Highlights
- Explore the ancient salt pools of Salineras de Maras on a guided tour
- Discover the agricultural wisdom of the Incas at the Moray site
- Enjoy a relaxing lunch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Enjoy a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley and stop for a local lunch
- Explore the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex
Description
The first stop is the Moray Archaeological Site, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory made up of circular terraces. Here you learn how the Incas created multiple microclimates to experiment with crops at different altitudes.
Next, you continue to the Salineras de Maras, also known as the Maras Salt Mines, where more than 3,000 salt pools cascade down the mountainside. You observe local families still harvesting pink salt using traditional pre-Inca methods.
The route then proceeds to the Urubamba Valley in the Sacred Valley, where you enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at a local restaurant. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.
After lunch, you visit the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, one of the best-preserved Inca complexes. You explore its terraces, the Temple of the Sun, and the ancient Inca town that is still inhabited today.
Optionally, you may visit the Qolqas of Cheqoq, ancient Inca storage structures used for preserving food using natural ventilation and altitude-based refrigeration.
The day ends with your return to your hotel in Cusco, leaving the evening free for rest or additional activities and local recommendations.
Includes
Private or shared tourist transport with oxygen tank and first aid kit
Professional bilingual tour guide (English-Spanish) born in Cusco
Andean Priest / Shaman assistance (if available, for optional workshop)
Materials and supplies for the Andean Cosmovision workshop and practices
Excludes
Cusco Tourist Ticket for Moray & Ollantaytambo ($19 USD)
Maras Salt Mines entrance ($5 USD). Cash only.
Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley ($7–12 USD)
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
