From Cusco: Super Sacred Valley With Maras & Moray

Embarking on the "From Cusco: Super Sacred Valley With Maras & Moray" tour promises an immersive journey through Peru’s stunning Sacred Valley. Travelers can anticipate a guided exploration of the ancient Maras salt ponds, where they’ll witness the traditional salt-harvesting process. The itinerary then takes them to the impressive Moray circular terraces, believed to be an Incan agricultural laboratory. With a delectable buffet lunch in Urubamba and captivating landscapes along the way, this tour offers an enriching experience. But what secrets might the Sacred Valley hold, waiting to be uncovered by the curious explorer?

About Your Stay

• Offers a full-day tour from Cusco to explore the Sacred Valley, including visits to the Maras salt mines and Moray circular terraces.
• Includes transportation, a professional guide, a buffet lunch in Urubamba, and covers all necessary tickets and entrance fees.
• Provides the opportunity to witness local salt harvesting practices and learn about the Incas’ advanced agricultural techniques at Moray.
• Allows for a maximum of 15 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
• Concludes with a scenic return journey to Cusco, providing insights into the region’s history and culture.

Tour Overview

This tour, called the "Super Sacred Valley with Maras & Moray," is offered by PVTravels in Cusco, Peru.

It’s a full-day tour that takes travelers to explore the Sacred Valley’s highlights. The tour includes pickup from accommodations, transportation, and a professional guide available in English or Spanish.

Travelers can enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba and visit the Maras salt mines.

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers and includes the required touristic ticket and entrance fees.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes several key inclusions for travelers.

Pickup from accommodations in Cusco’s city center or a designated meeting point outside the center, transportation throughout the tour, and a professional guide available in English or Spanish are all provided.

Travelers will enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba.

The tour also covers the Touristic Ticket, which costs S/70.00 per person, and the entrance fee to Maras at S/10.00 per person.

However, the tour excludes any meals not specified in the itinerary and additional personal expenses.

Travelers should note the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most can participate.

Meeting and Pickup

The pickup time for the tour is 6:30 am. Travelers will be picked up from their accommodation in the Cusco city center or a designated meeting point for locations outside the center. The tour ends at the Plaza Mayor de Cusco, located at Del Medio 123, Cusco 08000, Peru.

Pickup	Location	Time
From accommodation in Cusco city center	Or designated meeting point outside the center	6:30 am
End point	Plaza Mayor de Cusco, Del Medio 123, Cusco 08000, Peru	–
Confirmation	Received at booking	–
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)	–

Exploring Maras Salt Ponds

One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the centuries-old Maras salt ponds.

Nestled in the Andes mountains, these intricate salt terraces have been in use since pre-Inca times. Visitors can witness local people harvesting salt from the naturally occurring ponds, a practice that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

The striking visual of the white salt ponds contrasted against the green landscape is a photographers’ delight. Guests have the opportunity to explore the salt ponds, learn about the traditional harvesting methods, and even purchase some of the pure Maras salt to take home as a unique souvenir.

Visiting Moray Circular Terraces

Visitors next journey to the remarkable Moray Circular Terraces, an Inca archaeological site renowned for its intricate system of concentric terraces.

The terraces were likely used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, allowing them to study the effects of altitude and microclimate on crop cultivation.

The site’s unique design features:

1. A central depression extending over 30 meters in depth.
2. Concentric circular terraces with a temperature difference of up to 15°C between the top and bottom.
3. Evidence of advanced engineering and understanding of agronomic principles.
4. Breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes mountains.

Exploring Moray offers a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s innovative approach to agriculture and their mastery of environmental adaptation.

Lunch in Urubamba

After exploring the captivating Moray Circular Terraces, the tour group enjoys a delightful buffet lunch in the charming town of Urubamba.

The lunch is included in the tour package, providing a chance to savor the local cuisine and recharge before the next stop.

The buffet offers a variety of Peruvian dishes, featuring fresh ingredients and flavors that reflect the region’s culinary traditions.

Diners can indulge in hearty entrees, refreshing salads, and decadent desserts, all while taking in the scenic mountain views surrounding the town.

The lunch break allows the group to rest, refuel, and prepare for the remainder of the day’s adventures in the Sacred Valley.

Returning to Cusco

The tour group now departs Urubamba, making their way back to Cusco. Along the journey, the guide shares insights about the region’s history and culture.

As the group nears Cusco, they enjoy the scenic landscape. Upon arrival at the Plaza Mayor de Cusco, the tour concludes. Guests can reflect on the day’s experiences:

1. Exploring the awe-inspiring Maras and Moray sites.
2. Savoring the delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba.
3. Gaining a deeper appreciation for Peru’s rich heritage.
4. Returning to Cusco with unforgettable memories.

The tour’s end marks the completion of a truly remarkable day in the Sacred Valley.

Questions About Your Stay

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom breaks at various stops along the way, allowing participants to use the facilities as needed. Restrooms are likely available at the lunch venue and other key points during the full-day excursion.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks or Beverages Along the Way?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional snacks or beverages along the tour route. The itinerary doesn’t include these, but there may be opportunities to buy refreshments at various stops during the day.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement for this tour. Travelers of all ages are welcome to participate, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for most travelers.

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

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provider doesn’t restrict personal snacks or beverages, though a buffet lunch is included in the tour package.

Is There an Option to Visit Other Sites in the Sacred Valley?

Yes, the tour provider offers additional options to visit other sites in the Sacred Valley. Travelers can inquire about adding visits to places like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, or Chinchero to customize their tour experience.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The "From Cusco: Super Sacred Valley With Maras & Moray" tour offers an enriching full-day experience, allowing travelers to explore the stunning Sacred Valley of Peru. Participants will witness traditional salt harvesting at Maras, marvel at the impressive Moray circular terraces, and indulge in a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba before returning to Cusco, making for an unforgettable journey.