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Sacred Valley Tour with Moray & Salt Mines – 1 Day

Duration: 1 Day

From USD
$45
Group Price
Per person

The Sacred Valley is a treasure trove of timeless ancient Inca archeological sites and stunning natural landscapes that will simply take your break away. As you can imagine, agriculture presented a massive challenge for the Incas because of the craggy, mountainous terrain of the Andes. However, the Sacred Valley is a fertile and lush stretch of land with endless sources of fresh water. This was the heart of Inca land; the temperature is mild compared to the rest of Cusco and the views are incredible.

Our tour takes you on a comprehensive journey through traditional weaving villages and the Inca ruins of Pisac that remain a true representation of Inca agricultural practices. We explore a camelid farm surrounded by llamas, alpacas and vicunas. Driving of the main road, we visit the experimental farming terraces of Moray and the Pre- Inca Maras Salt mines, that’s still function as a main source of income for this small community and supplies Peru with over 90% of its salt. As the sun begins to set, we visit the archeological site of Ollantaytambo, where the ultimate and most intense battle between the Inca Empire and Spanish invaders took place.

Service Level:

Comfortable, private modern vehicles with chauffer.

Difficulty:

Easy only walking is when you explore the archeological sites.

Travel Style:

Cultural emersion, archeological sites

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Our tour through the Sacred Valley begins at 7:30am with a pick-up up from your hotel lobby. We recommend having breakfast in your hotel before we set off.

Traditional Weaving Center

We begin our scenic drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping along the way at a camelid farm just outside of Cusco. The four main species of camelid include the Llama, Alpaca, Guanacos, and the Vicuna which is the National Animal of Peru.

Inside the farm, you get to pet, feed and take pictures with the alpacas and llamas that call this place home. Passing through the center, we can watch the ladies in their traditional wear weaving different textiles, using the wool from the camelids.

We will learn about the natural way in which they dye the wool, using roots and indigenous plants. At the exit, there is a museum with a souvenir shop where you can purchase authentic alpaca garments and if your budget allows, the more luxurious and protected Vicuna creations.

The Vicuna has super soft material and feels lush and luxurious. Because Vicunas are protected animals, all garments made from their wool have to be sold with a certification of trade and authentication. Their wool is some of the most expensive in the world.

Mirador of Taray and Pisac Archeological site

Our second stop on our Sacred Valley tour is the stunning Mirador of Taray, where we get to enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the valley, including of our next destination, Pisac.

Pisac is regarded as the gateway to the valley and the view from this outlook is a glimpse into what you have to look forward to for the rest of the day.

Next, we drive to the entrance of the archeological site, siting perched atop the mountain side. The Sacred Valley was agriculturally important to the Incas and still plays a major role in the sustenance of the Cusco region.

Evidence to support the theory of agricultural practices has been found at the top of the hill, which is laden with many food warehouses. These warehouses were used by the Incas to store food where the temperature is much cooler compared to the bottom of the valley.

These ruins are also home to the biggest Inca cemetery, with over 2000 tombs decorating the mountain side. It is said that if you visit these tombs, you can still find human skeletal remains.

Town of Coya, Calca and Urubamba

We drive through the small indigenous towns of Coya and Calca before stopping at the foot of Urubamba for a buffet lunch. The restaurant has an impressive spread and is vegan and vegetarian friendly. There is a variety of fresh vegetables, salads, protein dishes, desserts, a selection of teas and coffee. (Lunch is not included)

Maras and Moray Salt Mines

After lunch, we continue our journey to the colonial town of Maras, walking downhill to the Pre-Inca Salt Mines. The locals use over a thousand salt pans to collect water from the salt stream at the top of the hill.

They extract the salt by allowing the naturally salty water to evaporate until only the salt remains in the pool, ready to be collected for distribution.

This technique can be traced back to Pre-Inca times. The locals still maintain this ancient technique. This is Peru’s main salt supply, supplying over 90% of the country with salt.

This a rich custom and tradition and the saltpans have been passed down from one generation to the next. This is the communities main source of income and they have exclusive rights to these mines.

Salineras is one of the very few salt mines left in the world to have not switched to more modern salt extraction techniques. The communal company of Maras (cooperative) packages and distributes the salt and splits the profits with the families according to the number of saltpans they own.

Later, we visit Moray, which was an experimental farming site built in the form of an amphitheater with each level comes a different temperature, and so each level grows different types of crops.

These levels of terraces were carved before the Incas took control of the Sacred Valley. Then the Incas used it for their experimental farming, to research optimal growing conditions for their crops.

The Incas brought in different soil samples from other regions in order to optimize their research. The locals were still using the site for growing their crops until the Peruvian government decided to preserve and protect it for tourism in the 1970s.

Archeological site in Ollantaytambo

For our final stop on the tour, we drive to Ollantaytambo. This quaint Inca village and the amazing Inca Ruins on the hilltop overlooking the town are the highlight for many travelers visiting.

These ruins are where the Incas fought their last battle with the Spanish conquerors before they had to retreat and flee into the dense jungle. Most of the structures were unfortunately incomplete or destroyed by the intense battle.

There is a section with a number of boulders that were carved but didn’t make it to their destination. We stop here to learn the fascinating history of the final days of the Inca Empire and watch the sunset over the valley.

To end the day, we drive back in our private van to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at around 6:30 pm.

  • Please Note: It’s possible to end the tour in Ollantaytambo. The price of the tour will be the same.

WHAT WE INCLUDE IN THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR 1 DAY?

  • Private group
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Private comfortable transportation
  • Taxes

WHAT WE DO NOT INCLUDE IN THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR?

  • Entrance tickets to archeological sites: 70 soles (1 day only) or approximately $20 USD per person which can only be purchased in soles only at the first archeological site. (See the Boleto Turistico here)
  • Meals
  • Maras salt mines entrance (20 soles)
  • Hotel before and after the tour
  • Travel insurance

The Sacred Valley Tour is available on any date as long as we have a minimum of 2 people to book.

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 people $ 65  USD per person
3 people $ 55  USD per person
4 people $ 50  USD per person
+5 people $ 45  USD per person

Price for a private Sacred Valley tour 1 day: US$187 in total for a group of up to 4 people.

EXTRA FEES

  • Entrance tickets to archeological sites: 70 soles or approximately $20 USD per person which can only be purchased in soles at the first archeological site. ((See the Boleto Turistico here)
  • Salt Mine entrance of (20 soles)

WHAT TO BRING FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR 1 DAY?

  • Warm jacket
  • Hat
  • Water
  • Sun protection
  • Some money for souvenirs and tips
  • Money in soles to purchase boleto turistico and ticket for the Maras salt mine
  • Original passport

Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

Learn more

EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

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