Discover the incredible history and natural beauty of the Moray Maras, Salt Mine & Ollantaytambo tour. Start at Moray, where the Incas created circular terraces as an ancient agricultural laboratory to grow different crops. Then visit the Maras Salt Mines, where salt is still harvested by hand from thousands of small pools carved into the mountainside.
Finish your day exploring Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca fortress and town with impressive stone terraces and rich history. This tour offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and archaeology, making the Moray Maras, Salt Mine & Ollantaytambo tour an unforgettable experience in the Sacred Valley near Cusco.
Moray Maras, Salt Mine & Ollantaytambo Tour – Detailed Overview
Discover the heart of the Sacred Valley with our full-day Moray Maras, Salt Mine & Ollantaytambo Tour, designed to showcase the unique blend of Inca ingenuity and natural beauty. The tour begins with a visit to Moray, an extraordinary Inca archaeological site featuring circular terraces. These terraces were used as a kind of agricultural laboratory, allowing the Incas to experiment with growing different crops at varying altitudes and microclimates.
Next, explore the famous Maras Salt Mines, a striking natural wonder where thousands of shallow salt pools have been carved into the mountainside for centuries. Local families still harvest salt here using traditional methods passed down through generations, making it a fascinating cultural experience.
The day finishes at Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca sites in Peru. This fortress and town was a key military and agricultural center during Inca times. You’ll admire the impressive stone terraces, massive walls, and narrow cobblestone streets that are still inhabited today, giving visitors a glimpse of living history.
Tour Details
Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Departure: Daily, with morning pickups from Cusco hotels
Group Size: Small groups (2–8 people) to ensure personalized attention
Includes: Private transport, experienced English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and hotel pickup/drop-off
Why Choose This Tour?
This tour offers a unique chance to experience three of the Sacred Valley’s most fascinating sites in one day. It’s perfect for travelers who want to understand the ingenuity of the Incas, explore traditional Andean culture, and see breathtaking landscapes outside of Machu Picchu. You’ll gain insight into ancient agricultural techniques, local customs, and Inca history all in a comfortable, well-paced day.
Best Time to Visit
The best months to take this tour are during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is generally sunny and pleasant, ideal for outdoor exploration.
Altitude Information
The sites visited lie between 3,100 and 3,700 meters (10,200 to 12,140 feet) above sea level. It is recommended to spend a few days in Cusco beforehand to acclimate and avoid altitude sickness.
Moray Maras, Salt Mine & Ollantaytambo Tour – Detailed Itinerary
8:00 AM – Hotel Pickup in Cusco
Your day begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Meet your experienced English-speaking guide and enjoy a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley.
First Stop: Chinchero Inca Site & Textile Center
Explore the ancient Chinchero Inca ruins, known for their beautiful terraces and Inca walls. Afterwards, visit the Textile Center, where you’ll learn about traditional Andean weaving techniques still practiced by local artisans using natural dyes and wool.
Next: Moray Inca Site
Continue to Moray, a fascinating archaeological site featuring large circular terraces used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with different crops and microclimates.
Then: Maras Salt Mines
Visit the iconic Maras Salt Mines, a striking series of thousands of salt ponds carved into the mountainside. Learn about the traditional salt harvesting methods that have been used for centuries.
Lunch in Urubamba
Stop for a delicious lunch in Urubamba, a town nestled in the Sacred Valley, known for its fresh local cuisine and pleasant atmosphere.
Afternoon: Ollantaytambo Inca Site
In the afternoon, explore the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress and town, one of the best-preserved Inca sites. Wander through massive stone terraces and narrow cobbled streets, and learn about its historical significance as a military stronghold.
Return to Cusco or Overnight in Ollantaytambo
After the tour, you will be returned to your hotel in Cusco. Alternatively, you may choose to stay overnight in Ollantaytambo, which is convenient if you plan to start the Inca Trail or visit Machu Picchu the next day.
What’s Included
✅ Experienced English-speaking tour guide – Knowledgeable and friendly, offering deep insight into Inca history and local culture
✅ Private transportation – Comfortable and safe travel throughout the Sacred Valley
✅ Entry fees – Admission to Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo archaeological site
✅ Buffet lunch in Urubamba – Enjoy a variety of fresh, local Peruvian dishes
✅ Hotel pickup and drop-off – From Cusco or drop-off in Ollantaytambo if preferred
What’s Not Included
❌ Tips for guide and driver – Optional but appreciated for excellent service
❌ Travel insurance – Not included but strongly recommended to cover cancellations or unexpected changes
❌ Additional snacks or drinks – Available for purchase during stops
1. How long is the Moray Maras, Salt Mine & Ollantaytambo tour?
The tour lasts a full day, approximately 8 to 9 hours, including hotel pickup in Cusco, all site visits, lunch in Urubamba, and return or optional drop-off in Ollantaytambo.
2. Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes. The tour includes some walking at archaeological sites, but it’s suitable for most travelers in good health. No strenuous hiking is required, and the pace is relaxed.
3. What is the elevation of the places we visit?
The sites range between 3,100 and 3,700 meters (10,200 to 12,140 feet) above sea level. It’s recommended to spend at least a day or two in Cusco beforehand to acclimate to the altitude.
4. Can I end the tour in Ollantaytambo instead of returning to Cusco?
Yes! You can choose to stay in Ollantaytambo after the tour, which is perfect if you plan to take the train to Machu Picchu or begin the Inca Trail the next day.
5. Are entrance fees and lunch included in the tour price?
Yes. All entrance fees (Chinchero, Moray, Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo) and a buffet lunch in Urubamba are included in the tour package.
6. What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen, a hat, water, and some cash for personal expenses or souvenirs. A camera is highly recommended!