Cusco Picnic & Salt Mines: Is this Mountain View Private Service Best?

Okay, so you’re dreaming of Cusco, and not just the usual tourist spots, right? You’ve probably seen the pictures of those crazy beautiful salt mines clinging to the mountainside and thought, “Yeah, I kind of need to see that.” And then, maybe you stumbled upon the “Cusco Mountain View Picnic Salt Mines Private Service” deal. Seems kind of fancy, too, a picnic with a view, especially after seeing all of those travel blogs, and privately guided? Sounds amazing, but is this very service actually worth the money, especially if you’re more of a “budget backpacker” kind of person?

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Unpacking the Allure: What is that Cusco Mountain View Picnic, anyway?

So, basically, that “Cusco Mountain View Picnic Salt Mines Private Service” promises this very exclusive experience that most standard tours simply do not give you. We are, after all, talking about a trip to the famed Maras Salt Mines, that checkerboard of shallow pools carved into a hillside since, seemingly, forever. But instead of just snapping some photos and heading back to Cusco on a packed bus, this package offers something a little extra, and maybe a bit different: a pre-arranged picnic. We’re talking about sipping coca tea, nibbling on some local treats, with a panoramic view, right, and with nobody photobombing your Instagram pics because, hey, that would simply ruin it. Very tempting, that is. But let’s look closely.

Digging into the Details: What to reasonably expect with that Service

First off, the “private” part matters if you’re just not one of those folks who likes fighting for space on a tour bus or, actually, enjoys listening to someone else’s kids argue. That bit’s great. This just means you’ll have your own personal transportation, usually in the form of a van or SUV, very dependent, of course, on how many people are in your group, as I was just about to say. You also get your own personal guide, someone who hopefully knows their stuff regarding those salt mines but also all those nearby mountains. They’ll meet you, probably, in Cusco at your lodging and drive you out to the Sacred Valley. This part, even if we didn’t talk about the picnic, already makes things infinitely less stressful, actually.

Okay, so, here is how this type of trip usually, you know, looks. As a matter of fact, most tours will, understandably, swing by some other attractions near the mines as part of the itinerary. Those attractions are basically, Chinchero, for example, to show some traditional textiles, and maybe also Moray to check out the mind-bending agricultural terraces. All that is cool and really good if you’re hoping to see a bunch of Sacred Valley highlights, but bear in mind that each extra stop just means a bit less quality time at the mines themselves. Is that picnic, you know, all that you are hoping for? So think this through.

About that Picnic: Instagram Dream or Actual Deliciousness?

So, the million-dollar question: that picnic! Honestly, that quality can definitely fluctuate rather wildly. Sometimes it’s more or less a simple spread of local cheeses, some bread, fresh fruit, that coca tea I just talked about, maybe some sandwiches. Other times, just so I’m clear, it might actually have quinoa salads or some more interesting Peruvian goodies. Make totally sure, by the way, to ask the tour operator exactly what will actually be included in your basket! Are they catering to your dietary needs and those of your travel buddies? This is especially critical for anyone who may be a vegetarian, vegan, or may even have allergies.

Location wise, they’ll normally choose a spot with killer views looking out at the mines. If the climate’s cooperating, so too it’s awesome, it should definitely make for very memorable photographs. Very do-able? Well maybe. Do remember, still, you’re at a pretty serious altitude, okay, so those potato chips that come straight from the factory just pop as if they will explode at the slight change of altitude! But more seriously: plan to maybe eat lightly and just sip on coca tea. You just don’t want to be dealing with altitude sickness rather than savoring that view, at the end of the day!

Value for Money: Just How much does that “Exclusivity” Really Cost?

Price is really all over the board here, by the way. You might actually find these tours, especially through some bigger travel companies, selling for over $300-$400 per person! Oh boy, this might definitely not fit into any tight travel plan, okay. Now, it’s actually very doable to discover smaller local operators who provide the same level of experience for quite a bit less, something like $150-$250. Do your research on travel web pages and read all of the customer feedback that you’re able to locate! But really start questioning the high-dollar options, okay, just because a super recognizable website is selling them. Very worth the extra research here, definitely.

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So too it’s essential to actually consider what your priorities actually are. Are you simply all about snapping those Instagram-worthy photos with some local goodies, no matter the expense? Then splurge! Okay. But very alternatively, if you’re happy with a less fancy view, that is just as picture perfect (or, at least, it could be) from a viewpoint near those mines, okay, and perhaps a snack from your pack, very mixed with a normal guided tour could free up, easily, enough money for some extra souvenirs!

Potential Snags and Solutions: Plan Like a Pro

Okay, the altitude! Very, very important, that’s critical. Cusco sits at over 11,000 feet. Meaning that you’ll most probably feel it when you initially come. It’s important to plan at least one day in Cusco ahead of heading out on trips like this one for your body to adapt just a bit. In addition, drink lots of water, avoid heavy food, or that booze at first! Furthermore, take it super easy. Your tour operator, anyway, will certainly give you coca tea, too, which many feel will help minimize all those nasty altitude effects.

Another item to think about, very changeable mountain weather! The Sacred Valley may very well be sunny and lovely. It’s a fact. So the next, in some respects, it’s really spitting rain. Prepare for all situations, is what I’m attempting to say: have layers of apparel, that poncho, sunglasses, sunscreen. If not for the climate, just to be more comfortable.

Last one? You probably need to book ahead of time! Services just like that can fill very, very quickly, more or less at peak travel times. Therefore, reserving everything prior to showing up can definitely save lots of stress.

So, should you book that Cusco Mountain View Picnic Salt Mines Private Service?

Honestly, if that very special treatment sounds just about your speed, and that amount doesn’t hurt your wallet, I feel that the “Cusco Mountain View Picnic Salt Mines Private Service” can really be this super memorable highlight in your travels to Peru. But if your vacation funds could, arguably, be far better spent elsewhere, normal tours can prove as exciting as this private service for you and those around you. Very consider everything, basically. Have lots of coca tea.