Full Day Guided Tour in Sacred Valley and Maras Moray

A Full Day Exploring the Sacred Valley and Maras Moray — Practical and Authentic

If you’re planning a day trip from Cusco, this tour offers a well-rounded look at some of the most iconic highlights of the Sacred Valley. For just over $46 per person, you’ll spend about 10.5 hours soaking in Inca architecture, marveling at natural wonders like the salt terraces of Maras, and wandering through lively markets. The experience is led by knowledgeable guides—like Jacob, praised for his friendliness and expertise—and includes comfortable transportation and a generous buffet lunch.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances history, culture, and scenery without feeling rushed. You get to see Chinchero, with its finely crafted Inca walls, and then marvel at the salt terraces of Maras, where natural beauty meets ancient ingenuity. Later, Moray’s terraced circles give insight into Inca agricultural experimentation, and Ollantaytambo provides a glimpse into a living Inca town. To top it off, the vibrant Pisac artisan market offers a colorful finale, perfect for picking up authentic souvenirs.

One potential consideration is the ticket to some sites, like the Maras salt mines, which require a small extra fee. The tour covers most entrances, but budgeting a little extra can enhance your experience. Also, the group size is limited—typically up to 17 travelers—so booking in advance can secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, culture, and scenery, and who want a guided experience that’s both informative and relaxed. If you love having a dedicated guide to answer questions and take photos, this is a great choice. Perfect for those who want to avoid the hassle of organizing their own transport but still seek an authentic taste of the Sacred Valley.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major Inca sites, markets, and natural wonders.
• Knowledgeable guide enhances understanding and makes the experience more engaging.
• Includes a local buffet lunch with vegetarian options, providing good value for a full-day experience.
• Comfortable transport simplifies logistics and allows you to relax between stops.
• Limited group size ensures a more personalized experience.
• Affordable price considering transportation, guides, and most site entrances.

Exploring the Sacred Valley: A Deep Dive

When you sign up for this full-day tour, you’re signing up for more than just sightseeing—you’re stepping into a storybook of ancient civilization and breathtaking landscapes. The Sacred Valley, with its Inca ruins and vibrant villages, is a favorite for travelers seeking both history and natural beauty. This tour’s meticulously planned route and experienced guides promise to make the most of your time, giving you insights that turn stone walls and terraced fields into stories of ingenuity and resilience.

First Stop: Chinchero – Inca Architectural Marvels

Our day begins early, with pickup around 7:00 am. By 8:15 am, we arrive in Chinchero, a town famed for its well-preserved Inca walls, niches, and terraces. Here, the guide will point out finely crafted stonework that has stood the test of centuries, illustrating the Incas’ mastery of dry stone construction. The setting is charming, with narrow streets and traditional weaving shops—perfect for snapping photos and soaking in the local vibe.

Second Stop: Maras Salt Mines – Human Ingenuity and Natural Beauty

Next, at 9:30 am, we arrive at Maras. The salt terraces here are a sight to behold—thousands of small, interconnected pools shimmering in the sun. Historically, these salt mines have been in use since Inca times, with local families still harvesting salt today. An entrance fee of 10 Soles (~$3) applies, but most tours include this. The contrast of natural mineral-rich pools against the rugged mountain backdrop makes for fabulous photos and a tangible connection to traditional Andean livelihoods.

Third Stop: Moray – Agricultural Testing Grounds

By 11:00 am, we’re at Moray, a site that sparks the imagination. The concentric terraces resemble giant bowls, with each level believed to have been used for experimenting with crops and microclimates. The geometric design and terraced circles are unlike anything else in the region. Our guide explains how the Incas used these terraces to adapt crops to different altitudes and conditions, a testament to their advanced agricultural techniques. Expect about 1.5 hours here, including time to walk around and ask questions.

Lunch Break: Urubamba

Around 12:30 pm, we settle in at a local buffet in Urubamba. The meal includes a variety of Peruvian dishes, with vegetarian options available, offering good value for the price. It’s a chance to relax, hydrate, and enjoy the flavors of the region. The relaxed pace allows us to savor the food and chat about the morning’s discoveries.

