DAY 1: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (Pisac + Moray + Maras + Salt mines + Ollantaytambo)
We will pick you up from your hotel at 7:30am with our private van and head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the route to Pisac. We stop at the mirador of Taray to enjoy a beautiful overhead view of the Urubamba valley which accents the surrounding mountain ranges. Next, we head to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the hand carved farming terraces built into the side of the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious site of this important Inca ruin. After approximately 2 hours, we will visit the colorful Pisac Market which is the largest Market in the region, spend a little time visiting just to see the different handicrafts before heading to Urubamba for lunch. You are welcome to purchase something if you would like to try out your negotiating skills.
After lunch, we visit Moray, which was an experimental farming site built in the form of an ampitheater with different temperature at each level which grows different types of crops. These levels of terraces were carved before the Incas took control of the Sacred Valley and then used by the Incas to research optimal growing conditions for their crops.
We continue our journey to the colonial town of Maras, walking downhill to the pre-Inca salt mines. Over a thousand salt ponds have been used to extract salt since before Inca times and still supplies Peru with over 90% of its salt. A hot spring at the top of the valley trickles a stream of salty water, which fills the salt ponds and evaporates to produce salt. Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo to explore this quaint Inca village and the amazing Inca Ruins on the hilltop above.
Finally, we will return to Cusco, arriving to your hotel around 6:30pm.
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR?
- Private group
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Private comfortable transportation
- Taxes
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR?
- Entrance tickets to archeological sites: 70 soles (1 day only) or approximately $20 USD per person which can only be purchased in soles only at the first archeological site. (See the Boleto Turistico here)
- Meals
- Maras salt mines entrance (10 soles)
The Sacred Valley Tour is available on any date as long as we have a minimum of 2 people to book.
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 people | $ 65 USD per person |
| 3 people | $ 55 USD per person |
| 4 people | $ 50 USD per person |
| +5 people | $ 45 USD per person |
Price for a private Sacred Valley tour: US$177 in total for a group up to 6 people.
EXTRA FEES
- Entrance tickets to archeological sites: 70 soles or approximately $20 USD per person which can only be purchased in soles at the first archeological site. ((See the Boleto Turistico here)
- Salt Mine entrance of (10 soles)
The Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket) for the Sacred Valley Tour
You have the option to purchase a 1 Day or a 10 Day Boleto Turistico.
The partial ticket, or 1-Day ticket costs 70 soles (about US $20) and is valid for 1 day. You can visit as many sites as you like in one day with no further charge. There are no discounts with this ticket.
Both tourist tickets, 1-day or 10-day, allows the access to different archeological sites in and around Cusco, the Sacred Valley, various museums in Cusco, the Main Cathedral, the Qoricancha and more. This is the best way to visit all the archeological sites of the region and the Sacred Valley. Most of the main archeological sites are not accessible for free.
The general ticket, or 10-Day Ticket is 130 soles (about US $35) and is valid for 10 days. This is the cheapest and most convenient way to plan to see different sites in a few days.
Here is a list of sites where you can use your Boleto Touristico:
- Sacsayhuaman
- Q’enqo
- Puca Pucara
- Tambomachay
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Moray
- Tipon
- Piquillaqta
- Pachacutec Monument
- Cusco’s Native Art Center
- Museum of Popular Art
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Museum of Regional History
Note : The entrance ticket to the main archeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Tipón and Moray cannot be sold individually; you Must buy the Boleto turístico to visit them. You can get it in Avenida el Sol near our office or at the time you enter the first site that you are visiting. YOU MUST PAY IN SOLES, NO CREDIT CARDS OR US DOLLARS ARE ACCEPTED.
Important: These entrances are not included in the Boleto Touristico.
- The entrance to Koricancha or Santo Domingo Convent (15 soles)
- The entrance to the Cathedral (40 soles)
- Maras Salt Mines (10 soles)
*** Find the best information about Boleto turistico here!
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR?
- Warm jacket
- Hat
- Water
- Sun protection
- Some money for souvenirs and tips
- Money in soles to purchase boleto turistico and ticket for the Maras salt mine
- Original passport
