Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop)
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop) worth booking?
Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop) is a 9-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $29 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $29 per person
Seamless Machu Picchu Connection: Don't waste time backtracking to Cusco. This itinerary is perfectly timed to drop you off safely at the Ollantaytambo station for the 15:37 or 16:36 trains, featuring secure luggage storage on board. Incan Agricultural & Textile Wonders: Discover the living history of the Andes. See the massive, circular terraced depressions of Moray used as an Incan agricultural laboratory, and participate in an authentic weaving demonstration in the scenic village of Chinchero. The Complete Maras & Ollantaytambo Route: Walk alongside thousands of ancient, hand-chiseled evaporation pans at the Maras Salt Mines before exploring the monumental stone terraces of the towering Ollantaytambo Fortress with an expert, fluent English-speaking guide. Small-Group Intimacy: Avoid the massive, crowded 20-person tour buses. We limit our groups to a maximum of 10 travelers for a personalized, flexible, and comfortable day through the valley.
What you get
About this experience
Seamless Machu Picchu Connection: Don't waste time backtracking to Cusco. This itinerary is perfectly timed to drop you off safely at the Ollantaytambo station for the 15:37 or 16:36 trains, featuring secure luggage storage on board. Incan Agricultural & Textile Wonders: Discover the living history of the Andes. See the massive, circular terraced depressions of Moray used as an Incan agricultural laboratory, and participate in an authentic weaving demonstration in the scenic village of Chinchero. The Complete Maras & Ollantaytambo Route: Walk alongside thousands of ancient, hand-chiseled evaporation pans at the Maras Salt Mines before exploring the monumental stone terraces of the towering Ollantaytambo Fortress with an expert, fluent English-speaking guide. Small-Group Intimacy: Avoid the massive, crowded 20-person tour buses. We limit our groups to a maximum of 10 travelers for a personalized, flexible, and comfortable day through the valley.
What's included
Included
- 4. Small group tour & bottled water
- Air-conditioned tourist transport
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Professional English & Spanish speaking guide
Not included
- Entrance fees & tickets (Unless selected)
- Lunch & drinks (Unless selected)
- Tips/Gratuities (Optional but customary for guides and drivers)
What you'll see and do
Cusco
Start your journey with a seamless, stress-free morning pickup right from your Cusco hotel or Airbnb. Meet your expert guide, load your large luggage securely on board our comfortable vehicle, and relax as we leave the city behind and head into the spectacular Andes Mountains.
30 minutes here
Complejo Arqueologico Chinchero
Arrive at the scenic colonial village of Chinchero. First, enjoy an interactive, live demonstration at an authentic textile center where local master weavers show you how they transform alpaca wool using natural dyes. Afterward, take an optional walk to admire the beautiful colonial church built directly on top of massive Incan palace foundations.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Archaeological Site of Moray
Stand on the rim of the breathtaking, circular terraced depressions of Moray. Your fluent English-speaking guide will bring history to life, explaining how the Incas engineered this incredible site as a highly advanced agricultural laboratory to experiment with crops at different microclimates.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Salinas de Maras
Marvel at the spectacular patchwork of over 3,000 ancient, hand-chiseled evaporation pans. Fed by a subterranean saltwater spring, these pink salt pans have been continuously harvested by local families since pre-Incan times. It is one of the most unique, photogenic landscapes in all of South America!
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Urubamba
Take a relaxing break in the scenic heart of the valley to relax and refuel. Enjoy a delicious meal featuring a rich variety of fresh, authentic Andean ingredients and flavors at a beautifully situated, high-quality local restaurant in Urubamba.
50 minutes here
Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo
Explore the magnificent, living Incan town of Ollantaytambo. Hike up the towering stone fortress terraces where the Incas won a famous battle against Spanish Conquistadors. After the tour, we drop off travelers directly at the Ollantaytambo Train Station—perfectly timed for the 15:37 or 16:36 trains to Machu Picchu with all your luggage safe on board!
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Cusco
For guests not heading to Machu Picchu today, hop back on board for a comfortable, scenic drive back across the Andes. We will return you safely to Cusco's historic center in the evening, concluding an incredible, comprehensive day exploring the best of the Sacred Valley.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Standard Route (No Lunch)
Chinchero Weaving Demo: Learn traditional Andean weaving and natural dyeing techniques directly from local artisans. Standard Small-Group: Shared small-group tour (max 10 guests) with a professional bilingual guide and comfortable, air-conditioned tourist transpor Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo: Full circuit covering Chinchero textile village, Moray agricultural circles, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo Fortress. Tourist Transport: Clean, modern minivan or sprinter with air conditioning and secure on-board luggage storage. Pickup included
Standard Route + Lunch
Chinchero Weaving : Learn traditional Andean weaving and natural dyeing techniques directly from local artisans. Standard Small-Group: Shared small-group tour (max 10 guests) with a professional bilingual guide and comfortable tourist transportation. Traditional Local Lunch: • A delicious lunch featuring authentic Andean flavors at a selected restaurant in the beautiful Urubamba Valley. Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo: Full circuit covering Chinchero textile village, Moray agricultural circles, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo Fortress. Tourist Transport: Clean, modern minivan or sprinter with air conditioning and secure on-board luggage storage. Pickup included
All Admission Tickets + Lunch
Chinchero Weaving Demo: Learn traditional Andean weaving and natural dyeing techniques directly from local artisans. Standard Small-Group: Shared small-group tour (max 10 guests) with a professional bilingual guide and comfortable tourist transportation. Traditional Local Lunch: A delicious lunch featuring authentic Andean flavors at a selected restaurant in the beautiful Urubamba Valley. Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo: Full circuit covering Chinchero textile village, Moray agricultural circles, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo Fortress. Tourist Transport: Clean, modern minivan or sprinter with air conditioning and secure on-board luggage storage. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Machupicchu Latin America
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Note: If you require an infant seat, we can assign one for an extra cost.
