Cusco Sacred Valley Tour Review: Maras & Moray (Without Lunch)

Alright, so you’re thinking about visiting the Sacred Valley near Cusco, and the tour including Maras and Moray has caught your eye, has it? Well, tons of folks do that tour every year, and you’re in the right place to hear about what it’s actually like, especially if you go for the “no lunch” option. This write-up gives you a real, detailed idea of what you can anticipate. Get ready to find out if this well known day trip really lives up to the excitement.

What’s the Deal with the “No Lunch” Tour Anyway?

You see, a bunch of tour operators around Cusco put together day trips all through the Sacred Valley. So, you’ve got options that sometimes bundle in lunch, and other times, like with this one, they don’t. Basically, going without lunch shaves some money off the total cost, but then, you need to handle your meals yourself. I’ll tell you all about what that actually means while you’re bouncing between ancient ruins and taking some seriously cool pictures. That said, don’t picture anything too dramatic – we’re talking about a pretty normal tour, just without that group meal component.

First Stop: Chinchero – A Colorful Beginning

Often, you get started fairly early, so be ready for a wake up call. Chinchero is just a bit of a drive from Cusco. Right away you’ll see the locals demonstrating some really old-school textile work. Actually watching the women create those eye-catching designs is really impressive, too, because, believe it or not, they’re still using pretty much the same techniques that have been around since, like, forever. Usually there is an option to buy directly from them; you know, it helps to support their craft directly. It tends to be, too it’s almost, one of those introductions that give you an inside peek at the valley’s past that a textbook just won’t hand over.

Moray: The Incan Agricultural Lab

After you leave Chinchero, there is something that sets apart this leg of the trip from basically any other site you will ever see: the terraces at Moray. They’re like massive, symmetrical bowls sunk right into the earth. They seem to be, probably, these old-timey agricultural labs where the Incas used differences in altitude to test how different growing conditions changed the behavior of crops. They also are pretty neat to wander through and imagine all that historical experimentation; seriously, the place does get you thinking about how clever those old Inca people really were. By the way, this is pretty awesome for photography, because of how strikingly graphic that the site appears.

Maras Salt Mines: A Sparkling Landscape

You go to the Maras Salt Mines after Moray. And just trust me on this: you’re gonna be taken aback. These are, really, these terraced pools cascading down the hills, all filled with vividly white salt deposits. They have been working those same pools for literally hundreds of years, actually. I suppose seeing how that works kind of hammers home that living connection with the distant past that defines Peru, to some degree. Since this is an area where families own and care for individual pans, buying directly from them can feel particularly significant here. Just remember your camera! Trust me, because you are really gonna want pictures of these.

The Urubamba Valley: Food on Your Own Terms

Now, about the whole “no lunch” thing: as the tour snakes back by means of Urubamba, there’s almost always a stop in town. Some groups opt for that included buffet style meal, you know? That can definitely be convenient. But with your “no lunch” choice, that is when you get to be a bit flexible. A number of tourists use this as a possibility to grab a quick bite at a local eatery, which, you know, can often deliver more of an authentic – and budget friendly – experience. Sometimes there is the urge to try something regional, even such things like some grilled meats sold right on the streets or to get a savory empanada in a small café. Any way you decide, do not forget: you will need to cover this yourself. It could be, probably, smart to carry some soles on you to deal with a sudden urge.

What to Bring with You on Tour

Let me list a few essentials for you. Clearly, the sun can be extreme at these altitudes, it’s almost, so sunblock is definitely a thing you shouldn’t leave out of your backpack. Wear a hat too, possibly. I believe it’s advisable to wear layers as well, because temperatures can wildly vary, sometimes, especially from morning until when the sun’s blazing highest in the sky. So, it is typically a wise decision, arguably, to toss in a light jacket that you’re able to peel off later on. And yep, comfortable shoes are essential since you’ll probably be strolling through ruins. If you want water to keep down any elevation headaches you’re worried about, you know, a bottle might not be bad idea, and really, altitude sickness tablets can assist with that very same issue if it strikes hard. A few soles (Peruvian currency) won’t be that awful either, in case anything catches your fancy!

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

Operators abound, but you are able to differentiate them with just a bit research. Have a look at their reviews online. Read what individuals are talking about the tour guides in certain and safety protocols as you’re bouncing from area to area. Are they really attentive or sort of hands-off? You might prefer those, and those differences do depend on personal tastes. Actually, it’s quite ok to compare the tour prices too, yet not only focus alone around costs. Very likely a slightly more highly priced trip might equal higher reliability plus more detailed talks in areas where history or archaeology come alive!

Is this Tour Right for You? Some Reflections

So here’s the main thing about deciding: If sticking close to the culture in every way calls to you and you’re comfortable handling meals, you may well love going “no lunch”. Those trying to trim every cost possible would think it suits best because you control those food bills carefully that you simply are unable to using package tours. Be sure that getting to the Sacred Valley without food worries works; sometimes there may possibly be a good amount of exploring to do among all that sightseeing. The trade-offs here may truly provide flexibility, if managed right – enabling each traveler’s ideal Peru experience according to personal style. It depends, and, as is common, only you can truly get it figured out!

FAQs About the Sacred Valley Tour

Is the “no lunch” option worth it?

That is, well, totally up to what you like! It’s ideal, arguably, for spending less cash and finding neighborhood eateries. Yet think about sacrificing the group’s shared ease if trying to optimize just based upon costs. Actually, give consideration how comfortable it’ll make a single be, handling meals around scheduled stops before getting decisive about meal packages during guided tours such as that Cusco deal here.

How strenuous is the tour?

The physical activity remains manageable for most. You tend to have a good deal walking through places just like Maras and Moray, while frequently the region sits high – anticipate possible height variations at this locale. Generally speaking: walking around is still included, possibly tiring those not properly prepared for hiking and less regular altitudes of Peru’s great sightseeing attractions.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Managing food choices will demand self-planning, in cases where sticking through guided tours, because there won’t always be options catering well, so always remember. Doing that can prove really important to do on that no-lunch plan. Verify where exactly food purchasing may come as being important particularly about these stops for any traveler going that path alone; because of limitations about inclusive catered trips across parts throughout Cusco Province where finding niche items happens far beyond expectations usually when simply going through without research!

Can I buy souvenirs at these sites?

Often there exists opportunities obtainable, enabling that access right alongside people creating them in Chincheros plus at terraces by Maras, by having possibilities which will support native artisans with exclusive earnings made easily straight away from home owners, who happen running salt terraces for countless yeara, after generating income; while in search!

What is one tip for altitude sickness prevention?

Okay, here’s some insight: take that day of your arrival really easy plus stay properly well hydrated while in Cusco by enjoying coca tea that aids some folks for the initial number of days. I do also suggest preventing strenuous tasks through people new toward mountain environments right upon beginning. Do those actions just as one added thing with respect from that height given it may not agree properly whenever initially starting that particular trek.