Discover the heart of the Andes on an immersive Full Day Moray & Maras tour from Cusco, showcasing the Sacred Valley's captivating cultural and archaeological sites in one spectacular day. From traditional Andean villages to advanced Inca engineering, this journey blends history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Begin in Chinchero, a traditional Andean village known for its textile heritage and colonial charm. Then visit the circular terraces of Moray, an extraordinary example of Inca agricultural innovation. Finally, explore the stunning Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountainside.
End your journey at the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the most remarkable and best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. With expert local guides, comfortable transport, and a well-paced itinerary, this Sacred Valley day tour offers an authentic connection to the legacy of the Incas.
See the Sacred Valley’s top sites in just one day
Visit ancient terraces, living Inca towns, and enjoy amazing views.
Check availability and book your Moray & Maras tour today.
Join our Moray & Maras tour from Cusco to experience the Sacred Valley’s highlights in one day. Visit Andean villages, explore Inca terraces and ancient salt mines, and gain authentic insight into the Andes beyond typical tourist routes.
Explore the circular terraces of Moray, showcasing advanced Inca farming techniques. Visit the Maras Salt Mines, operated by local families for generations. Conclude your day in Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca town where history and daily life intersect.
This tour offers a new perspective on the Sacred Valley by focusing on the science and culture of the Inca civilization.
We ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.
Authentic | Trusted | Reliable | Safe | Community-Focussed | Smaller Groups
Your journey begins with a personalized pickup from your hotel At 8,00am by your professional chauffeur and Senior Archaeological Guide. As you leave the city, you will ascend toward the high-altitude plains of the Sacred Valley, enjoying sweeping views of the snow-capped Vilcanota mountain range while your guide introduces the day’s themes of Incan engineering and agronomy.
After approximately one hour of driving, we will arrive at the Chinchero Inca site and weaving center.
Chinchero is a culturally significant Andean town in the Sacred Valley, recognized for its Inca terraces, traditional weaving centers, and a historic colonial church built on Inca foundations. Formerly a royal estate, it features notable stonework and agricultural engineering. Local artisans continue to practice ancestral textile techniques with natural dyes. The blend of Inca heritage and colonial architecture makes Chinchero a key cultural destination near Cusco.
Exploration: The Incan Laboratory at Moray
Arrive at the enigmatic agricultural terraces of Moray. These deep, amphitheater-like stone circles were designed as a sophisticated research station where the Incas simulated over 20 different microclimates. You will walk the perimeter of these massive depressions, learning how a 15°C temperature variance allowed the Incas to master crop adaptation across their vast empire.
Discovery: Ancient Industry at the Salt Mines of Maras
Continue to the shimmering Salineras de Maras, a breathtaking mosaic of over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds clinging to the canyon walls. Fed by a subterranean saltwater spring, these mines have been harvested by hand since pre-Incan times. Your private access allows you to observe local families practicing traditional white gold extraction while capturing iconic photographs of this ancient industrial marvel.
Midday: Gourmet Farm-to-Table Lunch
Retreat to a secluded organic estate in the heart of Urubamba for a multi-course culinary experience. This lunch features fresh ingredients sourced directly from the valley’s fertile soil, highlighting the region’s renowned gastronomy. You will enjoy a private dining setting surrounded by lush gardens, providing a peaceful moment of relaxation before the afternoon’s military exploration.
Afternoon: The Living Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo
Descend to the monumental site of Ollantaytambo, the only town in Peru that still maintains its original 15th-century Inca urban layout. You will scale the megalithic stone terraces to reach the Temple of the Sun, examining 50-ton pink rhyolite monoliths and the precision of the ancient masonry. Afterward, wander through Ollantaytambo below, where original water channels still flow through the historic stone streets.
Evening: Return Journey or Train Connection
Your private expedition concludes with a comfortable return to your hotel in Cusco around 7pm. Alternatively, we can coordinate a seamless drop-off at the Ollantaytambo Hotel or train station for those continuing their journey to Inca Trail or Machu Picchu, ensuring your transition is perfectly timed with your rail departure.
We manage every logistical detail so you can focus entirely on the architectural and scientific wonders of the Andes. This private circuit is fully inclusive of the following premium services.
Senior Archaeological Guide: A licensed, expert-level scholar providing deep-dive insights into Incan engineering, agricultural science, and the military history of the Sacred Valley.
Executive Private Transportation: Door-to-door service in a modern, climate-controlled vehicle with a dedicated professional chauffeur, ensuring a smooth and tranquil journey across the high-altitude plateau.
Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket): All-access permits for the primary archaeological sites of Moray and Ollantaytambo, pre-secured to ensure immediate entry.
Maras Salt Mines Entrance: Included entry fees to the Salineras de Maras. We handle the local ticketing process so you can bypass the queues and move directly to the best vantage points.
Buffet Lunch: A curated, multi-course dining experience at a premier valley estate, showcasing the organic flavors and high-altitude ingredients of the Urubamba region.
Altitude Wellness Kit: Our private vehicles are equipped with emergency oxygen, medical-grade first-aid kits, and complimentary bottled water to ensure your comfort at elevations of 3,500 meters.
100% Bespoke Flexibility: As a private tour, you have the freedom to dictate the pace. Whether you require extra time for professional photography at Maras or a deeper exploration of the Ollantaytambo monoliths, the itinerary is tailored to you.
Personal Gratuities Tips for your private guide and chauffeur, which are entirely at your discretion as a reflection of your satisfaction.
Alcoholic Beverages Any specialized cocktails or wine selections beyond the refreshments provided with your lunch.
To have a comfortable and enjoyable full-day tour of the Moray Maras from Cusco, make sure to bring these essentials. The weather can shift during the day, so being prepared helps.
Clothing and Weather Essentials
Daily Essentials
Extras and Personal Items
Optional Tips
Pro Tip
Even though this is just a one-day tour, weather in the Andes can change quickly.
Packing light but thoughtfully can really make a difference.
Experience a deep dive into Incan engineering with expert scholar-led guiding, all-inclusive luxury logistics, and a bespoke pace. This tour highlights the pinnacle of Inca innovation, from the experimental microclimates of Moray to the ancient industrial salt mines of Maras.
$130 (Min 2 Persons)
For a more personalized adventure, book a private tour that suits your group size and enjoy the Sacred Valley at your own pace.
Instant Permit Confirmation: We secure your legal permits immediately upon booking.
No Hidden Fees: Your price includes Guide, transportation, entry fees and lunch.
Support Local: Qoricancha Expeditions funds the library through a percentage-of-profit model. A portion of the cost from every Tour or Inca Trail booking goes directly towards:
Book Donations: Purchasing textbooks, literature in both Spanish and Quechua, and reference materials.
Infrastructure: Maintaining the physical space and providing furniture like desks and shelves.
Supplies: Providing basic school supplies (notebooks, pens, art materials) that are distributed to the children who use the library.
Guarantee Your 2026 Dates | Secure your place at the historic Sun Gate. While we orchestrate every logistical detail, you are free to immerse yourself in the majesty of the Andes.
WhatsApp: +51 981 345 935
Email: info@qoricanchaexpeditions.com
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Authentic Native Guides | Deep Incan History | Cusco Based Company
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