Sacred Valley Cusco 2026 – Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Tour (Updated 2026)
What is the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is an extensive natural corridor that follows the Vilcanota River and brings together some of the most important archaeological sites, traditional villages, viewpoints, and landscapes of the Inca legacy.
Among its most visited attractions are Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, although there are many other points of interest scattered throughout the valley.
Thanks to its blend of history, living culture, and Andean landscapes, it is a must-see stop for those visiting Cusco before seeing Machu Picchu.
Types of Sacred Valley Tours (Updated 2025–2026)
Below are the three options most requested by travelers.
1. Complete Sacred Valley of 5 Places (Extended Route)
Includes: Chinchero – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Pisac
This is the most comprehensive route in the valley, ideal for those who want to make the most of a single day visiting five representative attractions of the Andean corridor.
What will you visit?
• Chinchero
An important Inca archaeological complex attributed to Túpac Inca Yupanqui. It preserves monumental terraces, ceremonial plazas, and finely carved walls.
• Moray
Known as the Inca agricultural laboratory. Its circular terraces create microclimates that allowed experimentation with crops at different altitudes.
• Maras Salt Mines
More than 3,000 salt pools that form an artisanal extraction system active since pre-Inca times. Maras pink salt is one of its most renowned products.
• Ollantaytambo
Inca complex and living Inca city. It stands out for its temples, monumental terraces, and original urban layout.
• Pisac
A complex built on top of a mountain, famous for its extensive terraces, ceremonial enclosures, and panoramic views.
Tour experience
Group tours have tight schedules due to the number of stops.
Private tours are more flexible, in-depth, and personalized.
Salineras de Maras
Chinchero
2. Traditional Sacred Valley (Pisac – Ollantaytambo – Chinchero)
The classic version of the valley, which covers three of the most important archaeological complexes.
What will you visit?
• Pisac
Famous for its giant terraces, temples, and elevated views over the valley.
• Ollantaytambo
Inca complex and living city with enclosures, temples, and canals that continue to function today.
• Chinchero
Archaeological complex with terraces, ceremonial plazas, and perfectly preserved Inca walls.
Tour experience
A balanced route that combines history, landscapes, architecture, and traditional culture.
MORAY
OLLANTAYTAMBO
3. Maras, Moray, and Salt Mines (Half-Day Tour)
Includes: Moray – Maras Salt Mines
The ideal option for those who have less time and are looking for an experience that represents the valley.
What will you visit?
• Moray
Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces.
• Maras Salt Mines
Salt mines with more than 3,000 active pools, one of the most photographed landscapes in Cusco.
Tour experience
The tour takes place between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., leaving the afternoon free to visit museums, browse craft markets, or stroll through the historic center.
Which Sacred Valley Tour to Choose in 2026?
- 5-Site Tour: Perfect for seeing the most in a single day.
- Traditional Tour: A balanced route covering the essentials of the valley.
- Maras–Moray–Salt Mines: Ideal if you are looking for a shorter or complementary experience.
Group Tour vs Private Tour – Real Differences
Group Tours
• Set schedules with no option to modify.
• Short time at each site to keep to the itinerary.
• Uniform pace for the whole group.
• Guide’s decisions adapted to the majority.
Private Tours (Recommended)
- Flexible and personalized itinerary.
- . More time for photos, breaks, and in-depth explanations.
- Possibility of adapting or adding stops.
- Comfortable, exclusive experience focused on your interests.
What Ticket Do I Need Depending on the Tour? (Official Information 2026)
To visit the main attractions of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you must purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC). There are two types:
- General BTC: valid for 10 days and includes access to 15 tourist attractions in Cusco and the surrounding area.
- Partial BTC: valid for 2 days, ideal for specific tours or short stays.
- Important: Machu Picchu is not included in any type of BTC.
.
Traditional Sacred Valley Tour (Pisac – Ollantaytambo – Chinchero)
✔ Partial BTC – Sacred Valley (valid for 2 days)
5 Places Sacred Valley Tour
(Chinchero – Moray – Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Pisac)
✔ Partial BTC – Sacred Valley (2 days)
✔ Entrance to Maras Salt Mines
- Foreign tourists: S/20
- Domestic tourists: S/15
Maras – Moray – Salt Mines Tour (Half Day)
✔ Partial BTC – Sacred Valley (2 days) – to Moray
✔ Entrance to Maras Salt Mines
- Foreign tourists: S/20
- Domestic tourists: S/15
Why choose TrekAdventureMachuPicchu?
We are a local agency with years of experience organizing personalized trips in Cusco.
Our programs offer safety, accuracy, and certified local guides, guaranteeing an authentic experience.
Contact us:
info@trekadventuremachupicchu.com
WhatsApp: +51 968 389 547