Fourth Stop: Ollantaytambo – The Living Inca Town

By 2:00 pm, we arrive in Ollantaytambo, a town still inhabited by locals and built on Inca foundations. The fortress here boasts impressive stonework and offers insight into Inca military architecture. Walking through the streets, you’ll see traditional homes, narrow alleyways, and terraces that hint at a thriving community. The site’s combination of history and everyday life makes it a fascinating stop, lasting about two hours.

Final Stop: Pisac Artisan Market and Ruins

As the sun begins to set, around 4:00 pm, we visit Pisac. The market is lively, with stalls overflowing with colorful textiles, jewelry, and crafts. Even if you’re not shopping, the vibrant atmosphere is worth experiencing. Nearby, the Pisac ruins offer another peek into Inca engineering, with terraced agricultural terraces and stone structures perched high above the town.

Return to Cusco

By 6:30 pm, we’re back in Cusco, tired but enriched. The day’s pace is well-balanced, giving you enough time at each site to appreciate its significance without feeling rushed.

What Travelers Say

The single review we have praises the guide Jacob, calling him “considerate and highly knowledgeable,” and highlights that he took “fantastic photos and videos” so visitors could just enjoy the moment. The driver, Geraldo, is also noted as “wonderful,” contributing to a smooth, enjoyable day.

This kind of personalized service makes a difference. The small group size—up to 17 travelers—means you’re more likely to get individualized attention and clear answers to your questions. Many guests appreciate the mix of professional guiding and relaxed pacing.

The Practical Side: Value and Comfort

At $46.16, this tour offers good value considering it covers transport, a knowledgeable guide, most site entrances, and a substantial lunch. The extra fee for the Maras salt mines is modest, and you might find that paying it adds meaningful context to your visit. For budget-conscious travelers, this trip packs in a lot without sacrificing authenticity.

Transportation is comfortable, and the small group size means you’re not stuck in a crowd—more of a chatty, friendly exploration. The tour departure at 9:00 am from Plaza Regocijo makes for an easy start, and the return around 6:30 pm fits well with most travel plans.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for an organized, guided day that hits the main highlights of the Sacred Valley without the hassle of planning logistics yourself, this tour is perfect. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness since some sites involve walking and uneven terrain, but nothing too strenuous. Travelers who enjoy learning from passionate guides and want a taste of local life—markets, traditional crafts, and Inca engineering—will find this trip rewarding.

It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors or those on a tight schedule who want a rundown. It’s also a great way to get a feel for the region before deciding to explore more independently.

The Sum Up

This full-day Sacred Valley tour offers a solid balance between depth and convenience. You’ll gain a broad understanding of Inca achievements, see stunning landscapes, and enjoy authentic touches like a local buffet and artisan market visits. The guided approach means you’ll learn insights that bring the stones and terraces to life, making the experience more meaningful.

The inclusions—transport, most site entrances, expert guide, and lunch—make this a good value, especially considering the small group size and personalized service. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate a structured itinerary with plenty of opportunities for questions and photos.

While it might not cover absolutely every site in the Sacred Valley, it hits the highlights with enough time to savor each one without feeling hurried. If you’re seeking a well-rounded, engaging day that combines history, culture, and scenery, this tour deserves a close look.

FAQ

What is the cost of this tour?
The price is $46.16 per person, which includes transportation, a guide, and most site entrances. The salt mine has a small extra fee of 10 Soles (~$3).

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes, starting around 9:00 am and returning by 6:30 pm.

Does the tour include lunch?
Yes, a buffet lunch in Urubamba is included, with vegetarian options available.

Are site entrances included?
Most sites are included in the price, except for the Maras salt mines which require an additional fee.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The tour is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as some walking and uneven terrain are involved.

What is the group size?
The tour typically operates with a maximum of 17 travelers, offering a more intimate experience.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is available from Cusco, with the tour starting at Plaza Regocijo.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is offered by Magical Cusco Travel Agency, known for their knowledgeable guides and well-organized tours.

This tour balances the highlights of the Sacred Valley with authentic experiences and thoughtful logistics, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to see the best of what this remarkable region has to offer.