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Explore the heart of the Inca Empire with guided trips through the Sacred Valley, featuring the circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the ancient Maras salt mines. Choose from full-day sightseeing excursions, small group trips, or active ATV rides across the Andean highlands.
Free Cancellation Walk through Cusco’s history, from its origins as the Incan capital to its life as a modern Andean cultural hub.
Free Cancellation Explore the Sacred Valley’s key historical sites and local traditions with expert-led guided tours.
Free Cancellation Ride through the Sacred Valley on a quad bike to visit the Moray ruins and Maras salt mines.
Free Cancellation A full-day circuit through the Sacred Valley, Maras salt mines, and Moray ruins in a small, personalized group.
Free Cancellation Visit the Moray terraces, Maras salt mines, and the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo on this Sacred Valley tour.
Free Cancellation Explore ancient Inca ruins and traditional Andean markets on a guided journey through the Sacred Valley.
Free Cancellation Explore the Moray terraces and Maras salt mines on a half-day ATV tour through the Sacred Valley.
Free Cancellation A full-day guided journey from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, featuring Chinchero, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo.
Free Cancellation Explore the Sacred Valley's key archaeological sites, Maras salt mines, and Moray terraces in a single day trip.
Free Cancellation Visit Pisac, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo in a single day, complete with a traditional Inca beer tasting.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Sacred Valley — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Exploring the Sacred Valley and Maras Moray offers a breathtaking journey into the heartland of the Inca Empire. Expect a mix of dramatic Andean landscapes, highly advanced ancient agricultural sites, and vibrant living culture as you acclimate to the valley's comfortable elevations.
Climb the massive stone steps of this spectacular mountain fortress. It serves as a living testament to Inca urban planning and was the site of a historic victory against the Spanish.
Walk along the observation areas of over 5,000 ancient salt-evaporation ponds. These patchwork pools of pink and white have been manually harvested since pre-Inca times.
Marvel at these giant circular depressions carved into the earth. The Incas used them as an agricultural laboratory, with microclimates varying up to 5°C between levels.
Wander through extensive hillside terraces and ceremonial baths before heading down to the valley floor. The local market is perfect for picking up traditional Andean crafts.
Visit the birthplace of the rainbow to see local artisans demonstrate ancient textile techniques. Watch how natural dyes are used to create incredibly vibrant handmade fabrics.
For a more active experience, ride a quad bike across the high Andean plains. It's a thrilling, dusty way to navigate the dirt trails between Maras and Moray.
Planning your Sacred Valley trip requires understanding ticket structures, choosing the right tour pace, and preparing for the altitude. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.
You can choose from classic full-day bus tours covering all major sites, active half-day ATV tours focusing on Maras and Moray, or flexible private excursions. Multi-day packages are also available if you want to bundle your valley visit with a trip to Machu Picchu.
Most tour prices do not cover the mandatory Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico). You will need to buy this separately (S/. 130 for the full 10-day ticket or S/. 70 for the 2-day partial ticket). The Maras Salt Mines require a separate 10 Soles cash-only fee.
Full-day guided tours typically include a buffet lunch in Urubamba, round-trip transport from Cusco, and a professional bilingual guide. ATV tours usually include all safety gear, fuel, and basic training.
While the valley floor is flat, visiting hillside ruins like Ollantaytambo and Pisac requires climbing steep, uneven stone steps. Moderate physical fitness is recommended, though private tours can be customized for a gentler pace.
Most tours offer hotel pick-up strictly from Cusco's historic center. If you are staying in an Airbnb or outside the center, you will likely need to meet your guide at a designated plaza like Regocijos or San Francisco.
The Sacred Valley sits at about 9,000 feet, which is significantly lower than Cusco (11,150 feet). Booking this tour for your first or second day in the region is a smart way to help your body acclimate and prevent altitude sickness.
If your tour connects to a Machu Picchu train ride, be aware that the Poroy station near Cusco closes from January to April due to rain. You will need to depart from the Ollantaytambo station during these months.
Most operators on Viator offer a standard 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund. However, if your package includes a Machu Picchu entrance ticket, that specific portion is strictly non-refundable.
| Classic Full-Day Group Tour | Half-Day ATV Tour | Private Full-Day Tour | Multi-Day Package (w/ Machu Picchu) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 12-13 hours | 6 hours | 10-12 hours | 6 Days |
| Best For | First-time visitors wanting to see everything | Adventure seekers and families with teens | Couples, families, or those wanting a flexible pace | Travelers wanting a fully planned, seamless itinerary |
| Includes | Transport, Guide, Buffet Lunch | ATV, Helmet, Gloves, Guide | Private Driver, Guide, Hotel Pick-up | Hotels, Trains, Transfers, Machu Picchu Tickets |
| Price Estimate | $30 - $55 | $33 - $45 | $150+ | $800+ |
Archaeological Sites: The major ruins in the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray, are generally open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Best Time of Day: To avoid the massive crowds from large tour buses and to capture the best photography, aim to arrive at the sites between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM.
