Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley worth booking?
Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley is a 8-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $65 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (20)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $65 per person
During this amazing and unique tour, we will tour the Salt Mines at Maras, where you can see locals collecting salt from pools in the same way that the Incas did. Then we will hike down to the floor of the Sacred Valley
What you get
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- Driver/guide
About this experience
During this amazing and unique tour, we will tour the Salt Mines at Maras, where you can see locals collecting salt from pools in the same way that the Incas did. Then we will hike down to the floor of the Sacred Valley using one of the original Inca trails that was used to transport the salt towards Machu Picchu. Our driver will pick us up and transport us to a local organic farm where we will take a tour, tasted local fruits and vegetables and cut alfalfa to feed the guinea pigs. Then we will go to Urubamba to visit a local non-touristic market and an incredible pottery workshop.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- Driver/guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
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
- Valentins Pachamama Journeys
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
5 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Be taken care of and have absolutely no worries with Valentin!
Hi had the pleasure of touring the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with Valentin's Pachamama Journeys. A total of 9 nights. This trip was organized through International Yoga and the touring was coordinated by Valentin for a group of 16. We couldn't be more happy with Valentin and Kenny as our guides. They were extremely knowledgeable about all the places we visited and shared much history. They were also professional, prompt and considerate to our requests. Their English is excellent and they taught us some Spanish and Quechua terms. Personally I loved the Sacred Valley trips to the Moray Ruins, Maras Salt Mines; hiking at Pisac, visiting local weavers and ceramicists, and to top it off a very special lunch at the farm of Valentin's family, where we got to toast with local Chicha. We finished up our week with a wonderful tour of Machu Picchu and closing night dinner in Cusco. We felt very well taken care of were given care as if we were loved family. I miss Peru and Valentin and Kenny already! It is a very special place, they are wonderful and you have my highest review.
Response from the operator: Dear Dana, Thank you very much for the words.We enjoyed share time with you and the yoga team. It is good to know that our service was unique and of quality. We always show our culture to our clients so that they know our customs and the richness of our country. Thank you for choosing our company and recommending us. Warm regards, Valentin and Kenny
via Tripadvisor
Simply the Best!
The best tour guide experience I could imagine. They made me feel like family. Valentin, his son Kenny, and Walter turned Peru into an unforgettable memory.
Response from the operator: Dear Yasmin, Thank you for your words. We are excited to know that you enjoyed your stay in our city. We will continue to teach our culture to our next clients. Thank you for choosing our company. Warm regards, Valentin
via Tripadvisor
Great local guide for all of sacred valley
Valentín and his family were our guides for several days, including this day trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. They were so friendly, fun, prompt, helpful, I can’t say enough good about them and the experiences of their beautiful country. They went at our pace, spoke perfect English, and taught us a great deal about past and present life in the sacred valley.
Response from the operator: Dear Lisa, Thank you for your nice words. For Pachamama team is a pleasure to make our clients feel happy with the services of our company. All personnel are trained to provide a quality service, we are pleased to know that our service exceeds their expectations. Thanks you for recommending us. Warm regards, Valentin
via Tripadvisor
International Yoga retreat with guided tours of Sacred Valley
This was my first International Yoga retreat with guided tour and it by far exceeded my expectations. I have returned home feeling rejuvenated! Valentine’s Pachamama Journeys served as our local guide for the full 10 day excursion to the Sacred Valley. Valentine, along with International Yoga, curated a wonderful assortment of activities, ranging from exploring Inca ruins (including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu) , hiking, visiting a family farm, meeting locals, learning about ancient traditions and art, and partaking in Andean cuisine. Valentine, his son Kenny, and the whole Pachamama staff were very knowledgeable, patient, and excellent care takers. I always felt safe and welcome and found myself laughing at Valentine’s humorous stories. Most importantly, I found Valentine to be truly inspirational. From his humble upbringing to his strong work ethic, he has built a remarkable tour company that gives back to the community, especially to building schools for pre-school age children of whom we had the pleasure to see their growth in action. I highly recommend Valentine’s Pachamama Journeys for any of your Peruvian experiences. You will be thrilled with this choice.
Response from the operator: Dear Pachamama Customer, Thank you for your words. For Pachamama team is a pleasure to make our clients feel happy with the services of our company. All personnel are trained to provide a quality service, we are pleased to know that our service exceeds their expectations. Thanks you for recommending us. Warm regards, Valentin
via Tripadvisor
Trip of a Lifetime- Excellent!
We had a fantastic visit week-long visit to Cusco and the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu organized by Valentin’s Pachamama Journeys. We were a single couple, and Valentin was our tour guide for the entire trip. He was excellent to be with every moment – felt like a rekindled old friendship and we were warmly received everywhere we went as we interacted with so many of his lifelong friends and associates. We looked forward to waking up each morning to encounter our next day’s adventure. Every single detail was so well thought out, planned and organized. They (his son Kenny was our driver) arrived at our hotel every morning at the designated time [actually early] and dropped us off each afternoon after a most exhilarating and information-filled day of exploration and a deep dive into the local culture and history. We learned so much about the history of the Incas and were invited in to meet Valentins family firsthand at their ancestral home for a most outstanding lunch prepared just for us on their farm. Pachamama Journeys selected great hotels, restaurants, and accommodations. Our visit to the Sacred Valley will be a lifelong memory and we are so grateful for the experience made possible by Valentin’s Pachamama Journeys.
Response from the operator: Dear Cindy, Thank you very much for the words. It is good to know that our service was unique and of quality. That the information we provided was of interest to you. We always show our culture to our clients so that they know our customs and the richness of our country. Thank you for choosing our company and recommending us. Warm regards, Valentin
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $65 to $128
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley cost?
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Prices start at $65 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 Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 20 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 Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley?
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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 Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley?
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Around 7 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Salt Mines at Maras and Hiking to Tours of Sacred Valley 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, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, 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.
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