Perfect Half Day Tour from Ollantaytambo and Urubamba
Looking for a half day tour from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba? Join our Tour to Moray and the Salt Mines, two of the most unique and fascinating destinations in the Sacred Valley of Peru.
This excursion is perfect for travelers who stay in Ollantaytambo, short on time, or for anyone who wants to explore more of the Sacred Valley without returning to Cusco. You can start in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba and finish in Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, or even in Cusco with a small extra fee.
On this journey, you will visit two incredible sites. The impressive agricultural terraces of Moray, the greenhouse and experimental laboratory of the Incas, and the famous Salt Mines of Maras, where over 6,000 salt ponds have been harvested since pre-Inca times and are still worked by local families today.
Enjoy incredible views of the Urubamba mountains and the Andes, learn about Inca agriculture, textiles, salt harvesting, and history from our licensed local guides born in the Sacred Valley.
Moray: The mesmerizing circular agricultural terraces acting as the ancient experimental greenhouse of the Incas.
Maras Salt Mines: Over 6,000 active pre-Inca salt evaporation ponds cascading down the mountainside, still hand-harvested by local families today.
Important update: To protect the salt and avoid contamination, it is no longer possible to walk inside the salt pond area. The site is now observed from a dedicated lookout point with the best panoramic views. Photos are still spectacular.
Highlights of the Moray and Salt Mines Tour
- Moray Archaeological Site (3,500m / 11,482 ft): Explore the deep circular terraces engineered by the Incas to create artificial microclimates.
- Maras Salt Mines Viewpoint (3,000m / 9,842 ft): Witness thousands of pristine white, brown, and naturally pink pre-Inca salt pans.
- Sacred Valley Panorama: Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Urubamba Mountain range and traditional Andean checkerboard corn fields.
- Living Culture: Learn firsthand about Inca agriculture, ancient salt harvesting techniques, and contemporary Quechua traditions.
- Expert Local Guides: Tour alongside professional guides officially licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, born and raised in the Cusco region, fluent in English and Spanish.
- Comfortable Private Transport: Enjoy door-to-door service with flexible pickups in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, accompanied by first-aid and emergency oxygen.
Itinerary
This is a wonderful half day tour to explore part of the Sacred Valley. You will see incredible views of the Urubamba Mountains.
- 8:00 AM – Hotel Pickup in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba
Your licensed local guide meets you directly at your hotel lobby. Depart in a comfortable private van climbing the scenic mountain roads north of the Sacred Valley.
- Sacred Valley Viewpoint Stop
Pause at a dramatic high-altitude lookout to view the Urubamba River, patchwork agricultural fields, and towering snow-capped Andean peaks as your guide explains local geography and Inca history.
- Moray Agricultural Laboratory (3,500m)
Discover the striking amphitheater-like circular terraces of Moray. Your guide demonstrates how temperature variations of up to 15°C between tiers allowed the Incas to acclimate crops from the Amazon jungle and coastal deserts to high-altitude Andean environments.
- Maras Salt Mines Viewpoint (3,000m)
Travel a short distance to the famous mountainside salt pans fed by a warm, hypersaline subterranean spring. Learn how local families have harvested mineral-rich pink salt by hand across generations since before the Inca Empire. Take your time at the official viewing platform capturing unforgettable photographs and browsing artisan stalls for authentic pink salt souvenirs.
- 1:00 PM – Return to Ollantaytambo / Urubamba (Or Optional Cusco Drop-Off)
Relax on the return drive, arriving back at your hotel around 1:00 PM. Travelers choosing the optional Cusco drop-off arrive in the historic center by approximately 2:30 PM.
What is included for the Tour to Moray and the Salt Mines ?
When you book with Andenes Tours, everything is taken care of, no stress, no surprises, just an incredible Tour to Moray and the Salt Mines experience led by expert prefessional guide.
