Full Day Sacred Valley Tour with Maras Moray

Full Day Sacred Valley Tour with Maras Moray

Imagine spending a day exploring some of the most stunning landscapes and ancient sites in the Cusco region, all for just $50 per person. This full-day tour takes you through a carefully curated itinerary that includes visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, blending natural beauty, Incan ingenuity, and local culture. Led by knowledgeable guides, the experience is as much about learning as it is about taking in breathtaking scenery.

What we love most about this tour is the chance to see Incan terraces at Moray and salt mines at Maras, two sites that showcase the ingenuity of Inca engineering. Plus, the panoramic views from Ollantaytambo and Pisac are unforgettable, offering plenty of photo opportunities. The inclusion of a buffet lunch with traditional Andean dishes helps you savor local flavors amid your busy day.

A key consideration is the tight schedule—with multiple stops and long drives, it can feel rushed for those wanting a more relaxed pace. If you’re eager to explore fewer sites more deeply, this might not be the best fit. However, if your goal is to get a broad overview of the Sacred Valley and its highlights in one day, this tour offers excellent value.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy cultural exploration combined with scenic drives and don’t mind a full day on the go. It’s perfect for those with limited time in Cusco who want a comprehensive introduction to the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Well-Organized Itinerary: Visits to six major sites, giving a broad overview of the Sacred Valley.
• Expert-Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of Inca culture and history.
• Stunning Landscapes: Breathtaking views at each stop, especially Moray and Ollantaytambo.
• Authentic Cultural Insights: Learn about Inca agricultural techniques and salt mining.
• Value for Money: At $50, includes transportation, guides, and lunch.
• Potential for Rushed Feeling: The busy schedule might limit time for truly soaking in each site.

Exploring the Sacred Valley in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with convenient pickups at two locations in Cusco: Plaza de Armas or Plaza Kusipata. From there, a comfortable van whisks you away on a nearly two-hour drive into the Sacred Valley, giving you your first glimpses of the lush, fertile landscapes that made this valley the heart of Inca civilization. This part of the journey is essential for setting the scene—think terraced hillsides and traditional villages as you leave the bustling city behind.

Chinchero: A Blend of Cultures and Colors

Your first stop is Chinchero, a charming village renowned for its Inca and colonial architecture. Here, your guide will lead you through a guided tour, offering insights into the blending of historical influences. The town is also famous for its vibrant markets, where local artisans sell textiles and crafts, perfect for a quick browse or souvenir shopping. Expect about an hour here, including a photo stop to capture the colorful landscape.

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Maras Salt Mines: An Incan Ingenuity

Next, you’ll visit Maras, home to the salt mines that have been in use since Inca times. The terraced salt flats shimmer against the mountainside, creating a surreal scene ideal for photos. The tour includes a guided visit to understand how the salt is extracted—an ancient technique that’s still in use today. This stop typically lasts about an hour and appeals to those interested in traditional industries and natural engineering.

Moray: The Incan Agricultural Laboratory

The highlight for many is Moray, an archaeological site featuring circular terraces that descend into the earth like giant amphitheaters. These terraces served as an agricultural experiment—Inca farmers tested different crops at various elevations. We loved the way these terraces offer a tangible glimpse into Inca ingenuity, and the panoramic views of the valley below are simply stunning. Expect around an hour here, with plenty of time for photos and exploration.

Ollantaytambo Fortress: A Strategic Marvel

Later, the tour stops at Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca fortress and town. The site’s impressive terraces and temples showcase Inca military architecture and religious significance. From the top, you get sweeping views of the surrounding mountains—perfect for those Instagram shots. The guided tour offers insights into Inca defenses and urban planning, roughly an hour of exploration time.

Pisac: Market and Ruins

The last major stop is Pisac, famous for its market and Inca ruins. The market is lively, filled with local artisans and food stalls, giving you a chance to experience Peruvian daily life. Afterward, your guide will lead a quick tour of the ruins, perched on a hillside with panoramic views of the valley. Expect about an hour on site, perfect for a blend of shopping and sightseeing.

Lunch and Return to Cusco

Midway through the day, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean dishes—think guinea pig, quinoa salads, or local stews—giving you energy for the afternoon. After a full day of exploration, a longer, scenic drive back to Cusco takes approximately two hours, giving you time to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Practical Details and Tips

The price of $50 includes transportation, guidance in both English and Spanish, and lunch, which makes it quite a good deal considering the number of sites and the quality of guides. However, entrance fees to sites like Moray and Maras are not included, so you’ll need to budget for those separately if you haven’t purchased a Boleto Turístico.

The tour is designed to be a full day—starting early and returning around late afternoon or early evening. The schedule is tight, with numerous stops at significant sites, which means you’ll get a broad overview but perhaps won’t have time to linger or explore in depth.

The group size tends to be manageable, making the experience more personal, especially with bilingual guides. The pickup service is included, which simplifies logistics, though check if your hotel is within the designated pickup zones.

Considerations

Some travelers, like the reviewer from GetYourGuide, note that the program might feel rushed, especially with six sites crammed into one day. If you prefer a slower, more immersive experience, this might be a limitation. Also, the long drives between sites mean you’ll spend a fair amount of time on the road, which could be tiring.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Highlights

What makes this tour stand out is the focus on sites that reveal Inca ingenuity—from the terraced terraces of Moray to the salt pans of Maras. These are places where you can truly appreciate how Inca engineers adapted their environment to sustain their empire.

You’ll also appreciate the local flavor in the villages and markets, which offer a glimpse into contemporary Andean life. The guides are well-versed and provide context that makes the history come alive, transforming a series of ruins and landscapes into a meaningful story.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour appeals most to first-time visitors wanting a rundown of the Sacred Valley’s highlights. If you’re eager to see multiple sites in one day and gain insight into Inca engineering and agriculture, this trip delivers solid value. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy scenic drives and cultural storytelling over quiet, contemplative visits.

However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace or wish to spend more time in each location, consider whether the tight schedule fits your travel style.

Final Thoughts

The Full Day Sacred Valley Tour with Maras Moray offers an excellent balance of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and historical significance at a reasonable price. It’s a good choice for those who want to maximize their time in Cusco and gain a broad understanding of Inca achievements and Andean landscapes.

You’ll come away with a collection of stunning photos, a deeper appreciation of Inca ingenuity, and plenty of stories to tell. While the schedule can be busy, it’s a well-organized way to see some of the most iconic sites in the Sacred Valley without the hassle of planning individual visits.

If you’re ready to experience the charm of Peru’s valleys, this tour will give you a well-rounded taste of what makes the region so captivating.

FAQ

What sites are included in the tour?
The tour visits Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, covering key archaeological and cultural sites of the Sacred Valley.

How long is the drive between sites?
The drives between locations are generally between 30 minutes to 2 hours, with the entire day including transportation taking roughly 7-8 hours.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean dishes is part of the package, offering a chance to enjoy local flavors amid the busy day.

Are entrance fees to sites included?
No, entrance tickets to sites like Moray and Maras are not included in the tour price, so you may need to purchase them separately unless you have a tourist ticket.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clear explanations for a diverse group of travelers.

Is this tour suitable for older travelers?
Yes, it’s suitable for most ages, but note that it involves a full day of walking and bus rides. It’s not recommended for those over 95 years old.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Whether you’re after a snapshot of Peru’s most iconic sites or a lively introduction to the Sacred Valley, this tour offers a practical and memorable way to experience the best of the region in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby