Discover Urubamba: Unforgettable Excursions and Activities

May 5th, 2024

By: Betsy Villegas

Urubamba, gateway to the Sacred Valley, invites you to immerse yourself in a unique experience, where nature, history, and culture merge harmoniously. Just 30 minutes from the Ollantaytambo train station, Hotel Mabey Urubamba offers you an ideal starting point to explore the wonders of this unparalleled enclave.

Enjoy a selection of excursions and activities designed to satisfy your interests and make the most of your time. From fascinating trips to Maras and Moray to thrilling horseback rides or ATV tours, an unforgettable adventure awaits you in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

• Maras and Moray: A Fascinating Journey Through Time Embark on a fascinating journey through time and discover the ancestral wonders of Maras and Moray, two hidden gems in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Maras, a living testament to history: Immerse yourself in the salt mines of Maras, a legacy of Inca ancestral wisdom. See how the salt pools glisten in the sun, reflecting a tradition that has remained intact for centuries. Explore the terraces carved into the mountainside and marvel at the meticulous salt harvesting technique that has endured for generations.

Moray, an agricultural laboratory of the past: Continue your adventure in Moray, an enigmatic complex of circular terraces believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas. Each terrace has its own microclimate, allowing experiments with different crops and adaptation to various climatic conditions. Decipher the secrets of this masterpiece of agricultural engineering and discover how the Incas mastered the art of agriculture. To explore these wonders, you have two options according to your preferences and available time.

Classic Mode: To visit Moray and the Salt Mines, you have the option of a shared or private service. Pickup will be around 9:45 am from Hotel Mabey Urubamba and return at 2 pm to the same pickup location. We start the tour with a journey of approximately 30 minutes to reach the first stop (Salt Mines), where you will have enough time for the visit. Then we head to the second point (Moray). Once there, enjoy a guided tour that immerses you in the history and culture of these sites. This tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. The service includes transportation and guide. Entrance fees are not included.

For Moray, you will need the General Tourist Ticket: Foreigners: S/ 130, Nationals: S/ 70, Entrance to Salt Mines between S/ 10 and S/ 20.

Off-Road Adventure: For those with a more adventurous spirit, we offer an ATV or buggy experience. Traverse roads and trails, feeling the adrenaline as you head towards these archaeological complexes. It's an exciting and unique way to connect with nature and history. Maras and Moray await you with their stories, landscapes, and ancestral secrets ready to be discovered.

ATV Route: Maras – Moray

Pickup location: Hotel Mabey Urubamba

Places to visit: Moray and Salt Mines

Schedule 1: From 7:40 am to 12 pm

Schedule 2: From 1:40 pm to 4 pm

Does not include: Entrance fees

Buggy Maras – Moray

Pickup location: Hotel Mabey Urubamba

Places to visit: Moray and Salt Mines

Schedule: Any morning schedule

Duration: According to route, approximately 7 hours

Does not include: Entrance fees

• Sacred Valley: Explore this magical valley, home to stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and picturesque villages. Every corner tells a story, and every viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views. The tour goes from Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo to Chinchero. The excursion is carried out in a shared service, full day, starting the pickup from Hotel Mabey Urubamba at 9 am and ending in the afternoon, returning to Urubamba. This excursion includes pickup, transportation, and guide. Depending on the route you choose, lunch may or may not be included. Entrance fees to archaeological sites are not included.

• Ollantaytambo: Discover this intact Inca fortress, with its impressive terraces and unique architecture. Ollantaytambo will transport you to past times, telling you stories of battles and traditions. Walk through its charming streets, places with charm to enjoy a coffee. You can do this visit on your own from Urubamba, taking a private taxi from Hotel Mabey Urubamba. The distance is 30 minutes from our hotel. The town of Ollantaytambo is very easy to explore. Also, if you have time, you can ascend to the fortress if you have your tourist ticket.

• Paddle on Huaypo Lake: Immerse yourself in an oasis of tranquility with our Paddle on Huaypo Lake. Imagine gliding your paddle over the crystalline waters while the majestic mountains are reflected on the surface, creating a dreamlike setting that only Huaypo can offer. Our adventure begins with the warm pickup service from Hotel Mabey Urubamba. In approximately 40 minutes, you will be transported to Huaypo Lake, a hidden corner of the Sacred Valley that invites you to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds it. Once at the lake, we equip you with everything you need and offer you a brief introduction so you can navigate with confidence. As you progress, you will feel the stress dissipate, making room for serenity and awe at the grandeur of nature. Paddle on Huaypo Lake is not just an activity; it is a transformative experience that connects you with the environment, offering moments of introspection and peace.

• Horseback Riding: Embark on a horseback riding adventure through the most impressive landscapes of Urubamba. From gentle hills to mountain trails, there is a route for riders of all levels. Very close to our hotel, you can find an excellent hacienda that has horses for walks, horseback riding in the area. This horseback riding excursion in Urubamba is more than just a ride; it is a sensory experience that will connect you with the nature, culture, and history of this wonderful region. This journey will leave you with lasting memories and a renewed appreciation for the beauty that surrounds Urubamba.

• Ceramic Classes: Immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in ceramic classes. Learn traditional techniques and create your own masterpiece, taking home not only memories but also new skills. This activity takes a couple of hours. The workshop is located near the hotel, and it is necessary to schedule a class, as they have limited spaces. The duration of these workshops is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Rafting: This is a half-day tour, pickup starts at Hotel Mabey Urubamba, and then we head to the Urubamba River. The duration is approximately 5 hours and is done in the morning. It is suggested to bring light clothing, towels, sunscreen, water shoes, waterproof clothing, and warm clothing for the return. This tour includes transportation, instructor guide, safety equipment, and rafting. It should be considered that it is a group tour.

• Paragliding: This is a half-day tour that starts and ends at Hotel Mabey Urubamba. Then we head to the Cerro Sacro area in Urubamba. The approximate duration of this tour is 4 hours, and it is done at 8 am or 9 am. It includes transportation, instructor guide, safety equipment, and a flight that lasts between 10 and 15 minutes.

• Artistic Picnic in Maras: This half-day tour includes a standard picnic and painting of Pucará bull sculptures. It is recommended to do this activity in the morning. The duration is 4 hours and includes the transfer service to and from Hotel Mabey Urubamba. During this activity, in addition to the picnic (consult what it includes in terms of drinks and food), the materials for painting the bulls are included so that each person can put their own style into practice and be inspired by this locality. A minimum of 2 people is needed to do this activity.

• Chicha de Jora Preparation Workshop: If you are interested in seeing how chicha de jora is produced, very traditional from Cusco, this activity starts and ends at Hotel Mabey Urubamba. It includes transportation service, instructor, and instruments for the workshop. The place to visit is Agroturismo Urubamba. The duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and can be done at any time.

For those interested in these activities or any other experience in Urubamba, do not hesitate to contact our reservations team. We are here to help you plan your perfect adventure and ensure that your stay in Urubamba is unforgettable. We await you in the heart of the Sacred Valley!

Reservations: +51984672007 / vallesagrado@hotelesmabey.com