How to Plan Your Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac Tour from Cusco

If you’re looking for a full-day tour that includes exploring the Sacred Valley, visiting Incan ruins, and getting to know the history of a local village, then the Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac tour is perfect for you. This van tour is led by a professional, English, and Spanish-speaking guide, who will walk you through each location and provide you with a deep understanding of the sites’ history. To help you plan for this incredible tour, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that covers the tour highlights, essential information, and advice on what to bring.

Experience

The tour is the perfect way to experience Cusco’s Sacred Valley and its surroundings. You’ll get to see Incan ruins, visit local markets, explore textile production, and learn about the salt production history of a local village. Additionally, you’ll have a chance to enjoy spectacular views of the Sacred Valley from different locations.

Highlights

The tour includes several highlights, including:

– Exploring Moray, a fascinating circular terraced Incan agricultural laboratory that served as a botanical research center.
– Visiting Chinchero, famous for its traditional textiles production and Incan ruins.
– Stopping at Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive Incan sites in the region, and soaking in the beauty of its impressive fortification.
– Discovering the amazing salt pans and learning about the traditional salt production of Maras Salt Mines.
– Checking out the Pisac market with an assortment of textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and other souvenirs.

Itinerary

The tour starts with a pickup at your Cusco hotel in the historical center by a private van. Throughout the day, the tour will make stops at several fascinating locations, including Maras Salt Mines, Moray, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba.

Full itinerary:

– Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
– Drive to Chinchero.
– Visit textile production and ruins.
– Continue to Moray.
– Explore the circular terraced Incan agricultural laboratory.
– Drive to Maras Salt Mines.
– Check out the impressive salt pans and learn about the traditional salt production.
– Have lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba.
– Drive to Ollantaytambo.
– Explore the Incan ruins and the stunning fortification.
– Continue to Pisac.
– Check out the Pisac market.

Essential Information and Tips

– The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, and those with high blood pressure.
– The cost of the tour includes pickup from your hotel in the historical center, private transportation to the Sacred Valley, an English and Spanish-speaking professional guide, a buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba, the Cusco Tourist Ticket, and the entrance fee to Maras Salt Mines.
– Drinks are not included in the cost of the tour.
– We recommend dressing in layers, as the weather can change throughout the day, especially during the rainy season.
– Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking involved.
– Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a rain jacket if needed.
– The tour is a van-based tour, so if you’re prone to car sickness, it’s best to come prepared.
– If you’re interested in souvenirs, bring cash as some vendors may not accept credit cards.
– Lastly, don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views and memorable moments.

Booking Information

If you’re ready to book your Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac tour, you can do so through the following link: book the tour here. Book now to secure your spot on this unforgettable tour of the Sacred Valley.

An Insider’s Guide to Cusco

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire is a treasure trove of culture and history. Its stunning architecture, lively markets, vibrant music, and friendly people make it an alluring tourist destination. But beyond the obvious tourist traps lies the heart of the city that only locals know. Here’s an insider’s guide to Cusco, highlighting hidden gems, local cuisine, cultural experiences and unforgettable off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems

The Plaza San Blas is one of the most underrated places in Cusco. With its narrow cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, and artisanal shops, it’s the perfect place to get lost in the city’s bohemian culture. Another hidden gem is the Museo de Arte Precolombino. This museum showcases fascinating artifacts from the pre-Columbian era and gives a glimpse into the rich history of the city.

Dining Spots: Local Cuisine and Anecdotes

Cusco has a vibrant food culture that blends the Peruvian Inca heritage with Spanish influences. One of the must-try dishes is ceviche, which is fresh seafood cooked in lime juice and served with corn and sweet potatoes. One of the best places to taste this delicacy is Cevicheria El Batán. It’s a small cozy place with a fantastic menu, warm service, and a breathtaking view of the city. Another good option is Chicha by Gastón Acurio, a popular restaurant that serves authentic Peruvian food with a twist. An interesting anecdote about Cusco’s food culture is that the famous potato originated in Peru, and there are over 4,000 varieties of potatoes grown in the country!

Cultural Experiences: Traditions, Festivals, Arts, and Music

Cusco is a city that takes pride in its rich cultural heritage. One of the most famous festivals in Cusco is Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun, held on June 24th. The festival includes colorful processions, traditional dances, and music. Another cultural experience is visiting the local market, San Pedro Market. It’s a bustling market that sells everything from fresh produce to local art. The streets of Cusco are also home to many talented street musicians, who play traditional Andean music.

Local History: Captivating Stories

Cusco has a captivating history that dates back to the Inca Empire. One of the most fascinating stories is the legend of the “12-angle stone”. This stone is part of a wall in the city, and it’s said that it was carved with such precision that it fits perfectly with the other stones, despite being irregular in shape. Another fascinating story is about the construction of Machu Picchu, which was a well-kept secret for over four centuries until a Yale professor discovered it in 1911.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a unique and unforgettable experience, try taking a cooking class with a local family. Learn how to make traditional dishes and bond over a delicious meal. Another suggestion is taking a horseback riding tour in the countryside. The tour offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains and a chance to experience the local way of life. For the adventurous, try the Via Ferrata and Zipline in Sacred Valley. The Via Ferrata is a climbing route on a rock face, and the zipline covers a distance of over two kilometers, with stunning views of the Andes Mountains.

Cusco is a city that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. By exploring its hidden gems, experiencing the local cuisine, culture, and history, and venturing off the beaten path, tourists can have an unforgettable trip that they will cherish for years to come.