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Cusco, Cuzco, Per煤
TOUR TO THE SACRED VALLEY AND MARAS MORAY
Cultural tourism

Valle Sagrado and Maras Moray Full Day Tour

Full-day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Maras Moray - VIP Valley: Itinerary, Prices

ID: ES094
  • Description

    1-Day Tour to the Sacred Valley and Maras Moray from Cusco

    The 1-Day Tour to the Sacred Valley and Maras Moray – also known as the Super Sacred Valley Tour – is a full-day experience that allows you to explore the main attractions of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the famous Maras salt mines in just one day. During this tour, you will depart from Cusco early in the morning (between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m.) and return at approximately 7:00 p.m., after a full day of discoveries. This excursion is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience the wonders of the region in a single day without compromising quality.

    The Best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas:

    • Explore the charming Inca-colonial town of Chinchero, where Incan and colonial legacies blend beautifully.

    • Immerse yourself in the Moray archaeological complex, an astonishing Inca agricultural laboratory where different altitudes were tested for farming.

    The Wonders of Maras:

    • Discover the Maras Salt Mines, a collection of approximately 3,000 salt pools, offering benefits to local residents while providing breathtaking views.

    Ollantaytambo, the Living Inca City:

    • Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, preparing for the next part of this exciting full-day tour.

    • Admire the amazing archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, the only still-inhabited Inca city, with captivating streets and urban planning.

    The Essence of Pisac:

    • Visit Pisac, one of the most important agricultural and spiritual centers of the Sacred Valley, offering panoramic views of the Vilcanota River.

    • Explore Cusco’s lively artisan market, where you’ll find the best prices for local handicrafts.

    Reserve your Sacred Valley and Maras Moray Tour now and experience the magic of the past that endures in the present!

  • Itinerary

    ITINERARY: SACRED VALLEY AND MARAS MORAY

    06:30 – 07:00 hrs: Pickup of travelers from their hotels in Cusco and start of the tour in a tourist transport.

    07:40 hrs: Arrival in Chinchero – Visit to a traditional textile interpretation center, where Quechua families demonstrate the process of wool dyeing and weaving, followed by a tour of the small colonial-Inca archaeological site of Chinchero.

    09:30 hrs: Visit to the Moray complex – Impressive concentric agricultural terraces used by the Incas for crop experimentation and plant adaptation to different microclimates.

    11:00 hrs: Tour of the Maras Salt Mines – Salt mines in use since pre-Hispanic times: thousands of white pools on the mountainside, where you will learn about salt extraction.

    12:30 hrs: Buffet lunch in Urubamba, the capital of the Sacred Valley – Enjoy an included lunch featuring traditional Andean and international dishes.

    14:00 hrs: Guided tour of Ollantaytambo – Explore the Inca fortress and temples of Ollantaytambo, known for its famous stepped terraces, the Temple of the Sun, and other ceremonial structures.

    16:40 hrs: Visit to the Pisac archaeological site – Ascent to the archaeological complex atop the mountain to explore its vast terraces, ceremonial areas, and panoramic views of the valley. Then, descent to Pisac town to visit its artisan market, where you’ll have time to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs such as textiles, jewelry, and more.

    19:00 – 19:30 hrs: Return to Cusco – The tour ends with drop-off near the Plaza de Armas (usually at Plaza San Francisco or Calle Plateros). End of services.

  • Include

    Includes:

    • Transportation and transfers throughout the entire circuit (group vehicle from Cusco to the Sacred Valley and back). Pickup from your hotel or a central meeting point in Cusco and drop-off in the city center at the end of the day.

    • Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish/English).

    • Buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant in Urubamba, offering a variety of Andean and international dishes.

    Not Included:

    • Entrance tickets to archaeological sites. You must purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) to enter Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray. Options: Partial Ticket – Circuit 3 (Sacred Valley): Valid for 2 days (S/ 40 for Peruvians / S/ 70 for foreigners). General Ticket: Valid for 10 days (S/ 130 for foreigners). 

    • Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines (not covered by the BTC). Paid separately upon entry (S/ 10 per person).

    • Personal expenses, such as purchases at artisan markets, souvenirs, etc., are the responsibility of the traveler.

