Full-Day Tour of Moray Salinas de Maras and The Sacred Valley from Cusco

Cusco , Peru

Full-Day Tour of Moray Salinas de Maras and The Sacred Valley from Cusco

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(100 reviews)

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We have combined the most popular tours that are commonly visited on separate days and rolled them into one day tours for people who are short on time. The places visited on this tour are: Chincheros, Moray, Salinas de Maras, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba and Pisaq Ruins.

To visit all the places mentioned, you will need to buy a partial tourist ticket (boleto turistico) that will cost 70 soles per person. Also know that the Salina de Maras is not included in the Boleto Turistico. Entrance to Salina of Maras is an extra 10 Soles. We have departures available everyday from 7am to 6pm.

Available options

Full-Day Tour of Moray Salinas de Maras and The Sacred Valley from Cusco

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Professional guide

Round trip transportation

Transport by private vehicle

Detailed itinerary

We will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco at 7:00 am and travel for one hour by private van to Chincheros, a small village with beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. In this charming village, you will see adobe homes, narrow cobbled streets, and people in traditional Peruvian clothing. Here, the villagers still practice many Inca traditions and crafts. If you wish, you will see the demonstration of how wool is washed and dyed using native plants and minerals.

Stop 2

We will then continue our journey to Moray in order to see the fascinating site used by the Incas for agricultural experiments and cultivating seeds. There, you will learn how cleverly designed a drainage system at the bottom of the terraces in order to avoid flooding during the rainy season.

After the tour of Moray, you will take a 20 minute bus ride to the salt mines of Maras. At this amazing site, you can see the pans fed by saline spring water that were built on steep terraces along one side of a narrow valley. The water is sent through the network of channels where the water slowly evaporates leaving the salt behind. Salt has been collected from Maras since pre-Incan times and it is thought that a collective of salt miners has maintained the terraces and channels for hundreds of years.

We will continue our scenic journey to the amazing town of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is a classic Incan city which conserves the traditional Incan urban construction of narrow streets adjacent to flowing streams. As you walk through the stone streets, the gentle sound of flowing water will make it easy for you to imagine the city as it was in the time of the Incas. In the upper part of the town, there is an impressive ceremonial center that was used for water worship and also a mighty fortress that protected the access point to the lower part of the valley. We will follow the beautiful route to Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley, where we will stop for a buffet lunch

After lunch, we will take you to the small village of Pisaq, where you can enjoy your lively artisan market and have some free time to interact with the townsfolk and to shop for handcrafts and souvenirs. Finally, you will be taken to explore the Pisaq Ruins before you return to Cusco between 6:30 am and 7:00 pm

What's not included

Partial tourist ticket (boleto turístico) (70 soles per person)

Drinks

Lunch on the Sacred Tour is not included

Gratuities

Entrance fees for the Salt Mine 20 soles per person

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

11 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

89 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Wear comfortable clothes. walking shoes are recommended

We allow children under the age of 5 to be part of the tour at no charge

The Cusco Tourist Ticket officially called “Boleto Turistico del Cusco,” is a ticket which allows you to gain entrance to multiple attractions in and around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

You have two options. You can either buy the partial tourist ticket which costs 70 soles and last 2 days. This allows you to visit the places listed in this tour. The other option is the full tourist ticket which costs 130 soles which allows you to visit 16 places and is valid for 10 days you will need this option only if you will stay in Cusco and do any other tour.

Where can I buy the tickets? The tickets can be bought on the way. Do we need to pay extra to visit Salinas de Maras? Yes, you will need to pay an extra 20 soles to visit Salinas de Maras. How many places will you visit on this tour? You will visit six places. Will I have enough time to visit all these places? Yes, you will have plenty of time to visit each place. You will have a guided tour of at least 40 minutes in each place with an extra ten minutes for your own exploration. Where do we stop for lunch? Not, included in the tour, but we will stop for lunch in Urubamba What time does the tour start and finish? The tour starts at 7 am and finishes at 6 pm However, we can be flexible with the times to suit your preferences.

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

About Cusco

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is a captivating blend of Indigenous and colonial influences. Known for its well-preserved archaeological sites, vibrant culture, and stunning Andean landscapes, it's a gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The city's rich history, combined with its lively arts scene and delicious cuisine, makes it a must-visit destination in South America.

Top Attractions

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is a stunning region filled with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and breathtaking landscapes. It's a must-visit for history and nature lovers.

Historical/Nature Full day PEN 10-50 (USD 2.50-12.50) depending on the site

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the iconic Inca citadel and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Its breathtaking views and rich history make it a must-see.

Historical/Adventure Full day or overnight PEN 152 (USD 38) for entrance, train tickets vary

Qorikancha

Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. It's a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is a massive Inca fortress with impressive stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco. It's a testament to Inca engineering and military might.

Historical 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

San Pedro Market

San Pedro Market is a bustling market offering a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional foods. It's a great place to experience local life.

Cultural/Food 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cuy al Horno

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Lomo Saltado

Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian

Aji de Gallina

Shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Sopa de Quinoa

Quinoa soup, a nutritious and traditional dish.

Soup Can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Trekking Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Visiting spas Exploring parks Enjoying local cafes Visiting museums

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the dry season, offering the best weather for exploring the city and its archaeological sites. The skies are clear, and temperatures are mild.

5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) 41°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: Quechua, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with common-sense precautions

Cusco is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious with street food

Getting there

By air

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center

By train

San Pedro Station

By bus

Cusco Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Shared taxis (colectivos) are a common and affordable way to get around Cusco. They follow specific routes and can be flagged down.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, Easy Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center San Blas San Cristobal

Day trips

Pisac

35 km (22 miles) from Cusco • Full day

Pisac is a charming town known for its vibrant market and impressive Inca ruins. It's a great day trip from Cusco.

Ollantaytambo

60 km (37 miles) from Cusco • Full day or overnight

Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town with well-preserved Inca ruins and a gateway to Machu Picchu. It's a must-visit for history and adventure lovers.

Tipon

25 km (16 miles) from Cusco • Half day

Tipon is a beautiful archaeological site with well-preserved Inca terraces and water channels. It's a peaceful and less crowded alternative to other Inca sites.

Festivals

Inti Raymi • June 24 Cusco Festival of Music and Dance • August

Pro tips

Acclimatize to the altitude before engaging in strenuous activities
Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures
Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish or Quechua to enhance your experience
Visit the San Pedro Market early in the morning for the best selection and prices
Book tickets and train tickets in advance for Machu Picchu and other popular attractions