Journey through the Sacred Valley highlights on this comprehensive tour of Inca innovation and engineering. Discover ancient salt harvesting at Maras, agricultural experimentation at Moray, and the impressive fortress town of Ollantaytambo in this perfect introduction to Andean civilization.
Enjoy door-to-door service from Cusco as your driver guides you between Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo, ensuring a smooth, stress-free journey focused entirely on discovery.
Yes, the cooperative that runs the Maras salt pans sells locally harvested pink salt right at the site, in various grades from fine table salt to coarse cooking and bath varieties. Prices are typically lower than in shops in Cusco or at the airport, and buying directly supports the local families who maintain the terraces. Pack a sealed bag, since salt can leak in luggage on the journey home.
Moray and Ollantaytambo are both included in the Boleto Turistico, the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which you purchase separately. The Maras Salt Mines charge their own small admission fee paid directly at the entrance and are not part of the pass. You can buy a partial or full version of the Boleto online or at official offices in Cusco. Bring cash in Peruvian soles for smaller entry fees and tips.
Cusco sits at high elevation, and the Sacred Valley is actually a bit lower, which makes this a good early-trip option for travelers adjusting to the altitude. Spending one to two days in Cusco before heading out helps your body adapt. Drink plenty of water, eat lightly, avoid alcohol on arrival, and consider coca tea, which is widely offered. If you feel short of breath, take it slow at the Ollantaytambo terraces.
The Sacred Valley sits just outside Cusco, with the closest stops on this itinerary about 25 to 50 miles (40 to 80 km) from the city center. Maras Salt Mines lie roughly 30 miles (48 km) northwest, Moray is nearby at about 32 miles (52 km), and Ollantaytambo is the farthest at around 45 miles (72 km). The full loop runs about nine and a half hours with travel time.
Ollantaytambo is both. The hillside fortress with its monumental terraces, Temple of the Sun, and storehouses sits above a still-inhabited Inca town with original walls, narrow stone streets, and irrigation canals in daily use. After exploring the ruins, walk into the village to see traditional homes, family-run restaurants, and craft markets. It is also the main departure point for trains heading to Machu Picchu.
The dry season from May through September offers clear skies and the best photography conditions, especially at the white salt terraces of Maras. The wet season runs from December to March and brings frequent afternoon showers, though mornings are often sunny. June, July, and August are peak months and busiest at Ollantaytambo, so arriving early in the day helps you beat tour bus crowds at all three stops.
Moray's circular agricultural terraces step down deep into the earth, creating distinct microclimates between the upper and lower rings. Many archaeologists believe the Inca used the site to experiment with crops at different temperatures and altitudes, refining varieties of corn, potatoes, and other staples for the empire. The concentric design and clever drainage system show a remarkable understanding of climate, agriculture, and engineering for its time.
Layered clothing works best, since mornings can be cold and afternoons warm under strong Andean sun. Sturdy walking shoes are essential for the steep climbs at Ollantaytambo and the uneven paths at Maras. Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light rain jacket year round. UV exposure is intense at altitude even on cloudy days, and the dry mountain air can cause dehydration, so carry water throughout the day.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! Youâre free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning youâll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.