Do you want to get out of the city and visit the most significant archaeological sites of the Inca Empire? The VIP Sacred Valley tour is the perfect opportunity to experience the culture and history of the ancient Incas and appreciate some of Peru’s most impressive landscapes.
This amazing excursion will take you to the most important places in the Sacred Valley, from exploring ancient ruins and circular terraced cultivation to visiting the Maras Salt Mines and the traditional market of Pisac. Each of these destinations will offer you an exciting adventure that you will not easily forget.
You will start your day with a visit to the picturesque town of Chinchero, where you can explore ancient Inca constructions and learn about the process of wool weaving. Next, you will see the mysterious agricultural terraces of Moray while listening to your guide’s explanation. You will discover the 3,000 salt pools at the Maras Salt Mines and take photographs in this amazing place. In addition, you will learn about the ancient salt extraction process that has remained unchanged over the centuries.
We will stop in Urubamba, an excellent place to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and try the best typical dishes of the area. Later, we will climb up to the fortress of Ollantaytambo to observe the Inca’s skill in their architecture and walk through the cobbled streets of this living Inca town. To finish this complete tour of the Sacred Valley, we will arrive in Pisac, where we will explore its impressive archaeological site and the famous Inca cemetery, considered the largest in America. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to buy crafts and take some of the best memories of your trip home from the traditional market of Pisac.
With the help of your expert guide and the warm climate of the valley, this excursion will allow you to immerse yourself in the history of the Incas and enjoy stunning views that will be etched in your memory forever. What are you waiting for? Come and enjoy one of the best tourist experiences in Cusco!
Our guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby around 06:30 am, depending on the location of you hotel. We will begin our journey to the Sacred Valley through a winding road around the mountains in the north of Cusco. Along the way, we will stop at El Mirador de Taray (viewpoint) to enjoy a beautiful view of the entire Sacred Valley and begin to learn about the ancient Inca history. The Sacred Valley was a key area of settlement for the Incas. The clime in the valley sustains fertile plains, which allows for a lot of growth, which is unusual for the high Andes. Here, the Incas carved the flanks of the mountains with wide contour terraces and irrigation canals. Our driver and guide will point out the best places to take photos to capture the beauty and vastness of the Sacred Valley. Next, we will drive towards the ruins of Pisac. At these ruins, you will see and learn about different aspects of the Inca culture. Here you can see amazing artwork etched into the stone and the impressive agricultural terraces. After exploring this magnificent place, we will drive back to the city of Pisac where you will have free time to walk around and do some shopping.
Afterwards, we will continue the trip to the district of Maras – Moray. Moray is made up of three amphitheater-like terraces made by the Incas. These terraces, which are carved deep into the earth in the shape of a basin, are believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops. After exploring Moray you will head to the Maras Salt Mines which are only 2 miles away. Dating back to colonial times, Maras was considered a salt-producing center. Carved into the mountainside are more than 3,000 salt pools, which are filled daily with a trickle of water. Once the water evaporates, it leaves behind a brilliant mosaic of salt. Then we will continue the trip to the province of Urubamba for lunch in a local restaurant where we will enjoy a delicious Andean food. (This meal is included in the tour).
After lunch, we will continue with our adventure in the Valley. We will drive along the Urubamba River towards the city of Ollantaytambo. We will visit the ruins once we reach Ollantaytambo. This site highlights the remarkable Inca architecture that was built during the Incas heydays. This is an extraordinary Inca site and in addition to the ruins, you will see an amazing rock formation representing the Inca God Wiracocha. You can end your trip here, around 3:30 pm or your can return to Cusco, arriving back around 6:00 pm, depending on the traffic.
What is included:
- Hotel pick up (Historic Center of Cusco)
- Transportation to the sacred valley
- English and Spanish-speaking professional guide
- Small-group tour (between 2 and 08 participants)
- Buffet Lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba
What is not included:
- Cusco Tourist Ticket for Moray (70 soles cash)
- Entrance to Maras Salt Mines (20 Soles cash)
- Drinks
What to bring?
Recommended list for this Super Sacred Valley Tour:
- Comfortable walking shoes: The tour involves walking on uneven terrain.
- Hat and sunscreen: Be prepared for a sunny day.
- Camera: You will want to capture stunning views and unique sites.
- Water bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated, so bring a refillable water bottle.
- Light jacket or sweater: The weather in Sacred Valley can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater.
- Snacks: While lunch is usually provided on tour, bringing a snack or two is always a good idea to keep you fueled throughout the day.
- Cash or credit card: You may want to purchase souvenirs or snacks during the tour, so bring some cash or a credit card.
- Insect repellent: The Sacred Valley is a natural environment with many insects, so bring insect repellent to protect yourself.
- Small backpack: Bring a small bag to carry your essential items and snacks.
- Portable charger: Bring a portable charger or extra batteries for your camera and phone.
- Rain gear: Have rain ponchos or rain jackets with you all the time.
Note: The tour involves walking on uneven terrain, so it’s recommended to bring only essential items and avoid carrying heavy bags or backpacks. Also, the weather in Sacred Valley can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to check the forecast and pack accordingly.
