Sacred Valley Tour with Salt Mines
Overview
This Sacred Valley Tour with Salt Mines is the perfect blend of natural beauty, archaeological wonders, and living culture. You’ll explore the heart of the Inca civilization, visiting impressive ruins, colorful markets, and the incredible Maras salt ponds. This full-day experience is perfect for history lovers and those looking for the most complete Sacred Valley route.
Itinerary
06:30 AM – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
- Our professional guide and private transport will pick you up directly from your hotel.
- You’ll begin your journey into the Sacred Valley of the Incas along a scenic route.
08:00 AM – Pisac Archaeological Site & Market
- Visit the impressive Inca site of Pisac, with agricultural terraces, water channels, and temples.
- Afterwards, explore the famous Pisac market, known for silver jewelry, textiles, and crafts.
12:00 PM – Buffet Lunch in Urubamba
- Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with local Andean and Peruvian dishes in the town of Urubamba.
01:30 PM – Ollantaytambo Fortress
- Tour the incredible fortress of Ollantaytambo, a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center of the Incas.
- Climb the Temple of the Sun for stunning panoramic views of the valley.
03:30 PM – Chinchero Village
- Visit the traditional Andean town of Chinchero, known for its colonial church and local weaving cooperatives.
- Witness a live demonstration of natural dyeing and textile techniques.
04:30 PM – Moray Inca Terraces
- Explore Moray, a fascinating Inca agricultural laboratory with concentric terraces used for crop experimentation.
05:15 PM – Maras Salt Mines (Salineras)
- Discover over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds, used by locals since pre-Inca times to produce pink salt.
- Learn about traditional salt extraction techniques and enjoy breathtaking landscapes.
06:30 PM – Return to Cusco
- After a full day of discovery, return to Cusco and drop-off at your hotel around 6:30 PM.
Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco
- Private transport for the entire route
- Professional bilingual (English/Spanish) tour guide
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba
- Entrance to Maras Salt Mines
Not Included
- Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico Parcial o General)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
What you need to Know?
- Wear light clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle
- Bring local cash for souvenirs or snacks (S/.)
- Altitude sickness medication if necessary
- Camera or smartphone for photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A partial ticket covers Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray. You can also buy the full ticket if planning other tours.
Yes, it departs daily with a minimum of 2 travelers. Private tours are also available on request.
Yes. The Maras salt ponds are still worked by local families. You can see the entire salt extraction process during your visit.
The average elevation is between 2,800 m (Urubamba) and 3,300 m (Chinchero), lower than Cusco, which makes it a great acclimatization tour.
Yes, we can drop you off in Ollantaytambo if you plan to continue to Machu Picchu from there.
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