Salt Mines & Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco Full Day Trip by Train

Maras Salt Mines and Machu Picchu Tour

Day Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco, Including the Salt Mines

Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco

Make the most of your time in Peru by combining two highlights in a single, well-planned day trip from Cusco: the famous Maras salt mines in the Sacred Valley and a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
On our Salt Mines & Machu Picchu tour from Cusco, you start with panoramic views over thousands of white salt pools still worked by local families, then continue through the Sacred Valley to board the train toward Machu Picchu. After a scenic journey along the Urubamba River, you arrive in Aguas Calientes, ride the bus up to the citadel and explore Machu Picchu with an expert local guide, who brings Inca history and engineering to life.
All key logistics – tickets, trains, bus, entries and guiding – are handled for you, so you can focus on enjoying the experience instead of worrying about details.

Salt Mines & Machu Picchu tour

Highlights

Visit the impressive Maras salt mines overlooking the Sacred Valley.

Travel by train along the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu.

Guided tour of Machu Picchu’s main temples, terraces and viewpoints.

Efficient routing from Cusco: see more with smart logistics in one day.

Private or very small groups for a more relaxed experience.

All key tickets, entries and coordination handled by Peru Private Tours.

more Information

Machu Picchu and Salt Mines Day Trip

Full-Day Itinerary

Early Pick-Up & Drive to the Sacred Valley

Your Salt Mines & Machu Picchu tour starts with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. You travel by private vehicle towards the Sacred Valley, enjoying morning views of traditional villages, potato fields and snowcapped peaks along the way.

Visit to Maras Salt Mines

Your first stop is the famous Maras salt mines, a hillside covered with thousands of small pools where families have harvested salt for generations. From the main viewpoints you will learn how salted water is diverted into the pools and left to evaporate, leaving layers of salt that are still collected by hand. This is a great opportunity for photography and to understand a living Andean tradition of Peru.

Transfer to the Train Station & Scenic Train Ride

After visiting the salt mines, you continue by road through the Sacred Valley toward the train station in Ollantaytambo.
Here you board the train to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes). The journey follows the Urubamba River and offers changing views of farmland, canyons and cloud forest. While you enjoy the trip by train you will enjoy your box lunch (Provided by us) on board the train.

Bus Ascent & Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

On arrival in Aguas Calientes, your guide is waiting for you and you ride up the winding mountain road to Machu Picchu. Once inside the citadel, you begin a guided tour of approximately 2–3 hours, visiting the most important sectors: agricultural terraces, the main plaza, temples, fountains and iconic viewpoints. (Subjet to the circuit bouth at the booking time)
Your guide explains how the Incas designed the city, aligned structures with sacred mountains and used terraces, water channels and stonework to adapt to this dramatic location. You will also have time for photos from classic vantage points overlooking the ruins.

Free Time & Return to Cusco

Depending on your train schedule (subject to availability at the time of booking) and ticket type (if you made and upgrade), you may have some free time in Aguas Calientes to rest, shop or eat before boarding the return train. In the late afternoon or evening, you take the train back toward the Sacred Valley, where your driver meets you at the station and transfers you by private vehicle back to your hotel in Cusco.
Exact return time will depend on train availability and season, and will be clearly indicated in your final itinerary.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco or Sacred Valley
Private transport from Cusco or Sacred Valley and back to the hotel.
Visit to Maras salt mines (entrance fee included )
Train tickets to and from Aguas Calientes (service class specified in your final itineray)
Box lunch provided before boarding the Train.
Bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (circuit specified according to availability at the time of booking)
Professional local guide for the Machu Picchu visit
Panoramic visit to Maras salt mines
Assistance with all logistics and timing throughout the day

Meals (breakfast and dinner)
Entry to additional sites in the Sacred Valley not mentioned in the itinerary
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climbing permits (available on request, subject to availability at the time of booking)
Travel insurance (highly recommended for your trip to Peru).
Personal expenses and tips for guide and driver (optional, at your discretion)

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour

Practical Information

Duration & Distance

This is a full-day tour from Cusco, starting at araound 8 am in Cusco. This Tour typically lasts between 14 and 16 hours, depending on train schedules and the season. Exact pick-up and drop-off times will be confirmed in your final program and ticket confirmations.

