Sacred Valley and Maras Salt Mines Full-Day Tour from Cusco

The Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley follows the Urubamba River northwest of Cusco, at a lower and warmer altitude than the city, roughly 2,800 metres. The Incas valued it for its fertile soil and mild climate, and they built terraces, temples, roads and royal estates along it. Today it is one of the most visited regions of Peru, and a Sacred Valley tour from Cusco is the classic way to see it in a day.

Towns and sites of the valley, such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo, are famous for their Inca ruins and markets. The exact list of stops can change with the day and the group, so your guide confirms the plan on the morning. Expect a mix of archaeological sites, village life, mountain scenery and time to walk, photograph and buy local crafts.

The Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras)

The Maras Salt Mines are a hillside of thousands of small salt pans, stepped down a mountain slope above the valley. A salty spring rises inside the mountain and runs through channels into the pools, where the water evaporates in the sun and leaves a crust of salt. Families have harvested salt here since before the Inca period, and it is still done by hand.

The view from above is remarkable, a white and pink patchwork against the brown hillside. Wear sturdy shoes, because the paths between the pools are narrow and can be slippery. The ticket to the salt mines is not included and is paid separately. Many travellers ask whether the Maras Salt Mines are worth visiting, and for the scenery and the photographs the answer is yes.

Moray and Inca farming

Moray is a set of deep circular terraces sunk into the ground, and it is often described as an Inca agricultural laboratory. The levels create different temperatures, with the bottom noticeably warmer than the rim, and experts think the Incas used them to test how crops responded to altitude. Your guide explains how the terraces and irrigation worked.

Entry to Moray is covered by the partial tourist ticket, boleto turistico parcial, which is not included in this tour and is bought separately for the archaeological sites on the route. Moray and Maras sit close together on a high plateau, so they pair naturally in a single day tour from Cusco. The circular shapes are best seen from the rim.

Planning your Sacred Valley day

The default option starts with hotel pickup from the historic centre of Cusco, and the pickup time is confirmed the day before. The tour lasts around 12 and a half hours, most of it spent travelling and visiting on foot, and you return to central Cusco in the evening. Buffet lunch with vegetarian options is included in the default option.

Because the valley is lower than Cusco, altitude is less of a problem, but the sun is strong, so bring a hat and sunscreen. The partial tourist ticket, the salt mines entrance and drinks are not included. Choose the best time to visit the Sacred Valley by season: the dry months from May to September give clear skies, while the green season shows lush fields.