About this experience
This Sacred Valley tour offers a deeper and more authentic experience beyond the typical sightseeing itinerary. Visit a traditional Andean community, explore the magnificent Inca sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and discover the fascinating Maras Salt Mines. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you'll gain unique insights into Inca history, living traditions, and the rich culture of the Andes. Enjoy a relaxed pace, personalized service, and plenty of opportunities to capture breathtaking photos. Thoughtfully designed for comfort and altitude acclimatization, this full-day experience combines iconic landmarks, authentic cultural encounters, and spectacular scenery for an unforgettable journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
At a glance
- Duration: 15 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 15 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
Maras Salt Mines Day Trip From Cusco
Plan a practical day trip from Cusco to the Maras Salt Mines, with route estimates, entry guidance, walking considerations, and an optional Moray stop.
A Slow Sacred Valley Itinerary: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray
Skip the rushed day tour. This three-day route gives the Sacred Valley the time it deserves, with honest notes on transport, food, and where to sleep.
Sacred Valley Travel Guide From Cusco
Plan a Sacred Valley trip from Cusco with practical route choices, transport tradeoffs, overnight options, rail connections, budgeting advice, accessibility questions, and current 2026 travel cautions.
What is included
- Professional local guide (English & Spanish)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Oxygen and First Aid Kit
- Round-trip transportation from Cusco
Not included
- Gratitudes
- Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Salt mines
Itinerary and highlights
We will pick you up from your hotel at 7:00 a.m. and begin the tour with a visit to the Cristo Blanco (Christ the Redeemer) Statue, where you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Cusco and have plenty of time to take beautiful photos.
Next, we will visit the Ccaccaccollo Community, where you'll meet the local Quechua people, learn about their traditional way of life, and watch them create beautiful handwoven textiles using techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Second Stop: Maras Salt Mines (10:30 a.m.)
Next, we head to the impressive Salineras de Maras, a breathtaking complex of over 5,000 salt pools still harvested by local families using pre-Inca techniques.
Walk along the viewpoints overlooking the salt terraces
Learn how salt has been extracted here for centuries
Capture stunning photos of one of the most unique landscapes in Peru
Third Stop: Moray – Inca Agricultural Laboratory (12:00 p.m.)
Continue to Moray, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Andes.
Explore massive circular terraces believed to be an Inca agricultural research center
Discover how the Incas experimented with microclimates and crop adaptation
Learn about advanced Inca science and farming knowledge
Lunch Break (1:30 p.m.)
Enjoy free time for lunch in the Sacred Valley area (lunch not included), with options ranging from local Andean cuisine to buffet-style restaurants.
Final Stop: Ollantaytambo – The Last Living Inca City (3:00 p.m.)
Our final highlight is Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru and still inhabited today.
Walk through original Inca streets and water channels
Visit the Ollantaytambo fortress, a massive ceremonial and military complex
Learn about its role during the resistance against the Spanish conquest
Enjoy incredible views of the surrounding mountains and terraces
Return to Cusco (5:30 p.m.)
After an unforgettable day exploring the Sacred Valley, we begin our journey back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 5:30 p.m.
Meeting and pickup information
- We pick up all travelers directly from their hotels located in downtown Cusco. This is a door-to-door service for your convenience and comfort. Your safety is our top priority.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Peru Hikers
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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