The Classic Sacred Valley Tour is a half-day tour from Cusco that takes you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley is known for being one of the most fertile regions in southern Peru and has held great significance since the time of the Inca civilization, which continues to this day.
During this half-day tour of the Sacred Valley from Cusco, you will visit key sites that provide an overview of the valley and its influence on modern life.
The Special Sacred Valley tour is designed for individuals with limited time, allowing them to visit multiple important sites in a single day.
ARCHEOLOGICAL CENTER OF CHINCHEROS
Chinchero is a Peruvian town and the capital of the homonymous district, located in the province of Urubamba in the department of Cusco. It is renowned as the birthplace of Mateo Pumacahua, a hero of Peruvian independence who played a significant role in the Cuzco Rebellion of 1814, alongside the Angulo brothers.
According to the 2017 census, Chinchero had a population of 3,765 inhabitants. It is situated approximately 30 km from the city of Cusco, at an altitude of 3,754 meters above sea level.
The monumental zone of Chinchero was declared a historical heritage of Peru on December 28, 1972, through the R.S.N° 2900-72-ED Archaeological Park, as stated in the National Directorial Resolution No. 515 of 2005.
The Chinchero Archaeological Park spans an area of 34,800 hectares. It was occupied even before the Inca Empire. During the Tahuantinsuyo period, Inca Túpac Yupanqui planned the construction of palaces for the elite. Presently, you can witness the remains of the palace upon which the colonial church stands.
MORAY
Many archaeologists and anthropologists believe that the Moray ruins were once used for conducting agricultural experiments. Part of the evidence supporting this theory is the intricate irrigation system built into the terraces, which was supplied by water from a reservoir located high in the mountains.
Another fascinating aspect is the temperature variation within the terraces. Each terrace experiences a temperature difference of 5°C, and the sun shines on each terrace at a unique angle and intensity.
The microclimate of Moray likely enabled the Incas to conduct agricultural research and identify the optimal conditions for various crops to thrive. This suggests that the Incas utilized their environmental knowledge to capitalize on natural resources.
MARAS SALT MINES
Las Salineras de Maras (The Salt Mines of Maras) consists of over 3,000 natural salt wells located near the town of Maras. Each well has a dimension of 5 square meters.
These 3,000 pools are supplied by an underground hypersaline spring that originated 110 million years ago during the formation of the Andes Mountains.
Currently, these natural salt pools attract hundreds of tourists, providing a breathtaking view of the landscape.
The people of Maras market and sell this salt, continuing the tradition established by the Incas centuries ago.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTER OF OLLANTAYTAMBO
Ollantaytambo (in Quechua: Ullantaytampu, meaning “warehouse or inn of Ollanta”) is a Peruvian town and an Inca archaeological site. It serves as the capital of the homonymous district located in the province of Urubamba, in the department of Cusco. Ollantaytambo is situated approximately 90 km northwest of the city of Cusco.
During the Inca period, Pachacutec conquered the region, establishing the town and a ceremonial center. It served as a fortress for Manco Inca Yupanqui, the leader of the Inca resistance during the time of the Spanish conquest. In Ollantaytambo, you will find defensive platforms (used to prevent landslides) instead of agricultural terraces, which are more commonly seen in other archaeological sites in Cusco. Today, Ollantaytambo is an important tourist attraction due to its Inca constructions and being one of the main starting points for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
PISAQ MARKET
Písac is a Peruvian town located in the Calca province of the Cusco region. It is also the capital of the Pisac district.
Situated 30 kilometers from the city of Cusco, at an altitude of 2966 meters above sea level, the town is renowned for its craft fair.
At the mountain’s summit lies the Písac Archaeological Park, which was constructed between the 10th and 11th centuries.
On this day, we will pick you up from your hotel between 6:35 and 6:45 am to begin our tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Sacred Valley is situated at an elevation of 2790 meters above sea level and encompasses Chincheros, Moray, Salineras, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Each of these locations is home to archaeological remnants constructed by different Incas. The Sacred Valley holds historical significance as one of the primary agricultural centers, renowned for its fertile lands that produce the finest corn grains today.
