If you’re looking for an authentic experience amidst Andean landscapes, ancient terraces, and thousand-year-old salt mines, the VIP Sacred Valley Tour + Maras and Moray with Top Inka Travel is your best choice. On this exclusive tour, you will discover the most fascinating aspects of the Inca’s sacred valley, with visits to the astonishing Moray terraces and the historic Maras salt mines, places that blend history, culture, and natural beauty.
This tour is perfect for those visiting Cusco for the first time or wanting to better understand the grandeur of the Inca world before or after going to Machu Picchu. With expert local guides, comfortable transportation, and personalized service, you will experience the most complete Sacred Valley Peru tour. Welcome to the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, where every corner has a story to tell and every view leaves an unforgettable mark.
Summary
The Sacred Valley of the Incas was a privileged place due to its mild climate, fertile soils, and the sacred mountains known as Apus, which made it the heart of the Andean world. On this tour, you will visit the most emblematic sites of the Sacred Valley Peru, starting with Chinchero, a town where colonial churches, Inca walls, and living weaving traditions coexist to this day.
Then we will explore two unique gems: the Maras Salt Mines, thousands of salt pools carved into the mountain over a thousand years ago, and Moray, with its circular terraces that functioned as an agricultural laboratory. Did you know that the Moray circles weren’t just for practical use? Many researchers believe they were also spaces for rituals and ceremonies.
After lunch in Urubamba, Sacred Valley, we will continue to Ollantaytambo, the “last living Inca town,” famous for its stone streets and monumental temples. And to finish on a high note, we will reach Pisac, “the place where the sun is tied,” with its viewpoints, temples, and stone terraces that offer unforgettable views.
The VIP Sacred Valley Tour with Top Inka Travel stands out from conventional tours: private transportation, fewer waits, more time at each site, and a guide who shares every detail as if you were reliving history. What’s the difference between a normal tour and a VIP tour in the Sacred Valley? More comfort, greater depth, and personalized attention at every moment.
And if you want to optimize your experience, ask about our all-inclusive premium Sacred Valley packages, designed for you to enjoy without worries and experience your journey in complete tranquility.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Tour schedule: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
The tour begins with pickup from your hotel at approximately 6:30 AM. Our first destination is the town of Chinchero, where we’ll find Inca stone walls, agricultural terraces, and its colonial church. We’ll also briefly participate in the creation of unique wool textiles at the textile center.
Next, we’ll head to the Moray archaeological site, known for its famous spiral-shaped agricultural terraces.
After that, we’ll continue to the Maras Salt Mines, which has over 3,000 salt pools, and observe the natural extraction process of this raw material.
In the mid-afternoon, we’ll arrive in the province of Urubamba where we’ll enjoy our buffet lunch, then continue our trip to Ollantaytambo.
The Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, “the last living Inca city” built to guard the entrance and protect it from invaders. This place is characterized by its impressive agricultural terraces and the monolith located at the top of the site.
Finally, we’ll visit the Pisac archaeological complex, “the place where the sun is tied” where we’ll see Inca constructions made of finely polished stones. After the visit, we’ll board the transport and return to the city of Cusco, arriving around 7:30 pm.
Includes
Includes
- Hotel pickup (central locations)
- Tourist transportation
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
- Buffet lunch
- First aid kit
Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Snacks and/or refreshments
- Partial or full Cusco Tourist Ticket (70 or 130 soles)
- Entrance to Maras Salt Mines (20 soles)
Important Information
- Hotel pickups are conducted in central locations near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas
- If your hotel is far from the historic center, the meeting point will be at the Plaza de Armas fountain
- Exact pickup time will be confirmed one day before the tour
- The tour ends at Plazoleta Regocijo, located one block from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas
Recommendations
Recommendations
To make the most of your VIP Sacred Valley tour with Top Inka Travel, we recommend you bring:
- Comfortable shoes for walking on slightly inclined terrain
- A camera or phone with enough space for photos and videos
- Bottled water and sunscreen
- A valid ID or passport
- Extra cash for tips, artisan purchases, or snacks
- A light jacket for cool moments in the morning
It’s also a good idea to bring a small notebook or use your phone to jot down the stories your guide tells you – there are so many! From myths of the Apus to secrets of how the Incas moved giant stones.
