Tour to the Sacred Valley ending in Ollantaytambo

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the Cusco region, filled with history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. This tour will visit several key sites, including Chinchero, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo, each of which holds a unique significance in Inca history. From impressive agricultural terraces to sacred fortresses, this journey offers a fantastic opportunity to dive into Andean culture, explore archaeological ruins, and enjoy panoramic views of the valley.

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary (Full Day):

7:30 am – Departure from Cusco:

The tour starts at 7:30 am with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Travelers will board a comfortable transport vehicle and head towards the Sacred Valley. The first stop will be Chinchero, located about 30 minutes from Cusco.

8:00 am – Visit to Chinchero:

The first stop is Chinchero, a small village known for its colonial church built on top of an ancient Inca temple. Chinchero also has Inca agricultural terraces that have been in use for centuries. Travelers will have the chance to see locals weaving textiles using traditional techniques and natural dyes. Chinchero is a great place to learn about Andean culture and its connection to the ancient peoples of the valley.

9:30 am – Departure to Maras:

After visiting Chinchero, the tour continues towards Maras, famous for its stunning salt mines. The drive to Maras takes about 30 minutes.

10:00 am – Visit to Maras Salt Mines:

In Maras, travelers will explore the famous salt mines, which have been used since Inca times. The mines are located on a mountainside and consist of thousands of salt evaporation ponds fed by subterranean springs. The view of these salt terraces is spectacular, and visitors will learn about the salt extraction process that is still used today.

11:30 am – Departure to Moray:

After Maras, the tour heads towards Moray, a site featuring large circular agricultural terraces that are believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation. The drive from Maras to Moray takes about 15 minutes.

12:00 pm – Visit to Moray:

At Moray, travelers will marvel at the fascinating circular agricultural terraces, which are arranged in concentric circles. These terraces were used by the Incas to experiment with different altitudes and growing conditions. The ingenious design allowed the Incas to cultivate a variety of crops in a single location. Moray is a unique archaeological site that demonstrates the sophistication of Incan agricultural engineering.

1:00 pm – Lunch in Urubamba:

Next, the group will head to Urubamba, where a traditional lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Travelers can enjoy regional dishes such as roasted guinea pig, chicken, or local soups.

2:30 pm – Departure to Ollantaytambo:

After lunch, the tour continues to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. The drive from Urubamba to Ollantaytambo takes about 30 minutes.

3:00 pm – Visit to Ollantaytambo:

The final stop is Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca complex and town that served as a major military stronghold. Travelers will explore the massive terraces, temples, and military structures that surround the site. From the top of the terraces, there are breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Ollantaytambo is also a vibrant town that retains its original Inca street plan.

5:00 pm – Drop-off in Ollantaytambo:

After visiting Ollantaytambo, travelers will be dropped off in the town of Ollantaytambo. From here, they can continue their journey to other destinations or take the train to Machu Picchu, as Ollantaytambo is one of the main starting points for those heading to the Inca Citadel.