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Extended Sacred Valley Tour with Moray & Salt Mines Included, 1-Day Tour

1 Day Moderate 4650 m

Experience the full span of Inca engineering in a single day on our Extended Sacred Valley Tour. Departing directly from Cusco, this seamless circuit covers the massive ruins of Pisac, the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, the subterranean Maras Salt Mines, and the living Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.

Skip the tourist shops and dive straight into authentic history with an expert local guide. We run daily small-group departures (max 8 guests) with optional drop-off at the Ollantaytambo train station for travelers continuing onward to Machu Picchu.

Highlights

  • Pisac Archaeological Site & Market: Explore expansive mountain-top agricultural terraces, ancient hillside tombs, and the vibrant local artisan market.
  • Moray Agricultural Amphitheaters: Marvel at the mysterious circular terraced rings used by the Incas to test and cultivate crops across varying microclimates.
  • Maras Salt Mines (Las Salineras): Witness thousands of snow-white, subterranean salt pools actively harvested by local families since pre-Inca times.
  • Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress: Tour the monumental Sun Temple terraces and explore the historic town, famous as the last remaining living Inca settlement.
  • Flexible Drop-Off Locations: Finish your tour conveniently in Cusco or directly at the Ollantaytambo train station for evening rail connections to Machu Picchu.

Most travelers don’t realize that the Sacred Valley sits lower than Cusco (around 9,000 ft vs 11,150 ft), making this 1-Day Extended Sacred Valley Tour the absolute best way to adjust to the elevation before starting the 2-Day Short Inca Trail or 4-Day Classic Inca Trail.

Turn your Sacred Valley excursion into a full 3-day mountain adventure. See the 3-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour

Details of the trip

Day 1: Cusco – Pisac – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo

Departure from Cusco & Pisac Archaeological Site

Your excursion begins with a prompt 7:00 AM pickup from your hotel lobby in Cusco. We travel by private van toward the Sacred Valley, stopping at El Mirador lookout for sweeping views over the Urubamba mountain range. Our first major stop is the Pisac Archaeological Complex, perched high above the valley floor. Your guide leads a walkthrough of its massive agricultural terraces, residential sectors, and ancient cemetery. Afterward, take a brief stroll through the colorful Pisac artisan market.

Moray Agricultural Laboratory & Maras Salt Mines

Next, we venture off the main highway to Moray, an impressive arrangement of deep circular terraces carved into a natural limestone depression. Your guide explains how Inca agronomists utilized these distinct thermal tiers to domesticate wild crops. From Moray, we make a short drive to the Maras Salt Mines (Las Salineras), where over 3,000 terraced pools cascade down the canyon wall. Learn how salty spring water is channeled and evaporated using traditional pre-Inca techniques.

Ollantaytambo Fortress & Optional Train Station Drop-Off

We conclude our valley circuit in Ollantaytambo, a historic town where original Inca street layouts and stone foundations remain intact. We climb the iconic stone terraces leading to the unfinished Temple of the Sun while taking in views of the surrounding mountain granaries. After touring the fortress, our driver drops you off directly at your Ollantaytambo hotel, the local train station for evening trains to Aguas Calientes, or returns you back to Cusco.

  • Meals Included: None (Local lunch stop provided along the route)
  • Elevation Range: 2,792 m – 3,450 m / 9,160 ft – 11,318 ft
  • Total Driving Time: Approximately 4 hours total overland transport
  • Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (Includes stone stairs at ruins)
Package Details

Included & Not Included

Included
  • Hotel Pickups: Direct transportation pickup from your hotel lobby in Cusco.
  • Tourist Transport: Round-trip private tourist van service customized to your group size.
  • Professional Local Guide: Fully certified, native English and Spanish speaking guide holding a degree in tourism or archaeology.
  • Flexible Drop-Off: Optional drop-off at your Ollantaytambo hotel, the Ollantaytambo train station, or return transport to Cusco.

***Planing an overnight at Ollantaytambo, then chekc it out the Andenes del Inca Hotel!!

Not Included
  • Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket): Partial Tourist Ticket (70 Soles) or General Tourist Ticket (130 Soles) required for Pisac, Moray, and Ollantaytambo.
  • Maras Entrance Fee: Separate local community ticket (10 Soles per person) purchased directly at the Maras gate.
  • Daily Meals: Buffet or local lunch in Uriubamba (your guide will recommend clean, local dining options).
  • Staff Gratuities: Voluntary tips for your professional guide and private driver.

Travel Essentials

Important Information

Pricing

The 1-Day Extended Sacred Valley Tour operates daily on any date with a minimum of 2 participants!

Group Size Service Type Price
2 to 8 people Group Service $70 USD per person
2 to 3 people Private Service $110 USD per person
4+ people Private Service $90 USD per person

Small group policy strictly enforced with an average of 5 participants and a maximum of 8!

Available Discounts

  • Student Discount (18 to 25 years old): -$10 USD discount (Requires valid university ID card submitted at booking).
  • Youth Discount (Under 18 years old): -$10 USD discount (Requires valid passport copy at booking).
  • Child Discount (Under 10 years old): Free entry for site permits (Under 10s do not require the Boleto Turístico).

What Do I Need to Pack for the Sacred Valley Tour?

Essential Travel Documents & Gear

  • Original Physical Passport: Mandatory for purchasing and checking official tourist tickets at site entrances.
  • Local Cash Reserve (Peruvian Soles): Required for purchasing the Boleto Turístico (70 Soles), Maras entry (10 Soles), lunch, and souvenirs.
  • Compact Daypack: Small backpack under 25L to carry your water, camera, and extra layers.
  • Layered Clothing: Breathable shirt, lightweight sweater or fleece, and a comfortable windbreaker.
  • Walking Footwear: Sturdy sneakers or lightweight trail shoes with good traction for stone steps and gravel paths.

Personal Care & Electronics

  • Sun & Skin Defense: High SPF sunscreen, UV protection sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed sun hat.
  • Rain Protection: Compact rain jacket or lightweight rain poncho (essential from December to April).
  • Hydration: Refillable water bottle or hydration bladder (1 to 2 liters capacity).
  • Camera & Power: Smartphone or camera with a fully charged portable power bank.
Questions & Answers

FAQs

You need two separate physical tickets for this itinerary, which you buy with cash (Peruvian Soles) on the day of the tour

  • Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket): A Partial Ticket costs PEN 70 Soles (~$20 USD) and covers Pisac, Moray, and Ollantaytambo for 2 consecutive days. Alternatively, a General Ticket costs PEN 130 Soles (~$36 USD) and covers 14 total sites across Cusco and the valley for 10 days.
  • Local village families operate Maras, which requires a separate entry ticket costing PEN 10 Soles (~$3 USD).
Extended Sacred Valley Tour with Moray & Salt Mines Included, 1-Day Tour
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