Sacred Valley Tour with Salt Mines + Machu Picchu 2 Days/1 Night

Day 1: Cusco – Chinchero Local Textile Center – Maras Salt Mines +Moray  –  Ollantaytambo

Our adventure through the Sacred Valley of the Incas begins with history, culture, and landscapes that truly represent the magic of the Andes.

Chinchero  –  Local Textile Center

Leaving Cusco, we head to the charming town of Chinchero, famous for its colorful markets and spectacular views of snow-capped mountains. Here you will visit a local textile workshop, where Andean women in traditional dress welcome travelers with a smile and demonstrate the ancestral art of weaving. Using alpaca and sheep wool, along with natural dyes made from plants, roots, and even insects, they create vibrant textiles that reflect Inca traditions. This hands-on experience allows you to understand Andean culture in a personal way while supporting local families who preserve their heritage.

Maras Salt Mines  –  The White Terraces of the Andes

Our journey continues to the Maras Salt Mines, known locally as Salineras de Maras. This spectacular site features more than 3,000 salt pools cascading down the mountainside. For centuries, local communities have harvested salt here using the same traditional techniques of the Incas. The brilliant white terraces contrasted with the green valley make this one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Sacred Valley. Travelers often describe Maras as a photographer’s dream, with endless opportunities for unique pictures.

Moray  – Inca Agricultural Wonder

Just a short drive from Maras, we arrive at Moray, one of the most mysterious and innovative Inca sites. The perfectly circular terraces form giant amphitheaters carved into the earth. Each level creates a unique microclimate, which allowed the Incas to experiment with different crops such as potatoes, corn, and quinoa. Standing at the edge of Moray, you can truly appreciate the ingenuity and deep agricultural knowledge of the Inca civilization. Many travelers feel this is one of the most impressive examples of Inca science in harmony with nature.

Ollantaytambo  –  The Living Inca Town

In the afternoon we reach Ollantaytambo, often called the “Living Inca Town.” Walking through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time, as families still live in ancient stone houses built by the Incas. Rising above the village are the famous Ollantaytambo ruins, with massive terraces, temples, and sacred structures that reveal the strength and spiritual vision of the Inca Empire. This site also holds great historical importance as the place where the Incas fought one of their last battles against the Spanish. Visiting Ollantaytambo is the perfect way to end the day, surrounded by living culture, history, and breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley.

From here, you will board the scenic train that winds along the Urubamba River, taking you to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, where the adventure continues.

Aguas calientes – Hotel

Day 2:  Aguas Calientes – Machu picchu –  Cusco

The second day of your adventure begins early in Aguas Calientes, the small town nestled in the lush mountains at the foot of Machu Picchu. After breakfast, you board the bus that zigzags up the steep mountain road, and little by little the excitement grows as you get closer to the entrance of the Inca citadel.

Discovering Machu Picchu

Stepping through the gates and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time is a moment you will never forget. The ancient Lost City of the Incas, hidden among the peaks of the Andes and wrapped in morning mist, looks like a place suspended in time. With your expert guide, you’ll walk along stone paths and terraces, exploring temples, ceremonial sites, and sacred plazas that still carry the spirit of the Inca Empire. Highlights include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana (Sun Dial), and the famous agricultural terraces that showcase the Incas’ mastery of engineering and harmony with nature.

As you listen to the history and legends of Machu Picchu, you’ll also have time to pause, breathe, and simply feel the energy of this mystical sanctuary. Many travelers describe it as a life-changing experience, a place that inspires reflection and connection with the natural world

Return to Cusco

After the guided visit, you’ll have free time to wander on your own, take unforgettable photos, or just sit quietly to admire the view of the Sacred Valley stretching below. Later, you return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you board the train that follows the winding Urubamba River, surrounded by dramatic mountains and traditional villages. Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo, a private transfer will take you back to Cusco, completing an incredible journey through the heart of the Andes and the legacy of the Inca civilization