Embarking on a journey to Ollantaytambo offers more than just a seamless transport. This tour invites travelers to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley. From the picturesque town of Chinchero to the captivating agricultural laboratory of Moray, each stop promises an immersive glimpse into Inca history and breathtaking landscapes. With knowledgeable drivers and comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, the experience promises to be both enlightening and convenient. However, the true highlight may lie in the final destination – the stunning Salineras de Maras, a historic salt production site that holds the key to unveiling the region’s past.
Good To Know
- Private transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo with stops at Chinchero, Salineras de Maras, and Moray is offered as part of the tour.
- The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, covered parking fees, and food, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience.
- Knowledgeable native drivers and an official tourist guide share insights about Inca history and culture throughout the tour.
- Highlights include exploring agricultural terraces and an Inca palace in Chinchero, the agricultural experimentation site of Moray, and the salt mines of Salineras de Maras.
- The tour is highly recommended, with a 100% traveler rating, and offers flexibility in scheduling.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview and Features
The tour offers a private transport experience from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, with stops at the Chinchero, Salineras de Maras, and Moray sites.
Boasting a 100% traveler recommendation, the tour provides flexibility in scheduling, allowing you to choose where, when, and at what time to go.
Native drivers knowledgeable about Inca history ensure comfort, safety, and punctuality.
The air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board, along with covered parking fees and food provided during the tour, add to the convenience.
An official tourist guide is included, and you’ll receive a partial tourist ticket (70 soles per person) to enhance your experience.
Inclusions
This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey.
Plus, the tour covers all parking fees, so you won’t have to worry about that. During the day, you’ll also be provided with food to keep you fueled.
The partial tourist ticket, valued at 70 soles per person, is included, granting you access to the sites. An official tourist guide will accompany you throughout the tour, sharing their knowledge about the Inca history and culture.
With these inclusions, you can focus on enjoying the experience without any logistical concerns.
Tour Highlights
What’re the key highlights of this tour?
The tour features stops at Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras de Maras.
At Chinchero, you’ll explore agricultural terraces and an Inca palace, as well as experience handmade workshops and alpaca wool coloring.
Moray offers a glimpse into the Inca’s agricultural experimentation, where they controlled crop production in the Sacred Valley and Tawantinsuyo empire.
Lastly, you’ll explore the salt mines at Salineras de Maras, which have been in use since Inca times.
Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about Inca history from knowledgeable native drivers.
Pickup and Logistics
Pickup for the tour is available from your hotel, Airbnb, or the airport, with reservation details required. Confirmation is received upon booking.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are welcome, with infants required to sit on laps.
- The tour is operated by Palomino Taxi Tour, starting at $110.00 per group (up to 3 people).
- Parking fees are covered, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
This private transport to Ollantaytambo includes visits to Chinchero, Salineras de Maras, and Moray, providing flexibility in your schedule and control over the tour experience.
Traveler Reviews and Feedback
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the tour, with an overall rating of 5.0 based on 12 reviews. Positive experiences highlighted by guests include the professionalism of the drivers, the knowledgeable guides, the flexibility in scheduling, and the overall excellent service. Specific mentions were made of drivers Alex, Pedro, and Julio for their attentiveness and professionalism.
| Reviewer Feedback | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| 5-star | 11 |
| 4-star | 1 |
| 3-star | 0 |
| 2-star or lower | 0 |
Travelers recommended exploring more of Cusco’s attractions in the future.
Visiting Chinchero
The tour begins with a visit to the picturesque town of Chinchero, nestled high in the Andes.
Travelers will explore the agricultural terraces and a temple built on an Inca palace, gaining insight into the region’s rich history.
The highlight of the Chinchero experience includes:
- Witnessing the traditional handmade workshops and observing the vibrant process of alpaca wool coloring using native plants.
- Appreciating the intricate craftsmanship and unique cultural practices of the local artisans.
- Gaining a deeper understanding of the Inca’s advanced agricultural techniques and their impact on the Sacred Valley.
From Chinchero, the tour progresses to the next captivating destinations of Moray and Salineras de Maras.
Exploring Moray
Next, the tour takes visitors to the captivating site of Moray. This unique Inca site is believed to have been an agricultural laboratory, where the Incas experimented with crop production in controlled microclimates.
The site features a series of concentric terraces descending into a central depression, creating a temperature differential of up to 15°C between the top and bottom. This allowed the Incas to cultivate a variety of crops, testing different growing conditions and elevations.
Exploring Moray provides a fascinating glimpse into the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and their ability to adapt to the challenging Andean environment.
Discovering Salineras De Maras
After exploring the unique agricultural site of Moray, the tour continues to the remarkable Salineras de Maras, a salt production complex that has been in use since Inca times.
This ancient salt mine offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history and traditional practices.
Visitors can expect to:
- Wander through the terraced salt pans, observing the local workers harvesting salt
- Learn about the intricate system of salt extraction and distribution used for centuries
- Capture stunning photographs of the unique, geometric landscape
The Salineras de Maras tour provides a captivating and immersive experience, allowing travelers to delve deeper into the cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?
Yes, the tour is available in languages besides English. According to the information provided, the tour offers native drivers knowledgeable about Inca history, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience for travelers.
Can We Stop for Lunch and Explore the Local Markets?
Yes, the tour includes stops for lunch and exploration of local markets. Travelers can take their time enjoying the cuisine and culture of the region during the flexible tour experience.
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Yes, the tour offers flexible scheduling, allowing you to choose where, when, and at what time to go. You can customize the itinerary to include stops for lunch and explore local markets.
How Long Does the Entire Tour Take From Start to Finish?
The entire tour typically takes around 5-6 hours from start to finish. The duration may vary slightly depending on factors like traffic and time spent at each site, but it’s generally a full-day excursion.
Are There Any Additional Charges or Fees Not Mentioned in the Inclusions?
The tour package includes all fees and charges mentioned under the "Inclusions" section. There are no additional hidden costs or extra fees for travelers to pay during the tour experience.
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The Sum Up
This tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley‘s cultural and natural wonders. Travelers will experience the picturesque town of Chinchero, the fascinating agricultural site of Moray, and the historic salt production at Salineras de Maras. With knowledgeable drivers and comfortable transportation, this tour offers an immersive journey into Inca history and the breathtaking landscapes of the region.