Our Sacred Valley Tour is specially designed for those most interested in the fascinating history of the Inca empire and amazing archeological finds. We take you to the best highlights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and we explore the following places: Ollantaytambo Inac ruins, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Pisac Inca ruins & market. All of this is provided in a small private tour with a guide who is passionate about Inca archeology, culture and history.
The valley between Ollantaytambo and Pisac is known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is strategically located between Cusco and Machu Picchu and played a key role in Inca culture and history. The Valley has a milder climate and is at a lower altitude than Cusco. Throughout the day, you will see picturesque villages, ancient Inca terraces, and the most important archeological sites.
***This unique itinerary will be operated by SAM Corporation Parthner!
Places we visit on the Sacred Valley Tour from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- The magnificent archeological site of Ollantaytambo and amazing views of the valley
- The Moray Archeological site, where you learn about Incan agricultural experimentation, see more information here!
- The famous Pre-Inca Salt Mines of Maras, where natural salt spring water is gathered in the same way it has been for hundreds of years, see moreinformation here!
- A quick stop in Urubamba for lunch (not included in the price)
- 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 still keeping their traditional culture alive
Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
We can take you on a full Sacred Valley tour starting in the town of Ollantaytambo! Keep reading for a sneak peak of the highlights!
OLLANTAYTAMBO
At 8:00 we head out from the Veronica View Hotel (7:30 pick up in Urubamba) to start your day at the imposing ruins of Ollantaytambo. You will have the opportunity to explore the archeological site for about 1 hour while your guide explains the historical and cultural significance of this important site. This is a very extensive site with many fascinating parts to see. You will learn about the incredible architecture of the Sun Temple, admire the water fountains, the Intihuatana and the impressive storehouses.
MARAS – SALT MINES
The Maras Salt Mines (Salineras), close to the colonial town of Maras, are Pre-Inca. Hundreds of saltpans decorate the hillside and have been used for salt extraction since before the Inca era. Also, edged at the top of the valley is a natural spring that discharges a small stream of water heavily laden with salt, which is diverted into saltpans and evaporated to produce a salt that is of very high quality. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find natural pink salt!
MORAY RUINS
The stunning Inca site of Moray is also known as “The Greenhouses of the Incas.” Different levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, part of which was further excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. It is believed they were used by the Incas to research the optimal conditions for their crops. Like the Salineras, this is a relatively short stop with little walking.
Then we drive to Urubamba for lunch where you have the option of a wide variety of restaurants with delicious Peruvian food, or international cuisine. Just tell your guide what you’re in the mood for!
See more information here!
PISAC
Onward, we drive to the archaeological site of Pisac, where you can see an immense Inca cemetery with more than 2000 tombs. You will also learn about the incredible farming terraces carved into the mountain. We will spend about 1.5 hours here, exploring the ancient Inca city. These ruins are quite extensive and you will see many examples of original Incan architecture.
Then we head downhill to the colorful market of Pisac, which we visit for about 20 minutes.
Your last stop in the valley is at the Mirador of Taray. The spectacular view of the Urubamba valley will be laid out before you, with traditional farming communities in the valley floor and mountain peaks rising from the end of the valley. Another 45 minutes on the road and we are back in Cusco where we will take you to your hotel. The return to the Veronica View Hotel is only about an hour and a half drive.
What is Included ?
What is not Included ?
Spend more time at the Inca cities in small or private groups during the Sacred Valley Tour!
** We are running this unique tour ONLY in a private service!
GROUP PRICES
| # OF PERSONS | PRICE PER PERSON |
| 2 persons | $75 pp |
| 3 persons | $65 pp |
| 4 persons | $55 pp |
| 5 + persons | $45 pp |
***Price per person is based on the number of people in the group. Once the group is finalized, each person will pay based on the size of the final group. There is no guarantee of how many persons may join except that the limit is 10 persons per group.
***A minimum of 2 people is required to start a group.
PRIVATE GROUP PRICES (Any date)
| # OF PERSONS | PRICE PER GROUP |
| 1 to 4 persons | $197 |
| 5 to 8 persons | $240 |
| — | — |
| — | — |
***Private group price is based on group price not per person and will be completely private with your own guide, chauffeur and private van. No other person will be added to the group.
***Minimum is 1 person but that person will pay $197 for the private group.
EXTRA FEES
- Entrance tickets to archeological sites: 70 soles (approximately US$20) per person, which can only be purchased in soles at the first archeological site. (See important info for more information)
- Salt Mine entrance of 10 soles
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following information carefully as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and Sacred Valley Tour.
HOW TO BOOK
FIRST, to book your Sacred Valley Tour, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase a Machu Picchu permit without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.O.B (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $53.00 USD per person. You can make a deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbol on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbol on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) in Cusco. There are many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee charged by PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address veronicaviewhotel@gmail.com to make the payment
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you always dress in layers as that makes it easier to adjust to the quickly changing weather patterns.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during the hike. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Tourist destinations and the VV Hotel. Of course you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes! Veronica View Hotel & Tours is a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator. We incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know, understand, and respect the places and its local people.
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR?
- Warm jacket
- Rain gear or poncho
- Water in reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and sun hat
- Some money for souvenirs
- Money in soles to purchase boleto turistico and entrance ticket to Maras
- Original passport
- If you are a student, take your student ID card (only gives a discount for the 10 day boleto turistico)
