Cusco’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage come alive in this comprehensive 2-day tour. Venture to the agricultural terraces of Moray, the iconic Maras Salt Mines, and the legendary Machu Picchu. With hotel pickup, guided explorations, and a scenic train journey, this tour packs a punch. Prepare to be captivated by the region’s natural wonders and uncover the secrets that have intrigued travelers for centuries.

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Key Points

This 2-day tour from Cusco covers visits to Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Machu Picchu, with guided tours, transportation, meals, and accommodation included.
The first day explores the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray and the traditional salt pools of Maras, followed by a train ride to Aguas Calientes.
On the second day, an early bus ride takes visitors to Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour, with free time for independent exploration.
The package includes hotel pickup from Cusco, a live tour guide available in Spanish and English, and covers transportation, meals, accommodation, and entrance fees.
The tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy, and additional costs may apply for optional activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The 2-Day Maras, Moray Salt Mines, and Machu Picchu Tour is priced from $490.00 per person.

The tour runs for 2 days and includes a live tour guide available in Spanish and English. Pickup is provided from hotels in Cusco’s city center.

However, the cancellation policy is non-refundable.

Highlights include exploring Moray’s agricultural terraces, visiting the Maras Salt Mines, and touring the iconic Machu Picchu at sunrise.

The package covers transportation, meals, accommodation, and entrance fees, but additional costs may apply for optional activities.

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Itinerary Details

The 2-day tour begins with a pickup around 8 AM to drive to Moray, located about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Cusco.

Here, visitors explore the amphitheater-like terraces, believed to be an agricultural laboratory.

Next, they visit the Maras Salt Mines, featuring over 3,000 salt pools.

After lunch in Urubamba around 1 PM, they catch a 1.5-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes.

On day 2, an early breakfast precedes the 30-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu, where a 2-hour guided tour awaits.

The tour then returns to Aguas Calientes and continues by train to Ollantaytambo, then transfers back to Cusco.

Day 1 Highlights

After the early morning pickup from Cusco, the tour begins with a scenic drive to Moray, located about an hour and twenty minutes from the city. At Moray, visitors explore the intriguing amphitheater-like terraces, which are believed to have been an agricultural laboratory for the Incas. Next, the group travels to the nearby Maras Salt Mines, featuring over 3,000 salt pools that have been in use since Inca times. Here’s a quick overview of the key stops on Day 1:

| Location | Duration | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Moray | 1 hour | Inca agricultural terraces |

| Maras Salt Mines | 1.5 hours | 3,000+ salt pools |

| Urubamba | 1 hour | Lunch |

| Aguas Calientes | 1.5 hours | Train ride |

The day concludes with a train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.

Exploring Moray and Maras Salt Mines

Although the driving time from Cusco to Moray is about an hour and twenty minutes, the scenic journey through the Andean countryside is part of the tour’s charm.

Upon arrival, visitors explore Moray’s unique amphitheater-like terraces, believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory where different climate conditions were tested.

After Moray, the tour continues to the Maras Salt Mines, featuring over 3,000 salt pools that have been harvested since Inca times.

Guests have the opportunity to witness the local workers collecting salt, a centuries-old tradition in this picturesque Andean valley.

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Arrival in Aguas Calientes

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, guests take the panoramic Vistadome train which whisks them to the charming town nestled at the base of Machu Picchu.

The lively town offers:

A variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore
Hot springs to soak in after a day of hiking
Stunning views of the surrounding mountains

After checking into their 3-star hotel, guests can rest up for an early start the next morning to beat the crowds and catch the first glimpse of the iconic Inca citadel at sunrise.

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Day 2 Highlights

Rising early, guests enjoy a hearty breakfast at their hotel in Aguas Calientes before boarding the bus that whisks them up the winding switchbacks to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Once there, a 2-hour guided tour highlights the iconic citadel’s key ruins and viewpoints. Guests have free time to explore on their own, capturing Instagram-worthy shots of the sun-dappled stone structures and surrounding Andes peaks.

After the visit, the group returns to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private transfer awaits to bring them back to their Cusco hotel, concluding the 2-day adventure.

Visiting Machu Picchu

After an early breakfast at their hotel in Aguas Calientes, guests board the bus that takes them up the winding switchbacks to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

The guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel lasts approximately 2 hours, allowing them to explore the following:

Stunning panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding mountains
Guided walkthrough of key sites, including the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and the Inca Bridge
Opportunities to take photos and soak in the serene atmosphere before the crowds arrive

At the tour’s conclusion, guests have time to wander the site independently before returning to Aguas Calientes.

Additional Costs and Restrictions

Although the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and most entrance fees, there are some additional costs and restrictions travelers should be aware of.

Visitors must purchase tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, costing $75 USD. The Sacred Valley tourist ticket, required to enter Moray and Maras Salt Mines, costs 70 soles. Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines is 15 soles.

Restrictions include no large bags, luggage, drones, selfie sticks, or umbrellas. Hotel pickup is only from central Cusco, and Airbnb guests must meet at a designated point. Some tickets may require upgrades for extra costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba. Large bags and luggage, however, are not allowed due to space constraints.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the hiking and long travel times involved.

Can I Book the Tour for a Group of Friends?

Yes, you can book the tour for a group of friends. The tour accommodates groups and there are no age restrictions. You’ll need to provide the number of people in your group when making the booking.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Site Visit?

The tour allocates about 1 hour and 20 minutes for exploring Moray, 1 hour for visiting the Maras Salt Mines, and 2 hours for the guided tour of Machu Picchu. The rest of the time is spent on transportation and meals.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include Other Activities?

There’s no option to extend the standard 2-day tour. However, you can add extra activities like climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, or purchasing the Sacred Valley tourist ticket for additional sites, but these come at an extra cost.

The Sum Up

This 2-day Maras, Moray Salt Mines, and Machu Picchu tour from Cusco offers an unforgettable experience. Visitors can explore the stunning agricultural terraces of Moray, the iconic Maras Salt Mines, and marvel at the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. With a guided tour and ample free time, this comprehensive package provides an in-depth look at some of Peru’s most captivating cultural and natural wonders.