About this experience
The Sacred Valley of the Incas + Maras Salt Mines tour is one of the best-rated experiences in Peru, which takes you to discover the architectural beauty of the Inca Empire, immersed in beautiful Andean landscapes, glaciers and archaeological parks.
At a glance
- Duration: 12 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 12 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
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.
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.
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
- First Aid Kit
- BUFFET
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional bilingual guide
Not included
- Bottled water
- Tourist Ticket
- Access to Salineras
Itinerary and highlights
06:30 am – Pick up at the hotel
Our transfer team or guide will pick you up at your hotel at 6:30 a.m. to start this exciting day. The first stop will be the archaeological center of Chinchero.
07:30 am – Chinchero: Encounter with Living Culture
We will head north and, in approximately 40 minutes, we will arrive at the archaeological center of Chinchero, a living city that preserves the original Inca design and is located in a significant agricultural area. Here, the church and the colonial tower originate from ancient Inca temples. You will have the opportunity to appreciate local artisanal work, including weaving with ancestral techniques.
09:00 am – Moray: Inca Agricultural Experimentation
Our next stop will be in the Moray area, where we will discover a system of circular terraces built to take advantage of the differences in microclimates. These terraces were used for Inca agricultural experiments, such as domestication, acclimatization and hybridization of plants.
10:30 am – Salineras de Maras: Treasure of Salt
We will continue to the Salineras de Maras, a complex of more than 3,000 shallow pools owned by almost 380 local families. These pools are filled with salt water that flows from natural springs on the hill called Qoripukiu (Golden Fountain). You will witness the tradition of salt extraction that dates back to pre-Incan times.
12:00 pm – Lunch in Urubamba
After the morning exploration, we will enjoy a delicious lunch in Urubamba to recharge our batteries.
02:00 pm – Ollantaytambo: Multifunctional Center
We will continue the trip by bus for 30 minutes to reach the archaeological center of Ollantaytambo. This place had various uses in the Inca era, being an administrative, military, social and economic center. It also served as a control point in the interaction of different ecological levels.
04:00 pm – Pisaq: Smart Farming and Handicraft Market
Our last stop will be the archaeological center of Pisaq, famous for its system of smart platforms and irrigation canals that allowed the cultivation of high-quality corn. In addition, you will have the opportunity to purchase handicrafts and pottery at the Pisaq model market.
07:00 pm – Return to Cusco: We will return to Cusco around 7:00 p.m., where we conclude this unforgettable tour, with many memories and enriching experiences.
Meeting and pickup information
- The pick up will be in the center of the main square, where the water fountain and the Inca monument are located. Please send the exact address, name of the accommodation and contact number.
- The transfer will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel, wearing a black jacket and a cap with our company logo, and will also contact you before your pick up.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- ATV CUSCO ADVENTURES ON WHEELS
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
