Sacred Valley in 1 Day
Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo and Písac
Five iconic destinations, a buffet lunch at 14 Incas and a certified guide, all in one full day from Cusco.
60 USD
per person
Full day · 5 destinations · lunch included
Reference image
Schedule
6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Format
Guided minivan tour
Stops
5 Sacred Valley sites
Lunch
Buffet at 14 Incas
The experience
Five treasures of the Sacred Valley in one day.
Between Cusco and the Urubamba River lies a valley the Incas considered sacred: a land of fertile terraces, snow-capped peaks and towns where ancient traditions are still part of daily life.
The journey begins in Chinchero, where local weavers show how alpaca wool is washed, dyed with plants and spun by hand, before you walk among Inca terraces and a colonial church. Across the Maras plains, with the Vilcanota peaks on the horizon, the circular terraces of Moray reveal the agricultural genius of the Incas.
Nearby, more than 3,000 salt pools shimmer on the hillside at Maras, fed by a spring that has been used since pre-Inca times. After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, you'll climb the pink-stone terraces of Ollantaytambo up to the Temple of the Sun.
The day closes in Písac, among cliffside Inca tombs, agricultural terraces and a colorful handicraft market, before the road winds back through the mountains to Cusco.
One day, five destinations and the living heritage of the Andes.
Highlights
Why you'll remember it.
01
Five iconic destinations
Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo and Písac in a single day.
02
Living Andean textiles
See how alpaca wool is washed, dyed with plants and spun by hand in Chinchero.
03
Moray and the Maras salt mines
Inca circular terraces and more than 3,000 salt pools fed by a pre-Inca spring.
04
Buffet lunch at 14 Incas
Local organic Andean cuisine in Urubamba, with vegan and vegetarian options.
05
Ollantaytambo and Písac
Climb to the Temple of the Sun, then explore cliffside Inca tombs and a handicraft market.
06
Gateway to Machu Picchu
Option to stay in Ollantaytambo and take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes.
Itinerary · Full day
Five destinations, one unforgettable day.
Approximate schedule. Times may vary slightly depending on traffic and the group's pace.
Step
01
Hotel pick-up in Cusco
With five destinations ahead, we set off early. The tourist minivan picks you up at your hotel in the historic center.
- Pick-up in the historic center
- Tourist minivan
Step
02
From Cusco to Chinchero
A scenic drive up through Andean landscapes to the town of Chinchero (3,762 m / 12,343 ft above sea level).
- Andean landscapes
- Chinchero at 3,762 m
Step
03
Textile art and Chinchero archaeological site
First, visit a local workshop for a live demonstration of how the community washes, dyes with plants and spins alpaca wool. Then explore the Chinchero archaeological complex, with its Inca terraces and beautiful colonial church.
- Live alpaca-wool textile demonstration
- Inca terraces
- Colonial church
Step
04
On the way to the Moray terraces
A drive across the Maras plains with a privileged view of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range.
- Maras plains
- Vilcanota snow-capped peaks
Step
05
Moray, the Inca agricultural laboratory
Explore the striking concentric circular terraces of Moray. The Incas used this site as a microclimate experimentation center to adapt crops from different regions.
- Concentric circular terraces
- Inca microclimate experiments
Step
06
Transfer to the salt mines
A short drive along a gravel road to the gorge of the salt mines.
- Short drive to the salt mines
Step
07
Maras Salt Mines
Visit the viewpoint over the Maras Salt Mines, a spectacular complex of more than 3,000 handmade salt pools fed by an underground hypersaline spring dating back to pre-Inca times.
- More than 3,000 salt pools
- Pre-Inca hypersaline spring
Step
08
Down to the valley floor (Urubamba)
A direct drive into the heart of the Sacred Valley, just in time for lunch.
- Into the heart of the Sacred Valley
Step
09
Buffet lunch in Urubamba
Stop for a full Andean buffet lunch at the renowned 14 Incas restaurant, with a varied selection of local organic Andean cuisine and dishes from other regions, including vegan and vegetarian options.
- Andean buffet at 14 Incas
- Vegan and vegetarian options
Step
10
From Urubamba to Ollantaytambo
A transfer following the route alongside the Urubamba River.
- Along the Urubamba River
Step
11
Ollantaytambo Inca fortress
Guided visit to the majestic archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Climb its imposing pink-stone terraces up to the Temple of the Sun. (Many travelers choose to stay here and take the train to Aguas Calientes that same afternoon.)
- Pink-stone terraces
- Temple of the Sun
- Option to continue to Machu Picchu
Step
12
From Ollantaytambo to Písac
The return leg, crossing much of the valley toward its eastern end.
- Across the Sacred Valley
Step
13
Písac archaeological complex and market
Explore the Písac archaeological site, famous for its huge Inca cemetery in the cliffs and its agricultural terraces, with a brief final stop at its picturesque handicraft market.
- Inca cemetery in the cliffs
- Agricultural terraces
- Handicraft market
Step
14
Return to Cusco
The final drive, winding through the mountains back to Cusco.
- Mountain road back to Cusco
Step
15
Arrival in Cusco
The tour ends with drop-off at Plaza Regocijo or the Plaza de Armas in the historic center.
- Drop-off at Plaza Regocijo or Plaza de Armas
What's included
Everything you need for the day.
Included
Hotel pick-up.
Tourist transportation throughout the experience.
Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico).
Entrance ticket to the Maras Salt Mines.
Professional certified local tour guide.
Buffet lunch at 14 Incas.
Ongoing assistance.
Not included
Breakfast.
Tips or personal expenses.
Transportation from hotels outside Cusco's historic center.
Before you go
Key tips for the day.
Bring cash in soles
As on other routes, some local businesses don't accept credit cards or US dollars. Bring enough local cash for snacks or anything else you'd like to buy.
Dress in layers
Early mornings in Cusco can feel cold, but from around 10:00 AM the temperature rises quickly under the sun. Bring a jacket you can easily stow in your backpack.
Wear proper footwear
Hiking shoes or sneakers with good grip are a must: the climb at Ollantaytambo and the ground at the salt mines require stability.
Water and snacks
Buy water and snacks before leaving Cusco. The physical effort of the altitude is felt by mid-morning.
FAQ
What travelers often ask us.
Which places will we visit?
Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo and Písac, with lunch in Urubamba.
What time does the tour start and end?
Pick-up is between 6:30 and 7:00 AM, and the tour ends in Cusco between 7:15 and 7:30 PM.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes. The price includes the Cusco Tourist Ticket and the entrance ticket to the Maras Salt Mines.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A buffet lunch at the 14 Incas restaurant in Urubamba, with vegan and vegetarian options. Breakfast is not included.
Can I continue to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo?
Yes. Instead of returning to Cusco, you can stay in Ollantaytambo after the visit and take an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, then explore the citadel early the next morning. Let us know when you book so we can coordinate it.
Is the tour physically demanding?
It's a full day at altitude, with climbs such as the terraces of Ollantaytambo. Wear shoes with good grip, stay hydrated and bring snacks.
Where are pick-up and drop-off?
Pick-up is at hotels in Cusco's historic center, and the tour ends at Plaza Regocijo or the Plaza de Armas.
What does the 60 USD price include?
Hotel pick-up, tourist transportation all day, the Cusco Tourist Ticket, the Maras Salt Mines entrance, a certified local guide, a buffet lunch at 14 Incas and ongoing assistance. Breakfast, tips and personal expenses are not included.
Gallery
Moments in the valley.
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