Sacred Valley: Private Tour Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo Ruins

Summary

Private Sacred Valley journey through ancient salt pools, Inca terraces and Ollantaytambo’s history

You’ll walk ancient Inca terraces at Moray, taste salt in the air at Maras pools, and climb through Ollantaytambo ruins—with time to pause for stories or just take it all in. A local guide shares family memories and lets you set your own pace. This isn’t just another day trip—it’s a real window into life in Peru’s Sacred Valley.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the taste of salt in the air at Maras. It’s not what I expected—the pools look like a patchwork of mirrors under the sun, and our guide, Juan, grew up nearby. He showed us how families still harvest salt by hand, just like their grandparents did. There was this quiet moment when the wind dropped and you could hear water trickling between the pans. I tried to imagine working here all day. Not sure I’d last an hour in that glare.

Moray was next—those circular terraces almost look like something from space. Juan explained how the Incas used them to experiment with crops at different altitudes. He laughed when I guessed potatoes (apparently everyone does). The air felt thinner up there, or maybe it was just me getting too excited about the views. We wandered down into the rings; each step felt cooler somehow, and you could smell wild herbs crushed underfoot.

Ollantaytambo ruins were busier but worth every one of those 200 steps to the Temple of the Sun. The stones fit together so tightly it’s hard to believe they’re centuries old—Juan pointed out little carvings we’d have missed on our own. There was a group of school kids practicing their English; one girl asked where we were from and then giggled when I tried my Spanish (I think she understood me?). We lingered longer than planned—Juan said we had time since it was a private tour, which honestly made all the difference.

I still think about that view over the valley from Ollantaytambo, late afternoon light catching on distant fields. There’s something about seeing these places with someone who knows every shortcut and story—makes you feel less like a tourist for once. Anyway, if you’re thinking about a day trip from Cusco, this Sacred Valley tour sticks with you long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sacred Valley archaeological sites

• Visit Maras Salt Pools and learn salt process
• Explore Moray Agricultural Terraces experimental site
• Walk terraces and see Inka cemetery and fountain
• Climb Ollantaytambo Ruins to Temple of the Sun

Top questions

How long does the private Sacred Valley tour take?

The tour typically lasts a full day, allowing flexible time at each site as it is private.

Are entrance fees included in this Sacred Valley tour?

Yes, all entry fees and taxes are included in your booking.

Is hotel pickup available for this Sacred Valley day trip?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included.

Do guides speak English on this Sacred Valley tour?

Professional guides are available in English or Spanish.

Can we bring our own snacks or choose where to eat lunch?

You can bring your own snacks or stop at a recommended restaurant for lunch during the tour.

What sites are visited on this day trip from Cusco?

The main stops are Maras Salt Pools, Moray Agricultural Terraces, and Ollantaytambo Ruins.

How physically demanding is this Sacred Valley tour?

The tour suits all fitness levels but includes walking and climbing steps at some sites.

Is this a group or private tour?

This is a fully private tour—just your group and your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup in Cusco or nearby towns, entry fees for all archaeological sites (Maras salt pools, Moray terraces, Ollantaytambo ruins), an English- or Spanish-speaking professional guide who grew up in the area, plus flexibility to pause for photos or lunch wherever you’d like before returning comfortably by evening.