Explore the pinnacle of Incan engineering on this private Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo tour. This all-inclusive day trip from Cusco features the Moray agricultural laboratory, the ancient Maras salt mines, and the monumental Ollantaytambo fortress. Led by expert scholar-guides in a luxury executive vehicle, you will experience the Sacred Valley’s most iconic scientific and military wonders with total exclusivity.
This luxury Sacred Valley tour is designed for comfort and depth, featuring a gourmet farm-to-table lunch and pre-secured entrance permits. Avoid the crowds and discover the Ollantaytambo at your own pace with our bespoke, high-end itinerary.
Moray & Maras Tour Overview: What to Expect
Duration: Full-Day (Approx. 7–8 Hours).
Transport: Private executive vehicle with a professional chauffeur, ensuring a smooth and flexible journey through the high-plateau landscapes.
Difficulty: Relaxed to Moderate. The tour focuses on easy-to-access viewpoints with some walking on original Inca stone stairs in Ollantaytambo.
Max Altitude: 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) at the Moray Agricultural Laboratory.
Start: Personalized pickup from your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo.
Destinations: An engineering-focused circuit featuring the Moray concentric terraces, the Salineras de Maras (Salt Mines), and the Ollantaytambo Living Inca Citadel.
Meals: 1 Gourmet Farm-to-Table Lunch at a secluded Urubamba estate, featuring curated Andean-fusion cuisine.
Group Size: 100% Private. Exclusively for your party to ensure a bespoke, high-touch experience.
Best Time to Visit: Dry Season (May–October) for clear skies and salt pond visibility; Green Season (November–April) for dramatic clouds and vibrant emerald terraces.
Highlight Moment: Standing on the rim of the Moray amphitheaters to witness the perfect geometry of Inca agronomy.
Staff-to-Guest Ratio: A dual-team approach featuring a licensed Senior Archaeological Guide and a dedicated chauffeur for focused, high-standard service.
Booking Requirement: Recommended 2–4 weeks in advance to guarantee our top-tier scholar guides and preferred lunch seating.
Perfect For: History buffs, photography professionals, and travelers interested in the scientific and industrial genius of the Inca Empire.
What You will Discover!
Uncover the engineering brilliance of the Inca Empire on this specialized private expedition. This itinerary dives deep into the High Plateau wonders of the Sacred Valley, focusing on the sophisticated science, ancient industry, and strategic military architecture that define the Andean legacy.
Moray: The Inca Agricultural Laboratory
Step into a prehistoric research station. Moray features massive, amphitheater-like concentric terraces engineered to simulate over 20 different microclimates. Your guide will explain how the Incas used this Inca Laboratory to experiment with crop adaptation, creating a masterclass in agronomy that allowed their empire to flourish in diverse environments.
Salt Mines of Maras: An Ancient Industrial Marvel
Witness the shimmering white-and-gold mosaic of over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds clinging to the mountainside. These mines have been harvested by hand since pre-Incan times. You will discover the traditional white gold extraction process still managed by local families today, offering a rare glimpse into a living ancient industry and endless opportunities for iconic photography.
Ollantaytambo: The Living Inca Fortress
Explore the monumental Ollantaytambo, the only place where original 15th-century urban planning remains perfectly preserved. Scale the massive megalithic terraces of the Temple of the Sun and marvel at 50-ton pink rhyolite monoliths. Your guide will reveal the secrets of this strategic stronghold, which served as a primary defensive site during the Spanish conquest.
Why This Route is Unique
Unlike the classic valley tour, this circuit prioritizes Inca Innovation. By focusing on the high-altitude plateau of Moray and Maras before descending into the fortress of Ollantaytambo, you experience a side of the Andes dedicated to science, sustainability, and survival.
What to Espext from this Tour?
Private Logistics & Comfort
Your Sacred Valley day trip begins with a seamless, door-to-door pickup from your hotel in a luxury, climate-controlled executive vehicle. We prioritize your comfort with specialized altitude wellness protocols and a dedicated professional chauffeur, ensuring a stress-free transition from Cusco to the valley’s most iconic scientific landmarks.
Expert Scholar-Led Archeology
Gain a sophisticated understanding of Incan engineering with our licensed Senior Archaeological Guides. Moving far beyond basic sightseeing, our experts provide deep intellectual insights into the agricultural innovation of Moray and the strategic military history of Ollantaytambo, offering a level of depth unavailable on standard group tours.
All-Inclusive Service
Enjoy a completely frictionless experience. We pre-secure all necessary permits, including the Boleto Turístico (Cusco Tourist Ticket) and the private entrance fees for the Maras Salt Mines. By managing every logistical detail in advance, we ensure you never have to wait in line, leaving you free to focus entirely on the history and scenery.
Exclusive Farm-to-Table Culinary Experience
Savor the authentic flavors of the Andes with a signature gourmet lunch at a secluded, high-end estate. Our curated menus feature organic, locally sourced ingredients from Maras pink salt to high-altitude quinoa, served in a tranquil, private setting that highlights the region's world-renowned gastronomy.