Our first stop will be Chincheros, a place that has preserved its traditional textile and ceramic art. Here, we will visit the colonial church renowned for its notable paintings from the 15th and 17th centuries. Next, we will visit Moray, an agricultural research center where cultivation experiments were conducted at varying altitudes. Afterward, we will explore the Maras Salt Ponds, also known as Salineras de Maras, which consist of over 3,000 pools of different sizes and dimensions. These pools are owned by local families who harness the salt generated and treat it with iodine before selling it in the market.
Continuing our journey, we will arrive at Urubamba, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch. Following the meal, we will visit the city of Ollantaytambo, which dates back to the 15th century. Lastly, we will explore Pisac, renowned for its archaeological site and vibrant craft market. At the end of the tour, we will drop you off approximately 2 to 3 blocks away from the main square of Cusco.
Excelente organización, salió todo muy bien tanto Violeta la coordinadora que nos asistió en cada momento como tambien el chofer muy buena onda.
Excelente experiencia en Cusco y alrededores – Tuvimos una excelente experiencia por parte del equipo de Tayra Tours, estamos muy agradecidos porque fueron muy formales con absolutamente todo, las horas de partida, la organización de los tours… read more de cada día y el hotel donde estuvimos "Los sueños del Inca" fue magnífico, tuvimos una atención única por parte del staff del hotel.
Además de que hablamos con ellos para quedarnos una noche más en Cusco y todo salió a la perfección. Recomiendo ampliamente esta experiencia con Tayra, no se arrepentirán.
Viaje Memorable Servicio Excelente!!! – Realizamos todos nuestros paseos organizados por Tayra Tours en nuestra estancia, desde el alojamiento en Cuzco, nuestra visita al Valle Sagrado, MachuPichu etc…excelente organización, los guías insuperables, amables y muy… read more bien preparados, atentos a cualquier duda o necesidad, siempre serviciales. Fue uno de los mejores viajes, una experiencia de vida, y no me queda más que agradecer todas sus atenciones, sin ellos no hubiera sido posible!!!
Muy buen servicio A1, una muy buena experiencia tanto el hotel, el personal de guía y todo muy bien; siempre atento el personal de la agencia haciendo seguimiento cada etapa… read more del viaje.
Recomiendo esta agencia.
Auténtico mercado en Perú – Fue una de las visitas que más nos gustó en Cusco. Muy auténtico, apenas vimos turistas. Es donde más barato puedes comer en Cusco ya que en los distintos puestos… read more te ofrecen menú de 2euros por persona, teniendo muchas clases de sopa y estando todo rico
La mejor experiencia – Esta es mi primera experiencia con una agencia y fue inmejorable. Todo estaba organizado desde inicio a fin y me dieron acompañamiento en cada paso, incluso por las noches o… read more madrugadas.
Excelente servicio – Estimados amigos, con agrado dejo este comentario. Son una agencia que nos ha sorprendido con su trato, puntualidad,amabilidad y que ha cumplido con todo lo ofrecido. Nosotros contratamos el tour… read more porque queríamos estar seguros y sin las preocupaciones de buscar a última hora los boletos y los traslados. Mis felicitaciones y agradecimiento porque mi familia disfrutó el viaje!!!
Excelente agencia de turismo, con todos los protocolos de bioseguridad. Muy buena comunicacion, ademas el guia muy atento y amable.
100% recomendado
Todo excelente – El personal de la agencia muy amable y atenta en todo momento, la experiencia ah sido muy bueno para todo el grupo, la calidad de transporte y el entusiasmo del… read more guía fue la más adecuada y profesional.
El paisaje del lugar, el aire fresco que se respira y la caminata fueron sorprendentes. El servicio fue excelente 😊😊😊