Experience the Sacred Valley’s terraces, Moray’s circular agricultural labs and the glittering Maras salt pans in one full day from Cusco. This guided tour pairs archeology, living crafts and a buffet lunch in Urubamba — a practical, culture-rich introduction to Inca ingenuity.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn in Cusco is cool and clear; at 6:40 a.m. the minivan pulls away through cobbled streets and the Andes open like a working map. The Sacred Valley unfurls — terraces step down toward the Urubamba River, salt pans glitter on a hillside, and the circular bowls of Moray drop away into shadow. You move from colonial plazas to Inca fields in a single day.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11–12 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average shape; involves multiple short walks and some uneven ground at altitude
Wildlife
History
The valley was a core agricultural and administrative region for the Incas; Moray likely served as an experimental station to trial crop microclimates.
Conservation
Visitors should stick to marked paths to protect fragile terraces and avoid buying wildlife-derived souvenirs; local communities rely on tourism income to maintain traditional practices.
Reserve your spot on the Sacred Valley and Maras Moray Tour with Buffet Lunch today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before the tour
Spend at least 24–48 hours in Cusco to reduce altitude effects — carry acetazolamide if prescribed and hydrate well.
Wear sturdy shoes
Sites feature uneven stone and dirt walking; closed-toe shoes with good traction make short hikes and terraces safer.
Bring local currency
Small markets, chocolate tastings and some craft stalls require cash (Peruvian soles) — ATMs are limited in smaller towns.
Sun protection is vital
High-altitude sun is intense: hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen prevent sunburn even on cool days.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on stone steps and dirt paths found at terraces and archaeological sites.
Reusable water bottle with filter or purification tablets
Hydration is critical at altitude; refill during lunch or stops to avoid buying plastic bottles.
Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
Protects against intense high-altitude UV exposure during long outdoor visits.
summer
Layered jacket and wind shell
Lightweight layers handle temperature swings between morning, high-altitude sites and afternoon return.
winter