Full-Day Tour to the Sacred Valley and Maras+Buffet in Cusco

Exploring Cusco’s Sacred Valley and Maras Salt Mines: A Detailed Review

When visiting Cusco, the Sacred Valley is a must-see, and this full-day tour offers a well-rounded experience of its most iconic sites. For just $38 per person, you’ll spend about 12 hours exploring ancient Inca towns, terraced landscapes, and salt mines, all led by a knowledgeable guide. The tour includes transportation, some meals, and a chance to see some of the region’s most fascinating sights, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking value and authenticity.

What makes this experience stand out? First, we loved the balance of guided storytelling and free exploration time — giving us both context and space to soak in the sites. Second, the delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba was a real highlight, offering local flavors in a comfortable setting. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the length of the day, which can be quite full, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with long excursions. This tour is perfect for travelers eager to see a variety of highlights without breaking the bank, especially if you appreciate a mix of history, nature, and local culture.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major Sacred Valley sites and towns
• Expert guide providing historical insights and local stories
• Value for money with included transport, guide, and meals
• Flexible exploration time at each site for personal discovery
• Cultural immersion with a visit to a local family in Chinchero
• Photo opportunities at Moray, salt mines, and Ollantaytambo

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Day in the Sacred Valley: What to Expect

This tour begins early, with a pickup in Cusco around 7:00 AM, setting you off on a scenic drive into the Sacred Valley. The first stop is Chinchero, approximately 45 minutes from Cusco. Here, your guide will introduce you to the Inca archaeological site and a charming old church. A highlight is visiting a local family’s home, where you’ll see how traditional textiles are made using natural dyes. This touch of living culture is what makes the tour special — it’s hands-on and personal, a chance to connect with everyday life in the Andes.

Next, you’ll head to Moray, which is truly a sight to behold. Those circular terraces are a marvel — not only visually striking but also a testament to Inca ingenuity. Your guide will share the history behind these terraces, which are thought to have been agricultural experiment stations. We loved the way the terraces seem to stretch into the sky, offering plenty of photo ops and a sense of the scale of Inca engineering.

From Moray, the tour moves on to Maras Salt Mines. Here, salt has been harvested for centuries from a network of terraced ponds. You’ll learn how salt is collected and see local artisans making salt crafts. The salt mines are surprisingly picturesque, with salt crystals shimmering in the sunlight, making it an ideal spot for photographs. If you’re interested, there’s an optional small fee (15 soles) to access the salt pans.

Around noon, it’s time for a buffet lunch in Urubamba, a charming town with a relaxed vibe. The meal offers a taste of typical Peruvian cuisine, and many reviewers mention how tasty and filling it is — a perfect reset before continuing the adventure.

In the afternoon, the trip continues to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress and town. Walking through the archaeological site, you’ll see impressive terraced slopes, temples, and waterworks, all with breathtaking mountain views in the background. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take photos.

Finally, the tour includes a stop at Pisac, famous for its terraced hillsides and artisan markets. The guide will show you around the terraces, highlighting their strategic placement and engineering. This site is especially photogenic, with expansive views over the valley.

The return journey to Cusco is around 6:30 PM, giving you a full day of exploration, history, and stunning scenery. If you prefer, you can choose to end your day in Ollantaytambo, which is convenient if you’re planning to continue travel from there.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

The price point—$38—is compelling for a full-day guided experience that covers so many highlights. Included are transport, a professional guide, and a substantial buffet lunch, making it a convenient all-in-one package. The entrance tickets to the sites are not included but can be purchased in Chinchero, with a total cost of about 70 soles plus an additional 15 soles for Maras. This flexibility allows you to control your spending and decide which sites you’re most excited to explore more thoroughly.

The guides are often praised for their knowledge and ability to bring the sites alive through stories and historical context. Several reviews mention how their local insights made the sites more meaningful, especially when explaining Inca engineering marvels like Moray’s terraces or the salt pans.

However, keep in mind the long hours — from early morning to evening — which can be tiring for some. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with very young children, this might be a bit much. Also, the transit times between stops can be up to an hour, so patience with the journey’s length is advised.

How the Itinerary Works for You

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an all-in-one day of sightseeing without the hassle of planning individual tickets or transport. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but eager to see the highlights of the Sacred Valley. The small group size (typically around 12-15 people) helps keep things intimate and allows for more personalized attention from your guide.

The stops are scheduled to maximize time at each site while maintaining a comfortable pace. The photo opportunities are plentiful, from Moray’s terraces to the salt mines’ shimmering pools, and the views from Ollantaytambo are unforgettable.

The inclusion of a local family visit adds an authentic touch, offering insight into traditional textile-making. Many travelers find this segment especially meaningful, as it connects them directly with Peruvian culture.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, culture, and scenery, all for a reasonable price. The knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and the chance to see both archaeological sites and local traditions make it a worthy choice for most travelers visiting Cusco. It’s particularly suited for those who want a rundown of the Sacred Valley without the hassle of arranging multiple tickets and transport.

If you’re after a value-packed, authentic day that combines natural beauty and cultural insight, this tour hits the mark. Just remember that it’s a full day, and you’ll want to bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a sense of curiosity.

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FAQs

Are entrance tickets included in the price?
No, the entrance tickets are not included. You can buy them in Chinchero, which is the first stop, for about 70 soles total, plus 15 soles if you want to visit the salt mines.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour is offered in Spanish and English, so you can choose based on your preference. Guides are generally well-versed and engaging in both languages.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
While the tour is full-day and involves a fair amount of walking and car travel, it can be suitable for children and elderly travelers who are comfortable with a longer day. Just keep in mind the physical demands.

Can I stay at Ollantaytambo after the tour?
Yes, you have the option to end the tour in Ollantaytambo if you prefer. It’s a good base for further travel or exploration.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, a hat, and a camera are recommended. Also, bring cash if you wish to buy salt crafts or additional tickets.

How long does each stop last?
The tour allocates between 30 minutes to an hour at each site, giving enough time to explore and take photos without feeling rushed.

Is lunch included in the price?
No, the buffet lunch is included but paid for separately in Urubamba. It offers a good variety of local dishes and is generally well-liked by travelers.

What makes this tour different from others?
The authentic visit to a local textile family, combined with a balanced itinerary and a very reasonable price, sets this tour apart. It delivers a well-rounded experience without feeling overly commercialized.

To sum it up, this Full-Day Sacred Valley tour provides an excellent value for travelers wanting a comprehensive, authentic, and scenic experience from Cusco. It suits those eager to understand the Inca legacy, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, and connect with local culture—all in one accessible package. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture seeker, or just want to see some of the most beautiful parts of the Andes, this trip offers a meaningful adventure without breaking the bank.