Strategic Timing to Avoid Crowds
We utilize the art of the quiet window to enhance your experience. By leveraging private transportation and local expertise, we schedule your visits to Moray and the Maras Salt Ponds during the quietest times of the day. This allows for an intimate, peaceful exploration and unobstructed opportunities for professional-grade photography.
Ethical & Sustainable Private Travel
Our tours are built on a foundation of responsible tourism. By booking this private Moray and Maras tour, you directly support heritage preservation and fair-wage practices within the local communities of the Sacred Valley. We ensure your luxury experience contributes positively to the protection of Peru’s cultural and archaeological treasures.
Your Comfort & Safety
While the Moray, Maras & Ollantaytambo tour is a sophisticated, vehicle-supported experience, your physical well-being and comfort are our absolute priorities. We maintain a seamless, luxury environment so you can focus entirely on the architectural marvels and scientific genius of the Inca Heartland.
Elite Scholar-Guides & Mountain Safety
Our licensed, senior guides are veteran historians trained in altitude management and mountain safety. They possess the expertise to monitor your well-being proactively, tailoring the pace of your explorations at the Moray amphitheaters and the Ollantaytambo terraces to match your personal comfort and fitness level.
Altitude Wellness & Oxygen Support
Navigating elevations of 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) at Moray requires specialized care. To ensure a worry-free expedition, our private executive vehicles are equipped with emergency oxygen tanks and
comprehensive medical kits. Our team provides consistent wellness support, including hydration management and organic Andean remedies to ensure you feel energized throughout the day.
Private Executive Transport & Professional Chauffeurs
Traverse the high-altitude plateaus of the Sacred Valley in the security of a modern, climate-controlled vehicle. By providing a dedicated professional chauffeur, we ensure your guide remains focused on your experience while your driver manages the Andean roads with precision. Your vehicle serves as a clean, tranquil sanctuary between the Salt Mines and the ruins.
A Commitment to Trusted Excellence
Experience the peace of mind that comes with industry-leading reliability. From our rigorous vehicle maintenance schedules to our precise punctuality, we ensure every aspect of your journey is secure and perfectly executed. We handle the logistical complexities so that your introduction to Inca science is polished, safe, and stress-free.
Authentic | Trusted | Reliable | Safe | Community-Focussed | Smaller Groups
Morning: Private Departure and the Andean Plateau
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.
What Is Included in Your Tour
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.
Gourmet Farm-to-Table 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.
What is Not Included
Personal Gratuities Tips for your private guide and chauffeur, which are entirely at your discretion as a reflection of your satisfaction.
Personal Travel Insurance We highly recommend comprehensive coverage for all international travel and high-altitude activities within Peru.
Alcoholic Beverages Any specialized cocktails or wine selections beyond the refreshments provided with your gourmet lunch.
Moray Maras Tour Price
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.
Group Expedition Pricing. Max 6 People.
$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.
Why Book with Qoricancha Expeditions?
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
Find us on Facebook: Qoricancha Expeditions
Authentic Native Guides | Deep Incan History | Cusco Based Company
General Information
What is the difference between this tour and the Classic Sacred Valley tour?
The primary difference is the focus on Inca science and industry. While the Classic tour focuses on the mountain citadel and markets of Pisac, this tour explores the Agricultural Laboratory of Moray and the ancient Maras Salt Mines. Both tours include the Ollantaytambo fortress, but this circuit is designed for those specifically interested in Inca engineering and unique geological landscapes.
What are the typical start and end times?
We recommend a 08:00 AM pickup to enjoy the morning light at the Salt Mines. The tour generally lasts 7 to 8 hours, returning you to your hotel by late afternoon or dropping you at the Ollantaytambo train station for your journey to Machu Picchu.
Can I visit Pisac on this tour as well?
Because Moray and Maras are located on a high plateau, adding Pisac (which is on the far eastern end of the valley) makes for a very long day. We recommend keeping them separate to ensure a relaxed, high-quality experience at each site, though we can customize a Super Valley day for those with limited time.
Logistics & Sightseeing
Which archaeological sites are included?
This circuit features three major landmarks: the concentric agricultural circles of Moray, the over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds of Maras, and the monumental sun temple and fortress of Ollantaytambo.
Are the entrance fees included?
Yes. Your tour is all-inclusive. We provide the Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket) for entry to Moray and Ollantaytambo, as well as the separate, specific entrance fee for the Maras Salt Mines.
Is there a lot of walking involved?
The walk is considered moderate. Moray involves walking along the rim of the terraces, and Ollantaytambo requires climbing stone stairs to reach the Temple of the Sun. Your private vehicle will always park as close to the entrances as possible to minimize unnecessary exertion.
Health & Preparation
How high is the elevation on this tour?
Moray is the highest point of the day at approximately 3,500 meters (11,483 feet). This is slightly higher than Cusco. However, since the rest of the day is spent at lower elevations in the valley, it is an excellent tour for gradual acclimatization.
What should I bring?
Please bring your original physical passport for entry checkpoints. We also recommend a hat, high-SPF sunblock, and layers of clothing, as the weather on the Moray plateau can be windy and cooler than the valley floor.
Does lunch accommodate dietary restrictions?
Our gourmet farm-to-table lunch can be tailored to any requirement. Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, our culinary partners in the valley will prepare a bespoke menu for you, just let us know in advance.