Super Sacred Valley Tour 2025 Review: Chinchero, Salt Mines, Moray & Ollantaytambo

So, you’re thinking about a trip to Peru, and obviously, everyone talks about Machu Picchu. Still, there’s this other huge area called the Sacred Valley which is, quite frankly, just as incredible. Actually, we decided to take the ‘Super Sacred Valley’ tour because it seemed to pack a lot into a single day. At the end of the day, it’s a very long day, but the amount you see is honestly pretty staggering. I mean, it is basically a crash course in Inca culture and history, showing you so much more than just one famous citadel. It’s a day that sort of sticks with you for a very long time.

Chinchero – Where Andean Textiles Come to Life

Alright, so our first stop was the town of Chinchero, and you feel the altitude here, for sure. The air is seriously thin and crisp, but the views of the surrounding farmlands are just amazing. Anyway, the main event in Chinchero is a visit to a local weaving cooperative. Frankly, this part was a highlight for us. You get to see how the women use all-natural things, like plants and insects, to create these really vibrant dyes for alpaca and sheep wool. They literally showed us how a particular bug can create a deep red color, which was kind of mind-blowing. Honestly, the whole process, from spinning the wool to the final product, is shown with such pride.

You can actually feel the different textures of the wool, from the somewhat coarse sheep wool to the incredibly soft baby alpaca. By the way, the women who run the demonstration are so welcoming and have a great sense of humor. Then, you basically walk over to the town’s archaeological site. Here you can see these really massive Inca stone terraces next to a beautiful Spanish colonial church that was, you know, built right on top of an Inca palace. That sort of tells a story all on its own, doesn’t it? Clearly, the mix of cultures is something you see all over Peru, and it’s pretty powerful to witness firsthand. It’s almost like two different worlds colliding in one small plaza.

The Salineras de Maras – A Cascading Blanket of Salt

Okay, so our next stop was the Salineras de Maras, or the Maras Salt Mines. Honestly, nothing quite prepares you for the sight of thousands of shimmering salt pans terraced down a mountainside. The view from the top is just incredible; it almost looks like a patchwork quilt made of different shades of white, pink, and light brown. Apparently, these salt pans have been in use since before the Incas, which is sort of hard to wrap your head around. A natural saline spring at the top of the valley just feeds the entire system. You can basically see the little channels of water snaking their way down to fill each pool.

Walking along the path above the pools, you can, like, feel the salty mist in the air. The local families who own these pools each have their own sections, and sometimes you can see them at work, carefully scraping the salt from the shallow water. Of course, you can buy some of this famous pink salt at the little shops nearby, and frankly, you absolutely should. We bought a few bags for cooking and as gifts, and it’s a really great way to support the local community directly. Seriously, the whole operation is a pretty amazing example of sustainable, traditional industry that has been going on for centuries.

Moray – The Inca’s Clever Agricultural Lab

Well, after the salt mines, we headed to Moray, which is a bit of a mystery, in a way. From a distance, it looks like a giant, green amphitheater, with huge, perfect circles carved into the earth. As a matter of fact, these aren’t for performances; they are widely believed to have been a massive agricultural experiment for the Incas. You see, the temperature difference from the top terrace to the very bottom one can be quite significant. I mean, this allowed the Incas to test different crops at various altitudes and climates, all in one location.

You can almost feel the genius of the people who built this place. Basically, they were master farmers and engineers, and Moray is really solid proof of that. You just stand there looking down into the circles and wonder how they even came up with the idea.

So, you can’t walk down into the main circles anymore, you know, to preserve them. Still, just walking around the top edge gives you a real sense of its scale and purpose. The guide explained that each terrace created a distinct microclimate, which is pretty much brilliant. Honestly, you can just feel the quiet intelligence of this place. The wind whistles gently over the terraces, and you just find yourself trying to picture it bustling with people tending to their crops hundreds of years ago. It’s a very different kind of ruin, sort of more cerebral and scientific than a fortress or a temple.

Ollantaytambo – The Living Inca Town and Fortress

Finally, our last major stop of the day was Ollantaytambo, and frankly, it was a fantastic way to finish. What’s so special about this place is that it’s often called a ‘living Inca town.’ The town itself is still organized in its original Inca grid, with stone-paved streets and water channels that still run alongside them. Actually, people live in houses that have been continuously occupied for centuries, with old Inca stone foundations. You are, quite literally, walking through a town that has refused to forget its past.

Of course, the main attraction is the huge fortress that looms over the town. Climbing the steep stone terraces is definitely a bit of a workout, especially at this altitude. But really, every step is worth it. When you get to the top, you get these absolutely sweeping views of the valley below. As a matter of fact, this was the site of a major Inca victory against the Spanish conquistadors, and you can feel that strength in the massive stones. You’ll see the unfinished Temple of the Sun, with its six giant, perfectly fitted monoliths, and just wonder how they managed to haul them up the mountain. Seriously, it’s a place of real power and incredible history that you just sort of absorb.

What to Expect on Your 2025 Tour & Pro-Tips

Okay, so if you’re booking this tour for 2025, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, altitude is no joke, and this tour happens at a very high elevation. It’s a really good idea to spend a couple of days in Cusco first to acclimatize before you go. Anyway, dress in layers. The mornings are usually quite cold, but it can get pretty warm and sunny by midday, so you’ll want to be able to adjust your clothing. Seriously, sun protection is a must; bring a hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen because the sun is incredibly strong up there.

I mean, most tours will include a buffet lunch at a restaurant in Urubamba, which is basically the main town in the valley. The food is typically a mix of Peruvian and international dishes, so there’s usually something for everyone. You might want to bring some small bills, like Peruvian soles, with you. You’ll need them for things like using the restrooms, buying water, or picking up souvenirs, especially at the Chinchero weaving market and the Maras salt shops. And finally, listen to your guide; they are generally local people who are just full of amazing stories and information that you won’t get from reading a book. They actually make the whole experience come alive.

Acclimatize First: Really, spend at least two days in Cusco before doing this tour.
Dress in Layers: Just be ready for cold mornings and warm afternoons.
Bring Cash: You know, for small purchases, tips, and restroom fees.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and maybe some coca tea to help with the altitude.
Wear Good Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and some of it on uneven, ancient stones.

Read our full review: [Super Sacred Valley Tour Full Review and Details]
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