Local Markets: The vibrant markets in Pisac and Chinchero start setting up early. For the most authentic atmosphere, plan to visit between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM before the main tourist rush.
Public Transport (Colectivos): The most budget-friendly option. Shared vans depart regularly from Av. Huayruropata in Cusco, costing about S/. 15 to S/. 20 (USD 4-6) per person for the 2-hour ride.
Private Taxis: You can hire a private taxi for a half or full day. A trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo with stops at Maras and Moray typically costs around 80 to 100 Soles.
Trains: PeruRail and Inca Rail operate scenic routes through the valley. Important Note: The Poroy station near Cusco closes from January to April for maintenance, meaning all departures must happen from Ollantaytambo during the rainy season.
Dry Season (May to October): This is universally considered the best time to visit. You'll experience mostly sunny days and very little rainfall, making it perfect for exploring ruins and riding ATVs.
Peak Season: June, July, and August are the busiest months. Expect larger crowds and book your tours and tickets well in advance.
Rainy Season (November to April): While the valley is lush and green, heavy rains can cause mudslides and disrupt travel plans. January through April is the wettest period, leading to the closure of the Poroy train station.
Wheelchairs & Mobility Issues: The Sacred Valley is generally much more accessible than Cusco due to its flat valley floor. The Maras Salt Mines and the main viewpoint at Moray are highly accessible. However, hillside ruins like Pisac and Ollantaytambo involve steep, uneven stone steps that are not wheelchair friendly.
Elderly & Children: The valley's lower altitude (9,000 ft) makes it a fantastic, family-friendly destination that helps prevent altitude sickness. Children will love the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, while elderly travelers should pace themselves on any stair climbs.
Dining: Most full-day guided tours include a stop in Urubamba for a buffet lunch featuring local Andean cuisine. If you're traveling independently, look for roadside restaurants between Maras and Chinchero to try Manca chicharro, a local specialty of deep-fried pork and stuffed peppers.
Restrooms: Basic restroom facilities are available at the entrances to all major archaeological sites. It is highly recommended to carry your own toilet paper and small coins, as some bathrooms charge a small entry fee.
Yes, the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) is required to enter major sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Chinchero. The full 10-day ticket costs S/. 130 for foreigners, while a 2-day partial ticket covering just the Sacred Valley costs S/. 70.
Typically, no. The Maras Salt Mines are community-owned and are not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket or most tour prices. You will need to pay a separate entrance fee of 10 Soles in cash directly at the gate.
No, drones and aerial flights are strictly banned over all archaeological sites in the region. Unauthorized use can lead to immediate confiscation of your equipment and expulsion from the site.
Yes, the valley floor sits at roughly 9,000 feet, which is over 2,000 feet lower than Cusco. Spending your first few days here is highly recommended to help your body acclimate gradually.
Yes, it is highly recommended to bring Peruvian Soles. You will need cash for the Maras entrance fee, tipping your guide, buying souvenirs at the Pisac or Chinchero markets, and using public restrooms.
Weather changes rapidly, so dress in layers. Bring a high-quality rain jacket, a sun hat, sunglasses, and wear sturdy, slip-resistant shoes for climbing the steep stone steps at Ollantaytambo.
Most ATV tours to Maras and Moray take about 6 hours round-trip from Cusco. This includes transport to the base camp, safety instructions, and the actual riding time through the dirt trails.
No, tripods, monopods, camera stabilizers, and selfie sticks are prohibited at the archaeological sites. You can only use them if you obtain a special commercial photography permit from the Ministry of Culture.
Most operators only offer direct pick-up from hotels located within Cusco's historic center. If you are staying in a private apartment or outside the center, you will be asked to meet at a central location like Plaza San Francisco.
No. From January to April, the Poroy train station near Cusco closes due to rainy weather and track maintenance. During these months, you must travel to the Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley to catch your train.
