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

A full-day journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant local culture. For around $160 per person, you’ll spend roughly 12 hours exploring some of the region’s most iconic sites, all with the convenience of hotel pickup and private transportation. Guided by knowledgeable experts, this tour takes the hassle out of navigating and ensures you get to soak in the sights without rushing.

Two things we love about this experience: First, the balanced itinerary that packs in incredible sites like Moray and the salt terraces of Maras, giving you a comprehensive glimpse into Incan ingenuity. Second, the personalized touch—the private vehicle and professional guide mean you’ll get tailored insights and plenty of flexibility to ask questions or linger at your favorite spots.

A key consideration? The entrance fees, which aren’t included in the base price, add a modest extra cost. Also, since it’s a full-day adventure, wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for an early start. This tour suits travelers who want a deep, authentic look into the Sacred Valley without the hassle of planning every detail and who appreciate a guided experience with local insights.

Key Points

• Comprehensive coverage of Sacred Valley highlights in one day
• Expert guides offer rich context and answer questions
• Hassle-free logistics with hotel pickup and private transport
• Flexible itinerary with time to explore each site
• Affordable value considering multiple site visits and guided commentary
• Additional costs for entrance fees and optional extras like Salinas de Maras

Exploring the Sacred Valley: A Wealth of Wonders

Our full-day tour with Inti Sun Trek is designed for those who want to see the best of the Sacred Valley comfortably and efficiently. Starting early, around 7:00 am, we’re picked up from our Cusco hotel by a private vehicle. The day is well-paced, allowing plenty of time at each stop, yet not so long that you feel overwhelmed.

The Charm of Chinchero

The journey begins with a 40-minute drive to Chinchero, a charming village that feels like stepping back in time. With its adobe homes, cobblestone streets, and villagers still dressed in traditional clothing, Chinchero embodies Peruvian culture. Here, you can observe local artisans demonstrating wool washing and dyeing using native plants—an authentic, living craft. Several reviews mention the allure of this village, with one traveler noting, “It’s beautiful to see how well traditions are preserved.”

The Ingenious Terraces of Moray

Next, we head to Moray, famous for its terraced circular depressions. These weren’t just scenic; they served as agricultural laboratories for the Incas. The clever drainage system at the bottom of each terrace prevented flooding, enabling Incas to experiment with crops suited to different microclimates. Expect about 40 minutes here to soak in the views and learn about Inca farming innovations.

Travelers rave about this site, with one mentioning, “We learned how cleverly designed a drainage system was to avoid flooding,” highlighting how Moray was more than just a photo opportunity. Please note, the entrance fee isn’t included, costing around 70 soles for the partial tourist ticket.

Maras Salt Mines: A White Marvel

After Moray, a short 20-minute drive takes us to Salinas de Maras, a surreal landscape of salt pans fed by mineral-rich springs. The terraces cascade down a steep hillside, each pan actively harvested by local salt miners. Watching workers tend to the pans adds an authentic touch to the visit, which many find memorable—one reviewer called it their favorite spot, saying, “Salt mines were really cool to see. You can see some people working in the mines, which was also cool.”

Note that visiting the salt terraces costs an additional 20 soles. The site’s history stretches back pre-Incan times, and the collective effort to maintain the terraces adds a fascinating communal aspect.

The Incan Fortress of Ollantaytambo

The afternoon takes us to Ollantaytambo, a living example of Incan urban planning. Its narrow streets, flowing streams, and imposing ceremonial center transport you to another era. You’ll have about 40 minutes to explore this lively town, where the sounds of running water echo as they did centuries ago. The fort’s strategic importance and its role in protecting the valley make it a compelling site, often described as both a fortress and a sacred space for water worship.

Travelers often mention how well-preserved and atmospheric Ollantaytambo feels, with one saying, “You can imagine what life was like in the time of the Incas walking these streets.”

Lunch in Urubamba

Midway through the day, we pause for a buffet lunch in Urubamba, the valley’s heart. This break offers a chance to relax and enjoy local flavors, preparing us for the afternoon’s exploration. The tour notes that lunch isn’t included, but they stop in Urubamba for convenience.

The Vibrant Pisac Market and Ruins

Post-lunch, the tour takes you to Pisaq, a lively village famous for its colorful artisan market. Here, you can browse handcrafted textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs—perfect for picking up unique gifts or mementos. Spend about 40 minutes wandering and chatting with friendly locals. Afterwards, a quick visit to the nearby Pisaq Ruins offers panoramic views and insight into Inca architecture and agricultural terraces.

Many travelers appreciate the opportunity to interact with locals and observe traditional crafts, adding depth to the experience.

The Return to Cusco

By 6:30 to 7:00 pm, your private guide and driver will return you to your hotel in Cusco, ending a day filled with breathtaking scenery and fascinating stories. The trip’s smooth logistics and the chance to see so many sites in one day make it a favorite among travelers short on time.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This private tour strikes a fine balance between comprehensive coverage and comfort. The expert guides offer engaging narratives that breathe life into each site. Their insights reveal how the Incas ingeniously used their environment, which helps you appreciate the significance of each location beyond just photos.

The personalized transportation means no waiting around or navigating crowded buses. Instead, you enjoy the flexibility of a private vehicle, making the day feel relaxed and tailored to your pace. The included hotel pickup and drop-off eliminate the usual logistical headaches.

One of the most praised aspects, highlighted repeatedly in reviews, is the knowledgeable guides. For example, “Carlos was full of great information that helped us understand the purpose of the sites,” says one traveler. Guides like Jorge, Elizabeth, and Noemi consistently earn accolades for their friendly approach and depth of knowledge.

The scenic routes through the Sacred Valley provide stunning views, especially as you travel from site to site. The rows of salt terraces and the terraced hillsides of Moray are particularly striking.

Practical Considerations

While the tour offers excellent value, there are some points to keep in mind. The entrance fees for sites like Moray (not included) and the salt mines (additional 20 soles) are extra costs you’ll need to budget for. The total cost is still quite reasonable given the number of sites visited and the guided expertise.

The full-day schedule means arriving early and staying active, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. You’ll be on your feet exploring ruins and villages, sometimes on uneven terrain.

Since lunch isn’t included, bringing snacks or eating beforehand can help you stay energized. The tour does stop for a buffet lunch in Urubamba, which is a good chance to sample local flavors.

The tour requires a minimum of two people per booking, making it less ideal for solo travelers unless they can join others. Also, children under five can join for free, making it family-friendly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day Sacred Valley tour is ideal for travelers who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning multiple visits. It’s perfect for those who value expert guidance that brings history to life and appreciate scenic drives through beautiful landscapes. If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive experience, this tour packs a lot into one day.

Travelers interested in Incan agriculture, architecture, and culture will find this journey particularly rewarding. Plus, those who enjoy authentic, off-the-beaten-path sites like the salt terraces will be especially pleased.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a well-rounded, guided exploration of the Sacred Valley, this tour offers excellent value and a thoughtful itinerary. The combination of iconic ruins, lively villages, stunning scenery, and knowledgeable guides makes it a memorable way to connect with Peru’s rich cultural fabric.

While it does involve some extra costs for entrance fees and a full day of activity, the convenience and depth of experience more than justify the price. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting to maximize their time in Cusco and get a real feel for the historic heart of the Inca Empire.

If you’re after authentic insights, scenic beauty, and hassle-free logistics, this tour delivers. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture seeker, or simply looking for a day of inspiring views, this experience has something for you.

FAQ

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off at your Cusco accommodations, making for a smooth start and finish.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 12 hours, starting at 7:00 am and ending around 6:30–7:00 pm.

Do I need to buy extra tickets?
Yes, you’ll need to purchase a partial tourist ticket for 70 soles to access most sites, plus an additional 20 soles for the salt mines. The tour operator can advise on ticket options.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. The tour stops in Urubamba for a buffet lunch, but you can bring snacks or eat before the tour.

What sites will I visit?
You’ll explore Chinchero, Moray, Salinas de Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq, each offering unique insights into Inca history and culture.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, children under 5 can join at no charge, and the flexible, private nature of the tour makes it family-friendly, provided everyone can walk and handle the day’s activities.

In sum, this full-day Sacred Valley tour offers an authentic, engaging, and highly manageable way to experience some of Peru’s most treasured archaeological and cultural sites. Perfect for those who want a guided, comprehensive adventure with the comfort of private transport and expert commentary.