Sacred Valley Plus 1 Day: Maras, Moray, Pisac, Chinchero & Ollantaytambo

Discover the captivating essence of Peru’s Sacred Valley with the Sacred Valley Plus 1 Day tour. This immersive small-group excursion takes visitors through some of the region’s most significant Inca sites, where they’ll uncover ancient salt production, innovative agricultural terraces, and charming colonial architecture alongside Inca ruins. From the iconic Maras salt mines to the awe-inspiring Ollantaytambo fortress, this tour promises an unforgettable experience steeped in rich cultural traditions and historical significance. With personalized attention, fluent guides, and all-inclusive transportation, meals, and gratuities, travelers can delve deeper into the heart of the Andes and…

Good To Know

• This guided tour visits five key Inca and colonial sites in the Sacred Valley over the course of a full day.
• The tour provides insights into ancient salt production techniques at Maras, Inca agricultural experimentation at Moray, and traditional textile practices in Chinchero.
• Visitors can explore the well-preserved Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and the colonial architecture alongside Inca structures in Pisac.
• The tour includes transportation, meals, and gratuities for a hassle-free experience, with a small group size for personalized attention.
• The tour is led by fluent English/Spanish-speaking guides who provide historical context and cultural significance of the sites visited.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Sacred Valley Plus 1 Day tour provides travelers with the opportunity to explore five of the region’s top sights in a single day.

Over 8 hours, the tour visits the salt mines of Maras, the farming terraces of Moray, the impressive ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and the traditional textile practices of Chinchero.

With a small group limited to 8 people, the tour offers personalized attention from a fluent English/Spanish-speaking guide.

Transportation, meals, and gratuities are included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

This tour allows visitors to enjoy the cultural and historical significance of the Inca sites and colonial architecture throughout the Sacred Valley.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes a fluent English/Spanish-speaking guide who’ll provide guided service throughout the day.

Transportation between the sites is included, allowing for seamless transitions.

Lunch and dinner are provided, ensuring travelers are well-fed during the excursion.

Gratuities are also covered, eliminating the need for additional out-of-pocket expenses.

The tour begins with pickup between 7am and 7:30am from the hotel lobby, ensuring a timely start to the day’s activities.

• Transportation between sites
• Guided service throughout the tour
• Lunch and dinner included
• Gratuities included

Cultural and Historical Significance

Visitors on the Sacred Valley Plus 1 Day Tour have the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural and historical significance of the region. The tour includes visits to the Salt Mines of Maras, the farming terraces of Moray, and the massive ruins of Ollantaytambo, providing insights into Inca architecture, engineering, and agricultural practices. In Pisac, guests can admire the beautiful colonial architecture, while in Chinchero, they’ll learn about traditional Inca textile practices. Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guides provide historical context, allowing participants to better understand the significance of the sites they explore.

Site	Cultural Significance	Historical Significance
Maras	Salt production	Inca salt mining techniques
Moray	Agricultural experimentation	Inca agricultural practices
Ollantaytambo	Urban planning	Inca military stronghold

Maras Salt Mines and Moray Terraces

After departing the first stop, the tour group heads to the remarkable Salt Mines of Maras, where they’ll witness the ancient Inca salt production techniques still in use today.

This natural wonder features thousands of salt-evaporation pools carved into the mountainside, each one individually harvested by local families.

The group then visits the unique agricultural terraces of Moray, where the Incas experimented with microclimates to grow a variety of crops.

The visitors can:

• Admire the concentric circular terraces
• Imagine the Inca engineers’ clever design
• Observe the temperature differences across the terraces
• Marvel at the ingenuity of this ancient agricultural laboratory

Ollantaytambo Ruins and Pisac Architecture

Next, the tour group explores the massive ruins of Ollantaytambo, a former Inca stronghold and one of the best-preserved Inca towns.

They’ll be awed by the enormous stone terraces and temples that were built to guard the entrance to the Sacred Valley.

After Ollantaytambo, they’ll visit Pisac, known for its impressive Inca ruins and colonial architecture.

The guide will provide historical context, explaining how the ruins and architecture reflect the fusion of Inca and Spanish influences.

Travelers will have the chance to wander through the charming streets and markets of Pisac, taking in the vibrant local culture.

Chinchero’s Textile Practices

From Ollantaytambo and Pisac, the tour then takes visitors to the town of Chinchero, known for its rich textile traditions.

Here, travelers have the opportunity to learn about the intricate process of creating traditional Inca textiles. They’ll witness skilled weavers using ancient techniques to transform raw wool into vibrant, intricate fabrics.

The tour highlights include:

• Observing the washing, spinning, and dying of wool using natural dyes
• Seeing traditional backstrap looms in action as weavers create complex patterns
• Learning about the significance of certain designs and their cultural symbolism
• Browsing the local textile market for unique handmade souvenirs

This immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of Chinchero’s enduring textile heritage.

Reviews and Customer Feedback

The tour has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an impressive overall rating of 5.0 out of 18 reviews.

The majority of the reviews (17) have rated the tour 5 stars, highlighting the knowledgeable guides, well-organized itinerary, and the breathtaking scenery. Specific guides like Jacob, Joaquin, and Alberto have been praised for their expertise and friendliness.

While most customers had a wonderful experience, one negative review mentioned communication issues regarding last-minute cancellations.

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for the Sacred Valley Plus 1 Day Tour, ensuring travelers have all the necessary details.

However, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility concerns should plan accordingly. Most travelers can participate, though, making it a suitable option for a wide range of fitness levels.

It’s important to note the non-refundable cancellation policy, so travelers should plan their schedule carefully.

Operated by FlashpackerConnect LLC, this tour has received mostly positive reviews, though one negative review mentioned communication issues regarding last-minute cancellations.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Most travelers can participate
• Non-refundable cancellation policy
• Operated by FlashpackerConnect LLC

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour company offers a private option for this 8-hour tour. The private tour allows for a more personalized experience with a guide and transportation just for your group.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, you can customize the tour itinerary. The tour operator offers flexibility to adjust the itinerary based on your preferences and interests, though the core sites may remain the same. Just let them know what you’d like to focus on or modify.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Site?

The tour generally spends 1-2 hours at each site, allowing visitors ample time to explore the highlights. The duration at each location may vary depending on group size and interests, but the overall pacing is designed to provide a comprehensive experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

There are no specific discounts offered for children or seniors on this tour. The price is a flat rate per person, regardless of age. The tour is best suited for most travelers who can participate in the activities.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Customers can’t extend the standard 8-hour tour duration, but they can book a private tour with a flexible schedule. The provider doesn’t offer discounts for children or seniors on this tour.

The Sum Up

The Sacred Valley Plus 1 Day tour offers an immersive experience through Peru’s most significant Inca sites. Visitors will explore ancient salt mines, innovative agricultural terraces, and charming colonial architecture alongside Inca ruins, all while learning about rich cultural traditions and historical significance. With personalized attention, fluent guides, and all-inclusive transportation, meals, and gratuities, this small-group tour provides an unforgettable adventure through the Sacred Valley.