Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley

5.0
(18 reviews) Cusco, Peru

8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

During this amazing and unique tour, we will tour the Salt Mines at Maras, where you can see locals collecting salt from pools in the same way that the Incas did. Then we will hike down to the floor of the Sacred Valley using one of the original Inca trails that was used to transport the salt towards Machu Picchu. Our driver will pick us up and transport us to a local organic farm where we will take a tour, tasted local fruits and vegetables and cut alfalfa to feed the guinea pigs. Then we will go to Urubamba to visit a local non-touristic market and an incredible pottery workshop.

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local guide
Driver/guide
Lunch
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Location Name: Any hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley Return Location: Any hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley

What to expect

We will pick you up by private transport from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. From Cusco, it is a 90 minute drive over roads with beautiful views of the mountains and Sacred Valley and will arrive at the Salt mines at Maras. We will do a tour of the Salt mines and see different colors of pools that are used to evaporate salt that is in the water that is bubbling up from an underground spring.

After having a chance to buy salt, we will hike down to the Sacred Valley floor for an easy 45-60 minute hike via a trail that was used by the Incas to transport salt to Machu Picchu. After crossing the Sacred Urubamba river, our car will be waiting for us to go to Yanahuara where we will visit and tour a local organic farm. Here we can taste local fruits and vegetables unique to Peru. We will learn about chicha and cut alfalfa to feed the guinea pigs. Then we will go to Urubamba to have lunch in a local restaurant and will then visit a local non-touristic market and have a tour where we will see locals selling fruits, flowers, vegetables and medicinal plants. Finally, we will visit the studio of the famous potter, Pablo Seminario before taking you back to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

Additional info

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Supplied by Valentins Pachamama Journeys

Tags

Hiking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 18 18 reviews
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