If you love photography, the best time to capture the Maras Salt Mines without crowds is early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or late in the afternoon (after 4:00 PM). The light is softer, there are fewer people, and the shadows make the landscape look even more magical.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is situated between 2,800 and 2,900 meters (9,186 – 9,514 ft) above sea level, which is lower than Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft), making it ideal for acclimatization before visiting Machu Picchu. The climate is mild almost all year round, although mornings are usually cool, so it’s wise to bring a light jacket.
Most tours depart from hotels in central Cusco, San Blas, or Wanchaq, with included transfer. Regarding transportation, the private option offers greater comfort and flexible schedules, while the shared option is more economical and social, perfect if you’re traveling alone or as a couple.
In terms of health, the Sacred Valley is a safe and tranquil destination. Even so, remember to use sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and carry water, especially at the Maras Salt Mines, where the sun reflects intensely. At Top Inka Travel, we always carry a basic first-aid kit, oxygen, and blankets as a precaution.
Why Choose Top Inka Travel
With us, you don’t just take a tour; you live an experience. Our guides are experts in Inca history; many of them were born in the valley and are Quechua speakers, able to convey every story as if it were a living history.
We design tours for everyone: families, couples, solo travelers, photographers, or the curious. And if you’re traveling in 2026, ask about the updated 2026 price for the VIP Sacred Valley tour, with guaranteed entrance, no surprises or hidden charges.
Interested in connecting with communities firsthand? We also offer a tour with cultural interaction in the Sacred Valley, where you can weave with the grandmothers of Chinchero, help with the harvest, or learn to cook over a traditional stove.
FAQ
What is included in the VIP Sacred Valley Tour with Top Inka Travel?
The tour includes tourist transportation, a professional bilingual guide, visits to Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, plus a buffet lunch in Urubamba.
What is the difference between the normal Sacred Valley tour and the VIP Sacred Valley tour?
The traditional Sacred Valley tour includes Chinchero, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, but does not visit Maras or Moray. In contrast, the VIP Sacred Valley tour adds these two exclusive stops: the impressive circular terraces of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, making it the most complete and recommended option.
How long is the VIP Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco?
The tour lasts approximately 10 to 12 hours, starting around 7:00 AM and ending between 6:00 and 7:00 PM.
Is it necessary to buy separate entrance tickets for the Sacred Valley and Maras?
Yes. Entry to the Sacred Valley archaeological sites requires the Cusco Tourist Ticket (partial or general). The Maras Salt Mines have a separate ticket.
Is the VIP Sacred Valley Tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, it is recommended for all ages. The transportation is comfortable and the walks are short and easy, making it ideal for families and seniors.
What is the altitude of the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The Sacred Valley is located between 2,800 and 2,900 meters (9,186 – 9,514 ft) above sea level, lower than Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft), making it a good option for acclimatization before visiting Machu Picchu.
What to bring to the VIP Sacred Valley Tour + Maras and Moray?
We recommend comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, a camera, extra money for purchases, and a light jacket for the cool mornings.
What is the best time of year to take the VIP Sacred Valley Tour?
It can be done year-round. The dry season (April to October) offers clear skies and sharper landscapes, while the rainy season (November to March) provides green mountains and fewer tourists.
Where does the VIP Sacred Valley Tour start?
Pickup is provided directly from your hotel (if it’s in central areas of Cusco like the Historic Center). Otherwise, the main meeting point is the Plaza Regocijo, just one block from the Plaza de Armas. From there, we begin the journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Is lunch in Urubamba included in the VIP Sacred Valley Tour?
Yes. The tour includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba, with Andean dishes and vegetarian options available.
Can the VIP Sacred Valley Tour be combined with Machu Picchu in the same itinerary?
Yes, there are packages that combine the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu the next day or within the same trip, ideal for optimizing time and costs.
Is it worth visiting Maras and Moray on the VIP Sacred Valley Tour?
Definitely yes. Moray showcases Inca agricultural engineering with its circular terraces, and Maras preserves over 3,000 salt pools that are still in use today.
Map
Map