    Important: Bring enough cash in soles to purchase entrance tickets and cover other expenses not included, as archaeological sites and small towns do not accept card payments.

  • Information

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What is the best time to take this tour?

    The best time is during the dry season, from April to October, when there is little to no rain, allowing you to fully appreciate the landscapes and ruins. During the rainy season (November to March), views may be affected by clouds and rainfall, and the weather can be more unpredictable.

    Is this tour suitable for children and older adults?

    Yes, the Sacred Valley Tour is suitable for children (ages 5 and up) and older adults, as long as they are in good health and prepared for an active day. For children, it is an enriching experience (with llamas, ruins, and more), but it may be tiring for very young kids due to the walking and high altitude.

    Are entrance tickets to tourist sites included in the price?

    No, they are not included. The entrance ticket for the Sacred Valley archaeological sites is the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), which must be purchased separately (either the partial or full ticket, depending on your plan).

    • Partial Ticket – Circuit 3 (Sacred Valley): S/ 40 for Peruvians / S/ 70 for foreigners (valid for 2 days).

    • General Ticket: S/ 130 for foreigners (valid for 10 days).
      This ticket allows entry to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray, and other sites depending on the ticket type.

    Tip: Bring cash to buy the tickets at the beginning of the tour.

    Where and what is the lunch during the tour?

    Lunch takes place in Urubamba, around 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., at a buffet restaurant offering a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes (such as quinoa, corn, potatoes, and stewed meats), as well as international options, salads, soups, and desserts. Cold drinks are not included (sodas and beer must be purchased separately), but hot tea or coffee is usually included at the end of the meal.

    If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), there are suitable options available.

    Can I use this tour to go to Machu Picchu the next day?

    Yes! Many travelers combine the Sacred Valley tour with their visit to Machu Picchu. The usual way is to end the tour in Ollantaytambo (instead of returning to Cusco) and take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes.

    Ollantaytambo is the town where trains to Machu Picchu depart, and it is the final stop of the tour before heading back to Cusco. You can coordinate with your guide to stay in Ollantaytambo at the end of the fortress visit.

    From there, you can take a train to Aguas Calientes (departing between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., depending on the train company and schedule you book), spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and visit Machu Picchu the next morning.

    Recommendation: Buy your Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes train ticket in advance for the same day as the tour (after 4:00 p.m.), and your Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the next day. This is an efficient way to explore both the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in just two days.

    If you prefer to return to Cusco after the Sacred Valley tour, that is also possible—the tour will take you back to the city the same day.

    How physically demanding is the tour?

    The Sacred Valley + Maras Tour is moderate in physical intensity. While it involves walking through archaeological sites, the pace is relaxed, with multiple stops for historical explanations. Most visitors in normal physical condition can complete the tour without difficulty.

    Information About the Attractions

    • CHINCHERO: A traditional town known for its colorful handicrafts and textiles. Its main attractions include the archaeological site and the Sunday market, where locals still practice traditional barter trade.

    • MORAY: A unique site featuring circular terraces that functioned as an Inca agricultural laboratory, where crops were tested at different elevations and microclimates.

    • MARAS SALT MINES: Located in the Sacred Valley highlands, these thousands of salt pools have been used since pre-Hispanic times. A small river flows into the pools, where the water evaporates, leaving behind natural salt—a signature product of this region.

    • URUBAMBA: A lush valley famous for its corn production. Today, it is a beautiful countryside area with abundant fruit plantations.

    • OLLANTAYTAMBO: A fortress strategically built between two mountains, attributed to Inca Ollántay. It is the only continuously inhabited Inca town, with original streets and structures.

    • PISAC: A town at the base of Intihuatana Mountain (where the "sun is tied"), home to the best terracing system built by the Incas. The archaeological site sits high above the valley, offering stunning panoramic views.

  • Recomendations

    Travel Tips and Recommendations

    Appropriate Clothing

    Dress in layers. Early mornings and evenings can be quite cold, while midday under the sun is pleasantly warm. Bring a warm jacket or fleece for the morning, and light clothing underneath (such as a long- or short-sleeved t-shirt) for when temperatures rise. A wool hat, gloves, and a scarf can be useful during the coldest hours, especially in the Andean winter.

