Enjoy a fascinating tour of Maras and Moray on the way to Machu Picchu!
This journey begins in Cusco or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, following a diverse route that combines charming towns like Chinchero, Maras, and Ollantaytambo with impressive Inca sites full of history and mystery.
Along the way, you’ll visit an ancient Inca palace in Chinchero, marvel at the circular terraces of Moray, and explore the stunning Maras salt mines, breathtaking and unique landscapes in this region of Peru.
To top it off, we’ll arrive in Ollantaytambo, the living Inca city, where you’ll board the afternoon train to one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.
If you’re looking for a unique and diverse experience before reaching Machu Picchu, this tour is for you!
SUMMARY
Departures: Daily
Duration: 2 days with an overnight stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
Minimum altitude: 2,000 m.a.s.l. (Aguas Calientes)
Maximum altitude: 3,700 m.a.s.l. (Chinchero town)
Day 01: Chinchero, Maras, and Moray Tour in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Places to visit: Chinchero town, textile center, Moray circular terraces (Inca agricultural laboratory), and Maras Salt Mines (Salineras).
- Train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
Day 02: Machu Picchu Tour from Aguas Calientes
- Bus ride to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Guided tour of the sacred Inca citadel.
- Free time for lunch.
- Return to Cusco by train and transport.
ITINERARY
Meals: Breakfast = (B), Lunch = (L), Dinner = (D)
Chinchero Salineras Maras at Sacred Valley (L)
Start Time: 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
We begin our excursion by picking you up from your hotel and heading into the breathtaking Andean landscapes of mountains and high plateaus, on our way to the colonial town of Chinchero. Here, we will explore the ruins of Inca Túpac Yupanqui’s palace, immersing ourselves in the fascinating history of this place.
Next, we continue to the circular terraces of Moray, located just 32 km from Chinchero. This site, considered a great Inca agricultural laboratory, impresses visitors with its ingenious architecture and advanced scientific purpose.
Our journey then takes us to the town of Maras, where we will visit the famous pink salt mines, unique in Peru. With over 3,000 salt pools that have been in use since pre-Inca times, this site offers a remarkable glimpse into ancient traditions and ancestral labor.
After this enriching experience, we head to Urubamba, where a delicious lunch awaits us, allowing us to recharge and savor the local cuisine.
Finally, we arrive at the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the most important cities of the Inca era. From here, we board the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a comfortable and cozy hotel.
Additional Information:
Train travel time from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: 1 hr 45 min
Difficulty level: Easy, with gentle walks
Train Schedules from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Town (45 km / 1 hr 45 min):
Peru Rail Vistadome Observatory: 15:37 hrs
Inca Rail Voyager: 16:36 hrs
Peru Rail Expedition / Inca Rail Voyager: 19:00 hrs
Visit Machupicchu from Aguas Calientes town
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will board the bus to the Machu Picchu citadel. Upon arrival, we will begin a guided tour led by an expert guide, who will share the fascinating history of this Inca city. During the tour, we will visit beautiful viewpoints, scenic trails, and religious sites, all offering breathtaking landscapes perfect for photography.
At the end of the tour, we will take the bus back to Machu Picchu Town, where you will have free time for lunch. Depending on your return train schedule, you may have some extra time to explore the town before boarding the train back to Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Estimated distances
Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo: 45 km / 1 hr 45 min by train
Ollantaytambo – Cusco: 76 km / 1 hr 30 min by car
Machu Picchu – Poroy: 94 km / 3 hrs 15 min by train
Poroy – Cusco: 18 km / 30 min by car
Train Schedules for the Return Journey from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo
Peru Rail Expedition: 15:20, 18:20 hrs
Inca Rail Voyager: 14:30, 19:00 hrs
Peru Rail Vistadome + Observatory Car: 16:22 hrs
Peru Rail Vistadome Regular Service: 15:20, 16:22 hrs
Inca Rail 360° Panoramic: 16:12 hrs
Optional Hikes (Require an Additional Ticket)
If you’re interested in hiking to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain during this 2-day tour, please note that these hikes require good physical condition. The trails are steep and include narrow staircases, some of which are exposed to heights, making them challenging for those with vertigo. However, for those up to the challenge, these hikes offer incredible views and an unforgettable experience.
