2-Day Moray & Maras Tour to Machu Picchu
The Moray Maras Tour to Machu Picchu 2 Days offers a comprehensive experience that highlights Inca engineering, Andean landscapes, and Machu Picchu. The tour begins with a guided visit to Moray, known for its circular terraces used as an ancient agricultural laboratory, and continues to the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools are still operated by local families. As you travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will benefit from scenic views, cultural insights and professional guidance.
The tour includes a scenic train journey to Machu Picchu, providing a comfortable approach to this renowned site. Over two days, you will explore the citadel with a professional guide, visiting key temples, terraces and viewpoints at a relaxed pace. An overnight stay near Machu Picchu offers quieter access and a more immersive experience. This tour is well-suited for travelers interested in cultural exploration, notable landscapes and a balanced itinerary in Peru.
Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days
The Moray Maras Tour to Machu Picchu 2 Days provides a curated cultural experience, showcasing Inca engineering, scenic landscapes and the iconic Machu Picchu citadel. The tour begins in the Sacred Valley with a visit to the Moray archaeological site, famous for its circular terraces once used as an agricultural research center. You will then explore the Maras Salt Mines, a network of salt pools harvested since pre-Inca times and still managed by local communities.
After visiting Moray and Maras, you will travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo and then to Aguas Calientes. An overnight stay near Machu Picchu allows for a relaxed visit. On the second day, a licensed guide will lead you through Machu Picchu’s main temples, terraces and viewpoints, sharing insights into its history and significance.
Tour At Glance.
• Duration: 2 days / 1 night
• Main Destinations: Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu
• Train Route: Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• Machu Picchu Visit: Fully guided tour
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Start / End Location: Cusco
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Highlights of the Tour
• Explore the unique Moray circular terraces.
• Visit the historic Maras Salt Mines.
• Travel through the scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Enjoy a comfortable train journey to Machu Picchu.
• Guided exploration of Machu Picchu’s main temples and terraces
• Overnight stay near Machu Picchu for a relaxed visit.
Who Is This Tour For?
This tour is ideal for travelers seeking to experience Machu Picchu within a short timeframe while also exploring lesser-known Inca sites. It is well-suited for:
• First-time visitors to Peru
• Culture and history enthusiasts
• Travelers with limited time
• Those seeking a balanced and accessible itinerary
Difficulty Level & Physical Requirements
The Moray Maras Tour to Machu Picchu is rated easy to moderate. Activities include guided walking tours on well-maintained paths, with no long hikes required. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages who have basic mobility.
Best Time to Take This Tour
The best time for this tour is during the dry season from April to October, when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and photography. April, May, September and October offer fewer crowds and excellent conditions. The tour operates year-round, with greener scenery during the rainy season.
Why Choose This Tour?
The Moray Maras Tour to Machu Picchu 2 Days allows you to explore iconic Inca sites beyond Machu Picchu through a well-organized, culturally rich itinerary. By visiting Moray, Maras and Machu Picchu, you gain a deeper understanding of Inca innovation, tradition and spiritual heritage in just two days.
Day 01: Chinchero, Moray, Salt Mines , Ollantaytambo & Journey to Aguas Calientes.
Your Moray Maras tour begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco at 8:00 a.m. After a brief orientation, we depart in comfortable transportation toward the Andes, where history, culture and stunning scenery await.
Our first stop is Chinchero, a traditional Andean village known for its Inca archaeological complex, agricultural terraces and a colonial church built on Inca foundations. You will visit a local weaving center, where artisans demonstrate traditional textile techniques. Your guide will explain the significance of colors, patterns, and natural dyes in Andean textiles. You will have time for photos and the chance to purchase handmade souvenirs directly from the artisans.
Next, we visit Moray, a remarkable Inca site featuring giant circular terraces believed to have served as an agricultural research center. Your guide will explain how the Incas used temperature variations at each level to experiment with crops and adapt agriculture across the empire. The surrounding views make this stop both educational and visually impressive.
We then visit the Maras Salt Mines, a striking landscape of over 3,000 salt ponds carved into the mountainside. These pools have been harvested since pre-Inca times and are still managed by local families. As you walk among the terraces, your guide will explain the traditional salt-extraction process and the site's economic importance to local communities. This is one of the most photogenic locations in the Sacred Valley.
At midday, we arrive in Urubamba for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. You will sample traditional Peruvian dishes prepared with fresh Sacred Valley ingredients, providing a welcome break and time to recharge.
In the afternoon, we visit Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns and a prime example of Inca urban planning. On a guided tour, you will explore stone terraces, ceremonial temples, water channels and narrow streets still in use. Your guide will discuss the site's strategic role as a military, religious, and administrative center during the Inca Empire.
After the visit, we transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station for your afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. The journey through the Urubamba River canyon offers spectacular views as you enter the cloud forest. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel for an overnight stay, giving you time to relax and prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
Accommodation: Tierra Viva or Similar.
Entry fees. included
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 02: Guided Visit to Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
Accommodation: book on your own.
Entry fees. included
Meals: Only Breakfast at your hotel.
Inclusions for the Machu Picchu Tour
Below is a detailed overview of what is included in your tour with Champions Peru Travel. These inclusions ensure a hassle-free experience, allowing you to enjoy your trip with expert local guides.