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Cusco served as the administrative and religious heart of the Inca Empire. Today, the city functions as a living museum where massive stone walls built by Incan engineers serve as the foundations for Spanish colonial churches and houses. This tour moves through the narrow cobblestone streets to see how these two distinct eras have merged into a single urban landscape. You will visit the main historical sites while also experiencing the daily life of the modern city. From the stalls of the local markets to the workshops of the San Blas neighborhood, the itinerary covers the traditions and craftsmanship that define the region. It is an opportunity to see how ancient customs continue to shape the food, art, and community of the Andes today.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour travels through the heart of the Sacred Valley, visiting the most significant Inca sites and colonial towns. Local guides share the history of these landmarks while providing context on how the Inca civilization managed the landscape. You will visit strategic locations that offer a clear look at the region’s architectural and agricultural heritage. Beyond the ruins, the itinerary includes hands-on activities that connect you with modern Andean life. You will spend time learning about local customs and traditions directly from the people who live in the valley today. The day is structured to balance active exploration with moments of downtime, ensuring you see the highlights without feeling rushed.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Ride quad bikes through the Andean highlands of Cusco on this daily tour of the Sacred Valley. You will navigate mountain trails to reach the circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the ancient salt ponds of Maras. It is a hands-on way to see the landscape, suitable for families and groups looking for an active day in the mountains. The itinerary includes visits to both the Maras salt flats and the archaeological site of Moray with departures available every day. If you have selected the zipline option, please allow for an additional one to two hours of travel time before or after your ATV ride, depending on the schedule chosen.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day tour is designed for travelers who want to see the region's highlights in a single trip. By combining the traditional Sacred Valley route with the Moray agricultural terraces and the Maras salt mines (Salineras), you can visit all the major sites without needing multiple days. The itinerary includes stops at Chinchero, Moray, Salineras, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. The tour operates daily throughout the year, departing at 7:00 a.m. and returning by 7:00 p.m. To ensure a more personal experience, group sizes are kept small, with a minimum of two and a maximum of eight people per trip.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The day begins at the Andean Colors Textile Center, where local weavers demonstrate how they use natural dyes and traditional looms to create handmade textiles. From there, you will travel to Moray to see the circular stone terraces used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory. These levels created distinct microclimates to test crop resilience. Nearby, you will visit the Maras salt mines, a collection of over 3,000 shallow ponds fed by a natural spring that local families still harvest by hand. After lunch in the Sacred Valley, the tour continues to Ollantaytambo. This town is a rare example of original Inca urban planning, with residents still living in buildings that line the ancient cobblestone streets. You will walk through the massive hillside terraces to reach the Sun Temple and learn about the site's history as both a religious center and a defensive fortress during the Spanish conquest.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour travels through the heart of the Urubamba Valley to visit the region’s most significant historical sites. You will explore the extensive ruins of Pisac and the fortress of Ollantaytambo, learning about Inca stonework and the strategic importance of these mountain settlements. In addition to the archaeological sites, the itinerary includes stops at local craft markets where residents sell handmade textiles and ceramics. The day provides a direct look at both the history of the Inca Empire and the modern customs of the people living in the Peruvian highlands.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This half-day tour offers an active way to visit two of the Sacred Valley’s most significant landmarks. Riding your own ATV, you will travel across the high plains to Moray, an archaeological site featuring deep, circular stone terraces that the Incas used as an agricultural laboratory to study crop growth at varying altitudes. The journey continues to the Maras salt mines, where thousands of shallow pools built into the mountainside have been used to harvest salt since pre-Inca times. This itinerary is designed for travelers with limited time who want to see these historical sites while navigating the rugged dirt paths and mountain terrain of the Andean highlands.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day tour from Cusco takes you through the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The itinerary begins with the colonial church and ruins of Chinchero, followed by the unique circular agricultural terraces of Moray. You will also visit the Maras salt mines, where thousands of ancient ponds are still used for salt production today. The trip includes guided explorations of the massive Inca fortresses at Ollantaytambo and the terraced ruins of Pisaq. Between site visits, the tour passes through Urubamba, offering a comprehensive look at the region’s most significant archaeological landmarks and natural landscapes in a single day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day tour combines the major archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley with the unique landscapes of Maras and Moray. You will explore the Moray laboratory terraces and the Maras salt mines, offering a comprehensive look at Andean history and geography in one outing. The itinerary is timed to end near Ollantaytambo, making it a convenient option for travelers planning to reach Machu Picchu next. We recommend scheduling an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes from the Ollantaytambo station to continue your trip seamlessly. Pickup and drop-off services are included for accommodations within Cusco’s Historic Center. Please note that if traffic or street restrictions limit vehicle access to your specific hotel, we will arrange a meeting point at a nearby accessible location.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This full-day tour covers the most significant archaeological and cultural sites of the Sacred Valley. You will visit the Pisac Market and ruins, the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, the Maras salt mines, and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. While these locations are typically split across two separate days, this itinerary combines them into a single comprehensive experience focused on Inca history and engineering. Throughout the day, you will learn about ancient traditions and sample "chicha," a fermented corn beer known as the sacred drink of the Incas. The tour offers flexibility for your ongoing travel plans; you can return to Cusco with your guide at the end of the day or stay in Ollantaytambo to catch a train toward Machu Picchu.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish