The Full Day Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley. From the awe-inspiring Maras Salt Pools to the intricate Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. But the real highlight might just be the visit to the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins, where one can uncover the fascinating history of this ancient Inca stronghold. With personalized attention and expert guidance, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

Contents show

About Your Stay

full-day-maras-moray-and-ollantaytambo

This full-day tour showcases the cultural heritage and agricultural innovations of the Inca Empire by visiting Maras Salt Pools, Moray, and Ollantaytambo.
Guests will witness ancient salt-harvesting techniques, explore the Inca’s agricultural experimentation center, and discover the impressive stone fortifications of Ollantaytambo.
The tour includes transportation, lunch, entrance tickets, and a knowledgeable guide, providing an efficient and immersive way to explore the Sacred Valley.
The tour is designed for personalized attention in small groups, allowing for a more intimate and enriching experience.
The tour offers stunning mountain scenery and insights into Inca history, without the hassle of driving.

Tour Overview

This full-day Sacred Valley tour takes travelers to three of the region’s most renowned archaeological sites: the Maras Salt Pools, the Agricultural Terraces of Moray, and the ancient Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo.

Guests will experience these important sites in a single day, enjoying personalized attention in small groups of no more than 14 travelers.

The tour includes transportation between locations, allowing participants to take in the stunning mountain scenery without the hassle of driving.

With included lunch, entrance tickets, and a knowledgeable guide, this comprehensive tour offers an efficient and immersive way to explore the Sacred Valley.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cusco

Highlights of the Day

full-day-maras-moray-and-ollantaytambo

As travelers embark on this comprehensive tour, they’ll first visit the iconic Maras Salt Pools, where they can observe the ancient salt-harvesting techniques that have been in use for centuries. Next, they’ll explore the Agricultural Terraces of Moray, a unique Inca archaeological site believed to have been an agricultural experimental station. Finally, the tour culminates at the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo, a former Inca administrative center and fortress.

| Site | Highlights |

| — | — |

| Maras Salt Pools | Ancient salt-harvesting techniques |

| Agricultural Terraces of Moray | Inca agricultural experimental station |

| Ollantaytambo | Inca administrative center and fortress |

Maras Salt Pools

full-day-maras-moray-and-ollantaytambo

The Maras Salt Pools, a stunning natural wonder nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, have been in use for centuries.

These terraced salt ponds, fed by a natural spring, have been cultivated by local communities for generations. Visitors can witness the ancient salt-harvesting techniques, where workers skillfully gather the salt by hand.

The pools’ striking white hues against the rugged landscape create a mesmerizing visual contrast. Exploring the Maras Salt Pools offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring relationship between the local people and the land.

Agricultural Terraces of Moray

After exploring the captivating Maras Salt Pools, the tour moves on to the enigmatic Agricultural Terraces of Moray. This remarkable archaeological site is believed to have been an Inca experimentation center, with its tiered concentric terraces used for studying the effects of different microclimates on crop cultivation. Visitors can marvel at the stunning symmetry and scale of this engineering marvel, which offers a glimpse into the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices. The site’s impressive design and stunning mountain backdrop make it a truly captivating stop on the Sacred Valley tour.

| Terrace Type | Elevation (m) | Microclimate |

| — | — | — |

| Outer | 3,380 | Cool |

| Middle | 3,500 | Temperate |

| Inner | 3,550 | Warm |

Ollantaytambo Ruins

From the agricultural terraces of Moray, the tour continues on to the majestic Ollantaytambo Ruins.

This ancient Inca site features impressive stone fortifications and temple complexes. Visitors can wander through the ruins, exploring the well-preserved streets and examining the intricate stonework.

The site’s strategic location atop a hill offers sweeping views of the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo’s history as a royal estate and fortress provides fascinating insights into the Inca Empire.

Perched atop a hill, Ollantaytambo commands sweeping vistas of the Sacred Valley, offering insights into the Inca Empire’s royal legacy.

The guided tour allows travelers to learn about the site’s significance and the ingenuity of its Inca architects and engineers.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Transportation and Logistics

Transport is provided between the sites, allowing travelers to enjoy the mountainous scenery without the burden of driving. Pickup points are available, though collection time may last up to 30 minutes. The tour begins at 8:00 AM.

|—————|—————–|————|———-|

The tour includes transportation, a guide, and entrance tickets to the archaeological sites. Wheelchair-accessible transportation is available, and infant seats are provided for those traveling with small children.

Health and Accessibility

full-day-maras-moray-and-ollantaytambo

The tour provides wheelchair-accessible transportation for travelers.

Infant seats are also available, allowing families with young children to participate.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions, as it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

This is due to the nature of the sites visited, which may involve walking on uneven terrain or navigating steep inclines.

Participants should be prepared for a day of exploration and be ready to navigate the challenges presented by the historic archaeological sites on the itinerary.

Reviews and Ratings

full-day-maras-moray-and-ollantaytambo

With an impressive 5.0 rating based on 1 review from Viator and Tripadvisor, this full-day tour of the Sacred Valley has clearly resonated with past participants.

The lone review speaks to the tour’s ability to provide a comprehensive experience, covering key archaeological sites like the Maras Salt Pools and Moray’s agricultural terraces.

Travelers also praised the personalized attention in small groups and convenient transportation, allowing them to fully enjoy the region’s stunning mountain scenery.

Questions About Your Stay

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour does not have a minimum age requirement. Infants are permitted to join the tour, but they must sit on a parent’s lap during transportation.

Can We Stop for Souvenirs or Shopping During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include scheduled stops for souvenir shopping, but travelers may have time to browse local markets or shops at some sites. The itinerary is focused on visiting the key archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour can be customized, though options to extend the itinerary may be limited. Travelers should check with the tour operator about any modifications or add-ons that can be arranged prior to booking.

Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear?

The tour doesn’t require any special equipment or gear. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy the tour’s sights and activities. The transportation and logistics are designed for a hassle-free experience.

Is There an Option to Join the Tour With a Private Group?

Yes, travelers can opt to join the tour with a private group. This provides a more personalized experience with the guide and allows for flexibility in the itinerary to suit the group’s preferences.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Full Day Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo tour offers an immersive exploration of the Sacred Valley‘s captivating Inca legacy. From the mesmerizing Maras salt pools to the innovative agricultural terraces of Moray and the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins, this tour showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. With personalized attention and expert guidance, visitors can explore the Inca’s advanced practices and witness the enduring legacy of this remarkable civilization.