✔️ Night Before Briefing: An informative session at 6 PM at your hotel, led by your experienced English-speaking tour guide. The briefing covers the itinerary, what to expect and answers your questions so you are well-prepared for your adventure.
✔️ Entrance Fees: All entry fees for Inca sites, attractions, and local markets you will visit are included, ensuring a seamless experience.
✔️ Round-Trip Expedition Tourist Class Train: Enjoy comfortable seating and scenic views on your journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back. Upgrades to the Vistadome or Luxury Hiram Bingham trains are available upon request.
✔️ Private Transportation: Private transportation is provided for the Sacred Valley tour and for your return transfer to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu, ensuring comfort and convenience. Our fleet includes Hyundai and Mercedes Benz minivans for quality service.
✔️ Accommodation: Enjoy a stay in a carefully selected 3-star hotel with modern amenities before your visit to Machu Picchu. Luxury upgrades are available; please contact our sales team for details.
✔️ Meals: Some meals are included as specified in the daily itinerary. For meals not listed, your guide will recommend local options.
✔️ Bus Tickets: Round-trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu are included, providing convenient transportation from Aguas Calientes to the entrance so you can maximize your time at the site.
✔️ Machu Picchu Entry Fee: For the best experience, we recommend Circuit 2, the most popular route, which offers stunning views and access to iconic areas of Machu Picchu. To secure this ticket, please book your tour in advance. If Circuit 2 is unavailable, we will offer Circuit 3 plus Circuit 1 as an alternative for a comprehensive visit.
✔️ Guided Tour: Experience daily guided tours, including Machu Picchu, led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides who share insights into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of each site.
✔️ All Taxes: All applicable taxes are included, with no hidden costs.
These inclusions provide a comprehensive, enjoyable, and hassle-free experience as you explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley and majestic Machu Picchu.
EXCLUDED
- Accommodation in Cusco before and after the tour is not included.
- Gratuities for your guide and driver are optional but appreciated.
- Travel insurance is recommended but not included.
UPGRADES: Enhance your experience with the following optional upgrades:
Train Upgrades:
✔️ Vistadome Train: One-way ticket for $65 or round-trip for $120 per person, offering panoramic views on your journey.
✔️ Luxury Hiram Bingham Train: Return journey only, $520 per person, featuring gourmet meals, live entertainment, and exceptional views.
Hotel Upgrades:
✔️ Luxury 5-Star Hotels:
- Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel: $350 per person for a high-end experience in the Andean landscape.
- Sumaq Hotel: $290 per person, recognized for premium service.
✔️ Huayna Picchu Ticket: $75 per person. Due to high demand, we recommend booking in advance. This challenging hike takes place on the second day after your guided Machu Picchu visit and offers spectacular views from above.
1. What is included in the Moray Maras Tour to Machu Picchu?
The Moray Maras Tour to Machu Picchu includes guided visits to the Moray archaeological site, Maras Salt Mines and Machu Picchu. The package provides transportation from Cusco, a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, one night of hotel accommodation, entrance tickets and professional licensed guides who share historical and cultural insights throughout the tour.
2. How much time is spent at Moray and Maras?
You will have sufficient time at both sites to explore at a comfortable pace. At Moray, your guide will explain the circular terraces and their role in Inca agricultural experimentation. At Maras, you may walk along the salt pools, take photos and learn about the ongoing salt-harvesting tradition.
3. How is Machu Picchu visited during this 2-day tour?
On the second day, you’ll take an early bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. A professional guide will lead you through key temples, terraces and viewpoints, explaining the site's history, architecture and significance. The tour provides both guided interpretation and time to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
4. Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Peru?
Yes, this tour is ideal for first-time visitors seeking to experience Machu Picchu and additional Inca sites. The well-paced itinerary and expert guidance help you understand the historical and cultural significance of each destination.
5. What is the difficulty level of the Moray Maras Tour to Machu Picchu?
The tour is rated easy to moderate and does not require advanced fitness. Walking is on stone paths and uneven terrain, but there are no long hikes or strenuous climbs. The tour is accessible to travelers of all ages with basic mobility.
6. What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The best time for the Moray Maras Tour to Machu Picchu is during the dry season from April to October, when the weather is stable and ideal for sightseeing. April, May, September and October offer fewer crowds and excellent visibility.
7. What should I pack for this tour?
We recommend comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for changing temperatures, a light waterproof jacket, sun protection and a small daypack. Bringing a camera, reusable water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent is also advised.
8. Are meals included in the tour?
Some meals, including hotel breakfast and lunch and dinner on day 1, are included. Other meals are not, so you may choose where and what to eat, especially in Aguas Calientes, which offers a variety of local and international restaurants.
9. Is altitude sickness a concern during the tour?
Some locations on the tour, including Cusco, Moray, and the Sacred Valley, are at high altitude. The itinerary allows time for acclimatization and your guide will offer tips to minimize altitude-related discomfort. Staying hydrated, eating light meals and taking breaks are strongly recommended.
10. Why choose the Moray Maras Tour to Machu Picchu instead of a standard Machu Picchu tour?
This tour offers a broader cultural perspective by combining Machu Picchu with Moray and Maras, two sites that highlight Inca innovation and living traditions. It is ideal for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Inca civilization while enjoying a well-organized and efficient two-day itinerary.