Huayna Picchu Mountain ("Young Mountain") – 2,693 m (8,835 ft)
Located north of Machu Picchu, this mountain features a steep trail with stone steps. Along the way, you’ll see ancient agricultural terraces and Inca constructions perfectly integrated into the mountainside. From the summit, you'll get a spectacular panoramic view of Machu Picchu, reinforcing its astronomical and religious significance.
Huayna Picchu Mountain (requires an additional ticket): 2,693 m altitude
First shift: 7:00 am
Second shift: 9:00 am
Reservations must be made well in advance, as spaces are limited and must align with your Machu Picchu entry time.
Machu Picchu Mountain ("Old Mountain") – 3,082 m (10,111 ft)
Located south of the Machu Picchu citadel, this mountain offers a wider but more gradual trail, making it a less steep but longer hike compared to Huayna Picchu. The hike requires good physical condition, as you will ascend 600 meters (1,970 ft) along a combination of gentle slopes and stone steps.
From the summit, you will have an impressive 360° view, not only of Machu Picchu but also of the Salkantay mountain range and sections of the Inca Trail.
First shift: 6:00 am
Second shift: 8:00 am
Reservations must be made well in advance to ensure availability and alignment with your Machu Picchu visit time.
INCLUDED SERVICES
Guide and transport for Solt mines and Moray
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
1-night accommodation in a selected hotel in Aguas Calientes
Breakfast at the hotel
1 buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Round-trip tourist train (Expedition or Voyager service; panoramic service available upon request)
Round-trip bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu
NOT INCLUDED (Available Upon Request)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tourist ticket for the Sacred Valley (can be purchased during the visit)
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance tickets (available upon request)
Accommodation in Cusco
Additional personal expenses not mentioned in the program
What Should You Bring for Your Trip?
During our 2-day Salt Mines Moray & Machu Picchu Tour, you will experience a variety of climates, so we recommend bringing the following:
General Items:
Passport or identification document
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight backpack for personal belongings
Cell phone/Camera
Personal snacks
Personal medications
Mosquito repellent
For Cold or Rainy Weather:
Warm clothing
Waterproof jacket/Rain poncho
For Sunny Weather:
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with UV protection
Long-sleeve shirts or blouses (recommended)
Hat or cap
RECOMMENDATIONS
This tour is highly recommended for travelers with limited time in Cusco who want to make the most of their days by exploring the best of Machu Picchu salt mines and Moray
Weather: Cusco has two well-defined seasons—rainy season (November to March) and dry season (April to September), with February being the rainiest month.
Book in advance: Machu Picchu entrance tickets are limited, especially for optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Reservations should be made at least three months in advance.
Altitude acclimatization: This trip is ideal for adjusting to the altitude, as Machu Picchu is located in a cloud forest at over 2,000 meters (6,500 ft) in Aguas Calientes and 2,400 meters (7,800 ft) at the archaeological site.
Flexible starting and ending points: This tour can begin or end in the Sacred Valley, depending on your hotel location. We will plan everything to ensure you have a seamless experience.
Luggage storage: Extra suitcases can be stored at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. We recommend bringing only the essentials for your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
Aguas Calientes amenities: You will find various hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options in Aguas Calientes.
Year-round availability: Unlike other tours, this experience can be done at any time of the year. However, extra precautions should be taken during the rainy season (November to April).
Suitable for all ages: This tour is ideal for both children and older adults, as it involves minimal physical difficulty.
PRICES
We can customize your trip according to your preferences, and costs may vary based on hotel category and train service selection. Please note that the prices listed are based on double occupancy.
HOTEL CATEGORY IN MACHU PICCHU TOWN PRICE PER PERSON
Budget Hotel $
3-Star Hotel $
4-Star Hotel $
5-Star Hotel $
Optional Train Upgrades:
Upgrade to the Vistadome panoramic train or Inca Rail 360° train for an additional $35 USD per route.
Upgrade to Vistadome with an observatory car for an additional $58 USD per route.
Ask us about the different train options available
