Nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, the 2-Day Maras, Moray Salt Mines, and Machu Picchu Tour offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural wonder. Embarking on this immersive journey, travelers uncover the enigmatic Moray archaeological site, explore the picturesque Maras Salt Mines, and witness the awe-inspiring grandeur of the iconic Machu Picchu. From the enchanting train ride to the guided tour, every moment of this expertly curated experience promises to leave an indelible mark on the minds of those seeking to delve deeper into Peru’s remarkable heritage.
Key Points
- This 2-day Cusco tour covers archaeological sites like Moray and Maras Salt Mines, and the iconic Machu Picchu with a sunrise visit.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, buffet lunch, Vistadome train ride, and guided exploration of the sites with a bilingual guide.
- Travelers can optionally hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which require advance booking 1-3 months prior.
- Overall customer ratings average 4.2 out of 5, with positive feedback on the guide, transportation, and tour organization.
- Restrictions on luggage, drones, and other items must be observed to ensure a smooth tour experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1 Highlights
- Train to Aguas Calientes
- Day 2 Highlights
- Inclusions
- Important Information
- Customer Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in Cusco?
- What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Machu Picchu?
- How Much Spending Money Should I Bring for This Tour?
- Can I Extend My Stay in Cusco Before or After the Tour?
- Do I Need to Arrange Travel Insurance for This Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More 2-Day Experiences in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The 2-day Cusco tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s renowned archaeological sites and natural wonders.
It’s a bilingual tour, with pickup and drop-off at hotels in Cusco’s city center. Priced competitively, the tour saves up to 10% off the regular rate.
On the first day, visitors will discover the Inca ruins of Moray and the iconic Maras Salt Mines, before boarding a scenic train to Aguas Calientes.
The second day is dedicated to the crown jewel, Machu Picchu, with an early morning visit to capture the sunrise and a guided tour. Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are also available.
With a range of inclusions and well-organized logistics, this 2-day Cusco tour promises an immersive and memorable experience.
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Itinerary Highlights
The 2-day tour kicks off with an early morning pickup from the traveler’s hotel in Cusco’s city center, around 8:00-8:15 AM.
First, they’ll visit the archaeological site of Moray, known for its Inca terraces used for agricultural experimentation.
Next, they’ll explore the Maras Salt Mines, with over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountains dating back to colonial times.
After a buffet lunch in Urubamba around 1:00 PM, they’ll board the scenic 1.5-hour train to Aguas Calientes.
On day two, they’ll take an early bus to Machu Picchu for sunrise views and a 2-hour guided tour, followed by free time to explore independently, with an optional hike to Huayna Picchu.
Day 1 Highlights
The 2-day tour kicks off with an early morning hotel pickup in Cusco’s city center, whisking travelers away between 8:00-8:15 AM.
The first stop is the archaeological site of Moray, where guests explore the Inca’s ingenious terraced gardens used for agricultural experimentation.
Next, the tour ventures to the iconic Maras Salt Mines, featuring over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountainside, dating back to colonial times.
After a hearty buffet lunch in Urubamba around 1:00 PM, the group boards the scenic Vistadome train at 3:37 PM, embarking on a 1.5-hour journey to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Train to Aguas Calientes
After a hearty buffet lunch in Urubamba around 1:00 PM, the group boards the scenic Vistadome train at 3:37 PM, embarking on a 1.5-hour journey to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
The train winds through the stunning Andean countryside, offering panoramic views of the lush valleys and towering mountain peaks. Passengers can sit back and enjoy the comfortable ride, taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the group will be transferred to their 3-star hotel accommodation, where they can rest and prepare for the next day’s exploration of the iconic Machu Picchu site.
More Great Tours NearbyDay 2 Highlights
Early the next morning, the group boards buses to make the ascent up the winding roads to the iconic Machu Picchu site. They arrive at the site just as the sun is rising, offering breathtaking views of the ancient Inca citadel. A 2-hour guided tour follows, providing insights into the history and significance of this wonder of the world. Afterward, guests are free to explore the site independently, with the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional tickets required).
| Site | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu | 2 hours (guided tour) | Sunrise views, Inca ruins, guided exploration |
| Huayna Picchu | Varies | Challenging hike with panoramic vistas |
| Machu Picchu Mountain | Varies | Alternate hiking option with sweeping panoramas |
Following the visit, the group returns to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo and a private bus to Cusco, concluding the 2-day tour.
Inclusions
This 2-day tour includes a comprehensive package to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
It includes hotel pickup in Cusco, a comfortable bus for the Moray tour, and a bilingual guide. Private transport is provided from Maras to Ollantaytambo, and a buffet lunch in Urubamba.
Travelers will ride the panoramic Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and stay in a 3-star hotel there.
The package covers bus transportation to Machu Picchu, entrance fees, a 2-hour guided tour, and the return journey by train and bus to Cusco.
Optional add-ons like Huayna Picchu tickets and the Sacred Valley tourist ticket are available for an additional cost.
Important Information
Travelers must bring their passport or ID, as well as a sun hat and rain gear, for the tour.
Large bags, drones, selfie sticks, and umbrellas aren’t allowed.
Booking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets must be done 1-3 months in advance.
Hotel pickup is only available from central Cusco hotels, while AirBnB guests must meet at a designated point.
Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the 2-day Maras, Moray Salt Mines, and Machu Picchu excursion.
Customer Reviews
Customers have provided generally positive reviews for this 2-day tour, with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 11 reviews.
Reviewers praised the knowledgeable and engaging guide, who earned a 4.4/5 rating. The transportation was also well-received, scoring 4.3/5.
Service and organization received similarly positive feedback, with 4.2/5 ratings. Customers appreciated the comprehensive itinerary, including visits to Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Machu Picchu.
While the overall experience was highly praised, some noted the challenges with advance bookings for optional activities like Huayna Picchu.
Nonetheless, this tour seems to offer a well-organized and enjoyable exploration of Cusco’s highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in Cusco?
You can likely combine this tour with other activities in Cusco, but you’ll need to check with the tour operator. Many offer add-ons or the ability to extend your stay and explore the region further.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from May to September. This offers clearer skies, milder temperatures, and fewer crowds, providing an optimal experience for exploring the ancient Inca citadel.
How Much Spending Money Should I Bring for This Tour?
Visitors should budget around $100-$200 per person for additional expenses on this tour, including optional activities, meals beyond what’s included, and incidentals. The exact amount can vary based on individual spending habits and preferences.
Can I Extend My Stay in Cusco Before or After the Tour?
Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Cusco before or after the tour. The operator provides hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing flexibility to arrive early or extend the trip independently in Cusco.
Do I Need to Arrange Travel Insurance for This Tour?
Travel insurance isn’t required for this tour, but it’s highly recommended to protect against unexpected events. The tour operator doesn’t offer it, so you’ll need to arrange it separately if desired.
Cusco: 2-Day Maras, Moray Salt Mines and Machu Picchu Tour
“Everything worked as it should, the transitions were good, everything was explained as it should be. The hotel was basic but perfectly fine. The si…”
Recap
The 2-Day Maras, Moray Salt Mines, and Machu Picchu Tour offers an immersive experience in Peru’s history and landscapes. Travelers will explore fascinating archaeological sites, picturesque salt mines, and the iconic Machu Picchu, all while enjoying scenic train rides and guided tours. This tour provides a comprehensive and unforgettable journey for anyone seeking to discover the wonders of Peru’s rich cultural heritage.
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