    Rainy Season

    If traveling between November and March, don’t forget a rain jacket or poncho. Rain showers usually occur in the afternoon, but can happen at any time. A small portable umbrella can also be handy. Wear water-resistant shoes or ones suitable for muddy terrain (waterproof trekking shoes or light boots) during these months.

    Cash on Hand

    As mentioned earlier, bring enough cash in Peruvian soles. You’ll need it for:

    • Tourist tickets (if you haven’t purchased them in advance).

    • Entrance fee to Maras Salt Mines.

    • Shopping in local markets (bargaining in soles often gets you a better price).

    Identification Document

    Carry your original passport or ID. Some entrance checkpoints require identification, and if you're a foreign tourist, officials may verify that your tourist ticket matches your passport details. Additionally, if you plan to take the train to Machu Picchu, you'll need your ID or passport for boarding and entry.

    Punctuality and Schedule Awareness

    The itinerary is tight, so be punctual when returning to the bus at each stop at the time indicated by your guide. This ensures that you visit all sites as planned. Use the bus rides between stops to rest and recharge for the next visit.

  • FAQ

    Can you drop me off on ollantaytambo?

    Yes you willl end the visit of the site at 3.30pm approx. You can take your lugagge with you

    You will miss the visit to Pisaq

    Can I purchase entrances tickets the same day of the trip?

    Yes take cash with you for purchasing (They don't accept Credit cards)

    Price per person is S/70 Soles per foreigner (Sacred Valley) + S/10 Soles (Salt mines) | Total: S/80 Soles per person

    What makes the Sacred Valley and Maras Moray Tour so special?

    Discover why this tour is the preferred choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. From hotel pickup to the detailed exploration of sites like Chinchero and Moray, every moment is designed to immerse you in the greatness of the Incas.

    What are the pickup times from hotels in downtown Cusco for the Sacred Valley and Maras Moray Tour?

    Plan your day with precision. Pickup starts at 6:40 am, ensuring you don't miss a second of this incredible adventure from the city center of Cusco.

    Which exact places do we visit during the Sacred Valley and Maras Moray Tour?

    Explore the detailed list of destinations, including Chinchero, the archaeological complex of Moray, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and much more. A comprehensive itinerary to satisfy your thirst for discovery.

    What is the total duration of the tour, including travel times?

    Get a clear overview of the time you'll dedicate to this experience. From early pickup to the return to Cusco at 6:45 pm, we maximize every minute to ensure a complete and immersive day.

    Is the buffet lunch in Urubamba included in the price of the Sacred Valley and Maras Moray Tour?

    Yes, enjoy a quality buffet lunch in Urubamba, included in the tour price. Delight in authentic local cuisine and recharge for the second half of the day.

    How is the return to Cusco at the end of the Sacred Valley and Maras Moray Tour?

    Learn the details of your return to Cusco and the convenient drop-off at the iconic Plaza San Francisco at 6:45 pm. A perfect conclusion to a day full of discoveries.

    Can I buy local crafts during the tour?

    Yes, explore local markets in Pisac and other places to acquire authentic souvenirs and crafts. Discover where to find the best prices for local products.

Tour to sacred valley and Maras Moray (by private service)

Only you and your friends

ID: ES137
  • Description

    Enjoy this Sacred Valley tour + Maras Moray in one day by private service in just one day

    Take the schedule you desire, because is private

  • Itinerary

    *Departure time depends on you

    APPROX. TIME ITINERARY
    06:40 a.m. Pick up from hotels located in the center of the city of Cusco
    07:00 am Start guided tour and around the Sacred Valley visits.
    01:00 pm Buffet lunch in Urubamba restaurant
    06:45 pm Arrive to the city of Cusco

     

    *We can drop you off in Ollantaytambo as well

  • Include

    INCLUDES:

    • Private Transportation

    • Buffet Lunch

    • Guide in Spanish or English

    NOT INCLUDED:

    • Tourist Ticket for the Sacred Valley (from S/70 for foreigners and S/40 for Peruvians)

    • Entrance to the Salineras (S/15 per person)

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