Tour overview
Our Sacred Valley Tour: Chinchero, Maras, and Moray is a day to see three classic stops in the valley: Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras salt mines, with private transport and entrance fees included, so you can see a living town, circular terraces, and the salt landscape without organizing the route yourself.
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Best time to travel Between April and October
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Maximum altitude 3,762 m a.s.l. (Chinchero)
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Physical difficulty Short walks; gentle elevation changes
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Minimum number of passengers 2 adults
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Maximum number of passengers 10 adults
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Booking lead time 1 day in advance
Overview
- A day in the Sacred Valley focused on Chinchero, Moray, and Maras.
- Visits: Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras salt mines.
- A good choice if you want the valley circuit without going as far as Ollantaytambo.
- Approximate duration: full day, with departures every day.
- Price on request; includes private transport and entrance fees to the sites on the program.
Itinerary
We pick you up in Cusco and head for the Sacred Valley.
Chinchero
The first stop is Chinchero, a town with remains of the royal estate of Túpac Inca Yupanqui. In the main square you will see the well-preserved Inca wall and the colonial church with frescoes on the portal, built on Inca foundations.
Moray
We continue to Moray, about 7 km southwest of Maras. We walk the circular depressions with terraces and irrigation channels: an open-air Inca agricultural laboratory, unique in the region, designed to experiment with crops in different microclimates.
Maras salt mines
We finish at the Maras salt mines: thousands of small ponds fed by a saltwater spring. In the dry season they are watered every few days and, as the water evaporates, the salt hardens and is harvested. After the visit we return to Cusco.
Recommendations
- Stay hydrated and walk at an easy pace: the valley is at altitude.
- Wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and bring sunscreen.
- Bring a light jacket; the afternoon can turn cool.
- Confirm the exact departure time, pickup point, and current price with us.
- If you have just arrived by plane, choose the most comfortable departure and avoid a heavy meal right before.
- Keep your tickets and follow your guide at each entrance.
- In high season (Inti Raymi, holidays, vacation periods) book ahead.
Inclusions
Included
- Private transport.
- Entrance tickets to the sites on the program.
Not included
- Meals or drinks.
- Tips (optional).
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, or other extras.
- Accommodation.
- Services not mentioned in this program.
Frequently asked questions
How long is it?
About a full day, depending on the group’s pace and traffic.
Does it run every day?
Yes. We operate this tour daily.
Which places do we visit?
Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras salt mines.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes: entrance tickets to the sites, plus private transport.
Is it physically demanding?
There are short walks at each site, with gentle elevation changes at Moray and Maras. It is worth going slowly because of the altitude.
Should I bring cash?
Yes, for water, a snack, or a souvenir.
Can I take photos?
In general, yes. Follow your guide’s instructions at each entrance.
