HIGHLIGHTS OF SACRED VALLEY & SALT MINE

Can you imagine viciting in a single day, mountain landscapes, ancient Inca terraces, traditional villages, colorful local markets, and important archaeological sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray. The valley is famous for its rich culture, history, and beautiful scenery.

The Maras Salt Mines are one of the most unique attractions in the area. Thousands of small white salt pools built on the mountainside have been used since Inca times. Visitors enjoy the spectacular views, traditional salt harvesting techniques, and the chance to see one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes.

 
 
 

Short Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Cusco – Pisac – Moray – Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo:

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 learn about the incredible farming terraces carved into the mountain. We will spend about 1.5 hours here, exploring the ancient Inca city.

SALT MINES: The 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.

MORAY: The fascinating 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.

OLLANTAYTAMBO: We finish our tour in Ollantaytambo, exploring the archeological site for about 1 hour. Like Pisac, this is a very extensive site.

ITINERARY

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 – Cusco – Pisac – Moray – Salt mine – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

We will pick you up at your hotel at 7:30am, with our private van and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where your first view of the valley is at the Mirador of Taray. This spectacular view of the Urubamba valley is laid out before you, with traditional farming communities in the valley floor and mountain peaks rising from the end of the valley. Keep reading for a sneak peak of the highlights!

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 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 Inca architecture.

Then we head back to the colorful market of Pisac, which we visit for about 20 minutes. Then we drive to Urubamba for lunch where you have the option of a buffet restaurant of delicious Peruvian food, or other nearby restaurants.

SALT MINES

The 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. A natural spring at the top of the valley 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 naturally pink salt! This is a shorter walk than Pisac.

MORAY

The fascinating 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. This is another short stop.

OLLANTAYTAMBO

We finish our tour in Ollantaytambo, exploring the archeological site for about 1 hour. Like Pisac, this is a very extensive site. You will learn about the incredible architecture of the Sun Temple, admire the water fountains, the Incahuatana and the impressive storehouses.  Finally, we will return to Cusco, dropping you at your hotel around 6:30pm.

  • Included
  • Entrance tickets to archeological sites.
  • Salt Mine entrance 
  • Round trip transportation in a private van
  • Professional guide, English speaking
  • Fees to access private land
  • Not Included
  • Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Tips for guide

PRICE

The Sacred Valley Tour can be done on any date that suits you, with a minimum of 2 people required to operate.

Option Price (USD per person)
Group Service (2+ travelers)

US$ 110

Reservation price (deposit): USD $50 per person
Balance (Cusco): USD $60 (commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing)

IMPORTANT INFO

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and driven to your hotel. Please send us your flight details at least 14 days prior to your tour. Look for our representative holding a Nomad In Peru logo at the arrivals terminal.

THE BRIEFING

We usually visit your hotel at 6:00 p.m. for your briefing. If you prefer daytime, email us your details—we’ll be ready at your convenience.

HOW TO BOOK THE COMPLETE SACRED VALLEY & SALT MINE?

Step one: To book the complete sacred valley and salt mine we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage (link BOOK NOW).

Copies of each participant’s passport are required at booking.

  • Gender

  • Passport number

  • Full name

  • D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)

  • Nationality

Step two: we require an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount, per person.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?

The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days prior to the start of the service in Cusco.

To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may choose to pay the balance in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles. There are many ATMs available in Cusco, or you may also complete the payment using the same method as the initial deposit.

  • Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE PERMITt?

Unfortunately, it is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn’t allow us to change once the 4-days Inca trail permits have been bought. Classic Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers. If you cancel your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!

  • Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes. Bring the same passport you used for booking. It will be required to enter Machu Picchu and board the train. If you renew your passport, send us a copy of your old and new passports to update your permit.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK?

The weather in Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray is mostly mild and pleasant. Days are sunny to partly cloudy with temperatures around 16–19°C (60–67°F), while nights are cold, dropping to about 1–6°C (34–43°F). There may be light afternoon rain on some days, so it’s good to bring a warm jacket and a light raincoat.

WILDLIFE & FLORA

In Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray, you can see beautiful Andean wildlife and flora. Common animals include llamas, alpacas, hummingbirds, Andean birds, and sometimes condors. The area is also rich in native plants, eucalyptus trees, cactus, orchids, and colorful mountain flowers. The landscapes are full of green valleys, agricultural terraces, and impressive mountain scenery.

TIPPING

Tipping after a tour, such sacred valley is not mandatory but is a common and appreciated gesture to show gratitude for the efforts of the guide, porters, chefs, and other staff.

PACKING LIST

What You Should Bring for the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour

  • Small backpack or carry bag
  • Change of clothing for the second day
  • Comfortable shoes or runners
  • Camera
  • Water to drink
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Fleece or light jacket
  • Basic toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Hat for the sun
  • Some extra money for lunch, snacks, and souvenirs
  • Original passport

 

Inquire for Details