Difficulty & Walking Level

This Salt Mines & Machu Picchu tour involves light walking at the salt mines and moderate walking at Machu Picchu, including steps and uneven stone surfaces. Basic mobility and a reasonable fitness level are recommended. If you have any knee, hip or heart issues, please inform us in advance so we can adapt the pace and support.

Tickets & Advance Booking

Machu Picchu tickets and train spaces are limited and can sell out, especially in peak season (May–September). We strongly recommend booking this tour several weeks or months in advance so we can secure:

Machu Picchu entrance tickets (specific circuit and time slot)
Train tickets that fit
the itinerary
Preferred departure day

All this coordination is included when you book through Peru Private Tours.

What to Wear & Bring

We suggest:

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Lightweight, breathable clothing in layers
Warm layer or fleece for early morning and evening
Waterproof jacket or poncho in rainy season
Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Passport (required for Machu Picchu entry and train boarding)
Personal medication and a small daypack
Cash (Peruvian soles) for snacks, souvenirs or restrooms

Weather & Altitude Notes

On this tour you will experience different climates and altitudes:

Cusco: around 3,400 m (11,150 ft)
Maras area: slightly lower than Cusco but still high altitude
Machu Picchu: approx. 2,430 m (7,970 ft), warmer and more humid

We recommend spending at least one or two nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before this tour to acclimatize to the altitude, staying hydrated and avoiding heavy meals and alcohol the day before.

FAQs – Salt Mines & Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco

Is this a one-day tour from Cusco?

Yes. This Salt Mines & Machu Picchu tour is designed as a full-day experience from Cusco, returning the same night, subject to train schedules and availability. If you prefer a slower pace with an overnight in Aguas Calientes, we can design a 2-day version on request.

How far in advance should I book this tour?

Because Machu Picchu tickets and trains are limited, especially in high season, we recommend booking several weeks or months in advance. Early booking gives us access to better time slots and more train options.

Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to this tour?

In some cases, yes, but these permits are extremely limited and must be requested well in advance. Adding a climb will affect timing and may require adjusting the itinerary. Ask us about availability when you inquire.

What class of train is included?

We normally include a comfortable tourist-class train (such as Expedition or the Voyager), with the option to upgrade to a panoramic service (such as Vistadome or The 360) if you prefer. Your exact train details will be confirmed in your quote and final vouchers.

Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

Yes. If your tour includes any meal arrangements, please let us know in advance about vegetarian, vegan or other dietary requirements, and we will coordinate with local providers.

Why Choose This Salt Mines & Machu Picchu Tour with Peru Private Tours?

Local experts

Work with a locally owned operator based in Cusco, with experienced guides who know the routes, schedules and latest regulations.

Small-group or private service

More flexibility for photo stops, questions and pacing at both the salt mines and Machu Picchu.

Reliable logistics

We collaborate with local drivers, guides and communities in the Sacred Valley, ensuring your visit benefits the region.

Efficient itinerary

See both the Maras salt mines and Machu Picchu in a single, well-planned tour from Cusco.

Responsible travel

We collaborate with local drivers, guides and communities in the Sacred Valley, ensuring your visit benefits the region.

What Travelers Say About Peru Private Tours

We don’t just promise personalized service and unforgettable experiences—our travelers confirm it. Below you’ll find our most recent TripAdvisor reviews that reflects what guests are saying right now. From private Machu Picchu tours to custom Peru itineraries, each review comes directly from real travelers who chose Peru Private Tours for expert planning, local insight, and premium support.

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Salt Mines & Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco

Maras Salt Mines and Machu Picchu Tour

Salt Mines & Machu Picchu tour

Machu Picchu and Salt Mines Day Trip

What’s Included+

What’s Not Included+

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour

Duration & Distance

Difficulty & Walking Level

Tickets & Advance Booking

What to Wear & Bring

Weather & Altitude Notes

FAQs – Salt Mines & Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco

Why Choose This Salt Mines & Machu Picchu Tour with Peru Private Tours?

Local experts

Small-group or private service

Reliable logistics

Efficient itinerary

Responsible travel

What Travelers Say About Peru Private Tours

TRIPADVISOR

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Personalize Your Salt Mines & Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco

Ready to enjoy the Salt Mines and Machu Picchu tour from Cusco?

Highly qualified staff to design tailor-made excursions for you.

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