Included
- Private comfortable transportation from your hotel in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba and back, door to door service
- Professional local guide, licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, fluent in English and Spanish
- Guided tour in Moray archaeological site
- Guided tour at Maras Salt Mines viewpoint
- All local taxes and arrangement fees
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen for your safety
Not included
- Tourist Ticket for Moray:
- 70 soles for partial ticket valid 1 day, or 130 soles full ticket valid 10 days for 16 sites. Must be paid in cash in soles at Moray.
- Maras Salt Mines entrance:
- 20 soles per person, paid in cash at viewpoint
- For reference, combined ticket if you need both: 90 soles per person
- No tour operator includes these entrance fees to keep price transparent
- Meals, travel insurance, tips for guide and driver optional
Private Tour Pricing
- 1 to 6 Persons – Private Tour: $170 USD per group
- Private comfortable transportation, professional local guide, guided tour in Moray and Maras Salt Mines viewpoint, first aid and oxygen included, hotel pickup and drop-off in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba
- 7 to 12 Persons – Small Group Private Tour: On request
- Private transportation for larger groups, professional local guide, guided tour in Moray and Maras viewpoint, perfect for families staying together
Optional Add-On
- Finish Tour in Cusco: +$30 USD total
- Conclude your half-day tour in Cusco instead of returning to Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. Includes private drop-off directly at your hotel in the Cusco historic center
Key Information
- Availability & Pricing Note: The Half Day Tour to Moray and the Salt Mines from Ollantaytambo is available daily. Private service for 1 to 6 persons is $170 USD total per group (not per person). Entrance tickets are not included to maintain price transparency: Moray requires a 70 soles partial or 130 soles full tourist ticket, and Maras Salt Mines is 20 soles, both paid in cash at the sites. Walking directly inside the salt ponds is restricted due to contamination; visits are conducted from the official lookout point. Tour duration is approximately 5 hours (8:00 AM to 1:00 PM)
What to Bring – Moray & Salt Mines Half Day
Tour Details: Easy cultural tour 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM from Ollantaytambo | Pack light, no hiking gear needed
Cash, Tickets, and Documents
- Cash in Peruvian Soles (90 Soles + Extras)
- 90 soles per person for tickets: Moray 70 soles partial ticket or 130 soles full tourist ticket, Maras Salt Mines 20 soles
- Bring small bills (10, 20, 50 soles) and coins for pink salt souvenirs, water, and bathrooms
- Cards not accepted at viewpoints
- Passport Copy + Small Daypack
- Passport copy needed for tourist ticket checks
- Bring small backpack (15 to 20L) for water, layers, camera, and cash
- Leave big luggage at hotel in Ollantaytambo
Clothing, Footwear, and Weather Protection
- Sun Protection (Hat, Sunscreen SPF 50+, Sunglasses)
- At 3,500m UV is strong even on cloudy days
- Moray has no shade and salt mines are very bright white reflecting sun
- Wide brim hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential (sunburn happens quickly at this altitude)
- Light Layered Clothing
- Morning at 8:00 AM in Ollantaytambo is cool, midday is warm
- Wear t-shirt plus light fleece or jacket you can remove
- No need for thermal layers, this is an easy cultural tour not a high altitude trek
- Avoid heavy coats
- Light Rain Jacket / Poncho
- Andean weather changes fast (even in dry season April to October a light shower is possible)
- A light waterproof jacket is enough
- Tour runs daily, we go even if cloudy
- Trail is short and van waits nearby
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Easy walking on dirt paths and some stone steps at Moray
- Sneakers or light walking shoes are fine (no need for hiking boots)
- Avoid flip flops, heels, or new shoes
- Trail is not technical
Hydration, Electronics, and Snacks
- Water Bottle + Small Snack
- Bring 1 liter reusable bottle
- Tour is 5 hours with no meals included
- Small snack like chocolate or fruit is helpful
- You can buy water and pink salt snacks near Maras viewpoint
- Camera / Smartphone
- Best photo spots: Moray circular terraces from above and Maras thousands of white salt pans
- Drones not allowed at Moray
- Phone is enough for great shots