- This tour does not have specific restrictions unless you are in a very bad serious health conditions
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Almost Scammed into the Wrong Tour (Stressful)
I booked the Sacred Valley full-day tour from Cusco with Machu Picchu Latin America, and it was quite a stressful experience. The company tried to scam me by putting me on a different tour that included Pisac, even though I had specifically booked a tour without Pisac, as I had already visited it independently. It felt like they were trying to save money by avoiding running two separate tours. They insisted on putting me on a 12-hour tour instead of the 8-hour tour I had booked, which would have meant an earlier pickup and returning to town two hours later. I had to argue with them quite a bit to get the correct tour, as originally booked. To give credit where it's due, they eventually put me on the correct tour, and my guide and driver on the day were great. The guide gave me excellent contextual information about each site and took some great photos of me. However, you don't want to spend your holiday arguing with your tour operator over a booking you've already paid for. I would also have appreciated more free time at each stop, as the tour felt quite rushed, moving from one place to the next without much time to explore it myself
via Tripadvisor
Almost Scammed Into the Wrong Tour (Stressful Experience)
I booked the Sacred Valley full-day tour from Cusco with Machu Picchu Latin America, and it was quite a stressful experience. The company tried to scam me by putting me on a different tour that included Pisac, even though I had specifically booked a tour without Pisac, as I had already visited it independently. It felt like they were trying to save money by avoiding running two separate tours. They insisted on putting me on a 12-hour tour instead of the 8-hour tour I had booked, which would have meant an earlier pickup and returning to town two hours later. I had to argue with them quite a bit to get the correct tour, as originally booked. To give credit where it's due, they eventually put me on the correct tour, and my guide and driver on the day were great. The guide gave me excellent contextual information about each site and took some great photos of me. However, you don't want to spend your holiday arguing with your tour operator over a booking you've already paid for. I would also have appreciated more free time at each stop, as the tour felt quite rushed, moving from one place to the next without much time to explore it myself
via Viator
Time in sacred valley
We had a great time Luis our guide and Hugo our driver were outstanding and very knowledgeable highly recommend
Response from the operator: Hi Mauricio, Thank you for your time and sharing your feed back . We are happy that your guides and drivers meet your expectations. this means a lot for out tem. Greetrings from Machupicchu Latin America.
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend deep dive into Inca past
Our tour started with a timely pickup from our hotel. A private driver (Luis) and our guide (Gary/Garcia) came in a private car. They set out the itinerary for the day and let us choose stops to get snacks or go shopping. My favourite part of this trip was that Gary is a local with deep ancestral knowledge of the Inca. This meant the depth of knowledge he was able to give and the explorations behind the cultural places we visited were beyond what you’d ever receive in a normal group tour. If you are curious and truly want to learn and understand beyond a superficial tourist depth the ways of the Inca and every aspect of their lives and history, this tour is simply amazing. We covered major highlights like the Maras salt mines, Moray, and Ollantaytambo and in each case I could write a trip report on each site with the things we learned. Our guide answered every random question I had and dove in the deep history of each place. He knew exactly when to be where to avoid the large crowds and tour buses so we got the best possible experience and photos. It truly felt like a perfectly tailored experience. We left feeling so amazed by the Inca and were thankfully to have such a knowledgeable guide. This is a highly recommended tour!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour with Luis from Machupicchu Latin America!!
I booked the tour with the Machupicchu Latin America tour operator for September 5th, 2023. My tour guide - Luis, and the driver - Luis, arrived at my hotel on time. My tour guide, Luis, was very informative and knowledgeable about all the historical sites we visited that day. Since this is a private tour, our itinerary was flexible and accommodative. I was not pushed to any "shopping" souvenir places; it was all about visiting the historical sites I wanted to visit and see within the recommended destinations. I highly recommend this tour operator and Luis, the tour guide!!
Response from the operator: Hi Stan, Thank you very much for taking a moment and share your experienve travelling with our team. We are happy to know that you enjoyed the tour with our tour guide,. Travelling with us will always find the flexibility and enjoy more. Your worrds is all we need to keep working hard and deliver memorable moments. All the best!!! @MachupicchuLatinAmerica
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $29 to $89
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Machupicchu Latin America, who run 9 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.5.
See everything Machupicchu Latin America runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop) cost?
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Prices start at $29 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop) take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop)?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop)?
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Included: 4. Small group tour & bottled water; Air-conditioned tourist transport; Hotel pick up and drop off; and Professional English & Spanish speaking guide. Not included: Entrance fees & tickets (Unless selected); Lunch & drinks (Unless selected); and Tips/Gratuities (Optional but customary for guides and drivers). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 27 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop) offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Note: If you require an infant seat, we can assign one for an extra cost. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop) if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop)?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Sacred Valley Tour: Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo (Train Drop)?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Standard Route (No Lunch), Standard Route + Lunch, All Admission Tickets + Lunch. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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