Not far from the city of Cusco is the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A beautiful part of the world and a tour here is not to be missed when traveling to the Cusco region. The valley is located between Cusco and Machu Picchu and on a tour, we visit Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. All these sites played a role in the history and culture of the Inca.

The Sacred Valley features a different climate than Cusco and lower altitude. Take a tour to see pretty villages, ancient Inca terraces and many important Inca sites. The Sacred Valley is an important fruit and vegetable growing region as you will see as you traverse through the valley.

Places you will visit on the Sacred Valley Tour

• The spectacular viewpoint of the Sacred Valley (Mirador of Taray)
• The extensive Pisac Inca ruins, which have many impressive examples of Inca architecture
• The colorful local market of Pisac, where you can see local people who are keeping traditional culture alive
• A quick stop at Urubamba for lunch (not included in price)
• The Moray Archeological site where you can learn about Incan agricultural experimentation
• The famous Pre-Inca Salt Mines of Maras where naturally salty spring water is gathered in the same way it has been for hundreds of years
• The magnificent archeological site of Ollantaytambo and amazing views of the valley.

Itinerary for the Sacred Valley Tour

The day starts with pick up from your hotel at 7.30am, after heading to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Get your first view of the valley from the Mirador of Taray. See the valley laid out in front of you, with checkerboard fields on the valley floor and magnificent mountain peaks as far as the eye can see.

Pisac

Continue to the archaeological site of Pisac, located on top of the town of Pisac. See the immense Inca cemetery with more than 2000 tombs. Learn about the grand farming terraces that dominate the mountainside. Spend over an hour exploring the ancient Inca city. These ruins are large and your guide will give an explanation of the history and the architecture.

Head back to town to the colorful market of Pisac, a great place to buy your souvenirs. Then we drive to Urubamba for lunch where you have the option of a buffet restaurant of delicious Peruvian food, or other nearby restaurants. (Not Included)

Salt Mines

The Salt Mines at Maras have existed for centuries and are Pre Inca. There are hundreds of saltpans that decorate the side of the mountain which have been in use since before the time of the Incas. On top of the mountain above the pans there is a natural spring that is heavily ladened with salt. This spring is diverted into the pans, when the water in the pan evaporates the salt is left. The salt is of very high quality and is one of the only places in the world that you can find naturally pink salt. Here you can purchase the salt to take home.

Moray

The Moray site is a fascinating journey into the mind of the Inca. These terraces were built before the Inca but were used by the Inca to experiment and research the growing of crops. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. This site was called the Greenhouse of the Inca. Archeologists have found different soil from different parts of South America here proving that the Inca were trying to use the site for different purposes.

Ollantaytambo

This town has not changed since Inca Times and it is where we finish our Sacred Valley tour in Ollantaytambo. Explore the Inca fortress for around an hour and discover the incredible architecture, the Sun Temple, the water fountain and the storehouses. Stroll around town and admire the stone streets and the impressive Inca waterways. Later return to Cusco through the valley and arrive at your hotel around 6.30pm.

What is included in the Sacred Valley tour?

• Small group up to 10 people
• Professional English-speaking guide with extensive knowledge of each site
• Private comfortable transportation
• Tax

Not Included

• Entrance tickets to archeological sites:  70 soles (1 day only) or approximately US$20 per person which can only be purchased in soles and only at the first archeological site. (See important info for more information)
• Meals
• Salt Mine entrance 20 soles