth and efficient process. This thoughtful arrangement ensures everyone arrives at the starting point on time, setting the stage for an enjoyable and well-organized day exploring the sacred sites of Pisac, Salineras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo.
Reviews and Ratings
Based on the positive experiences shared by previous participants, this excursion has garnered an impressive 5.0-star rating across 16 total reviews. Passengers highlighted the exceptional service from driver Rubén, as well as the flexibility to include extra stops tailored to their interests, resulting in an overall enjoyable experience.
| Review Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|
| "A lovely day experience!" | 5 stars |
| "Excellent trip in the Sacred Valley." | 5 stars |
| "Couldn’t have asked for more!" | 5 stars |
This overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores the value and quality of this excursion, making it a must-consider option for those seeking to explore the stunning landscapes and cultural wonders of the Sacred Valley.
Pisac Archaeological Site
Nestled amidst the towering Andes, the Pisac archaeological site enchants visitors with its remarkable Inca legacy.
Here, one can explore the Inca’s ingenious cultivation terraces, which were designed to maximize agricultural productivity. The site also boasts a temple of the sun, a testament to the Inca’s advanced understanding of astronomy.
Wandering through the large cemetery provides a glimpse into the Inca’s reverence for their ancestors.
After exploring the archaeological wonders, visitors can enjoy the vibrant culture by browsing the Pisac traditional market, where local artisans showcase their handcrafted treasures.
Salineras De Maras
After exploring the wonders of the Pisac archaeological site, the tour moves on to the captivating Salineras de Maras. This unique site features over 3,000 natural salt wells, each measuring approximately 5 square meters. These salt wells are fed by an underground hypersaline spring that’s over 110 million years old. Visitors can witness the local salt-harvesting process, where the salt is extracted and processed by hand. The striking contrast of the white salt against the surrounding landscape creates a picturesque scene. This impressive natural wonder is a must-see on any excursion through the Sacred Valley.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Sacred Valley |
| Size | Over 3,000 salt wells |
| Age | 110 million years old |
| Process | Hand-harvested salt |
| Scenery | Striking white salt against landscape |
Moray and Ollantaytambo
The tour then proceeds to the remarkable Moray site, where visitors can explore the circular Inca terraces designed as elaborate agricultural laboratories.
These terraced depressions were used to study the effects of different microclimates on crops, with each level having a unique temperature.
Ollantaytambo, the next stop, is an impressive Inca city with towering temples and a network of canals and water fountains.
Visitors can wander through the well-preserved streets and admire the impressive stone architecture.
The tour allows guests to explore the engineering marvels and agricultural innovations of the Inca Empire, providing a deeper understanding of their advanced civilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Bring for the Tour?
For this tour, travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, drinking water, and small bills for purchasing local crafts at the Pisac market. A lightweight jacket may also be useful due to changing weather conditions.
Can I Book the Tour for a Different Group Size?
Yes, the tour can be booked for different group sizes. The price is $140.00 per group, and it can accommodate up to 4 people. So you can book it for a smaller or larger group as needed.
How Early Should I Arrive at the Pickup Location?
The tour recommends arriving at the pickup location about 10-15 minutes early to ensure a smooth and timely departure. This allows for efficient collection and communication with the driver and other passengers.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Meals?
The included meals do not have any dietary restrictions. Passengers can notify the tour operator of any special dietary needs, and accommodations will be made to the extent possible.
Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?
There is no strict dress code, but comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Layers, sturdy walking shoes, and sun protection are advised for the outdoor activities and exploration of archaeological sites.
The Sum Up
This excursion from Cusco offers a comprehensive exploration of Peru’s iconic Sacred Valley. Visitors will uncover Inca legacy at Pisac, marvel at the unique salt ponds of Salineras de Maras, discover Moray’s innovative terraces, and admire the impressive architecture of Ollantaytambo. With private transportation and meals included, this tour provides a comfortable and enriching experience to explore the region’s cultural and natural wonders.