Picnic at Huaypo Lake with Llamas Alpacas + Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines (From Cusco, Ollantaytambo or Urubamba)

1 Full Day Picnic at Huaypo Lake with Llamas Alpacas + Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines

You can begin this journey from Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo—wherever feels most convenient for you. From there, we’ll set off into the heart of the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is the peaceful Huaypo Lagoon, a hidden gem cradled by rolling hills and snow-capped peaks. Here, you’ll have time to breathe in the stillness, admire the reflections on the water, and enjoy a picnic lunch made with fresh local ingredients, all while surrounded by breathtaking views.

From the lagoon, we continue on to Chinchero, a charming Andean village where tradition and history come alive. You’ll wander through its lively market, step inside the colonial church built over Inca foundations, and meet local artisans who’ll show you the secrets of their weaving—an art passed down through generations. The adventure then takes you to Moray, an extraordinary archaeological site of circular terraces. Once used by the Incas as a kind of agricultural laboratory, these rings of stone reveal just how advanced and ingenious their farming experiments were.

Finally, we arrive at the Maras Salt Mines, where more than 3,000 salt pools shimmer down the mountainside. Still worked by local families in the same way their ancestors did, the salt pans create a stunning mosaic of whites and golds against the rugged landscape.

Cusco I Sacred Valley I Ollantaytambo I Urubamba I Chincheros I Moray I Maras Salt Mines

Duration of the trip:

1 Day

Total Distance

13km

Physical Level:

Moderate

Altitude:

3500 msnm

Type of Tour:

Trekking Nature & Culture

Group SIze:

Group Service

1 Full Day Picnic at Huaypo Lake with Llamas Alpacas + Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines Overview

Discover the magic of the Sacred Valley on a full-day journey that can begin from Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. Begin at the peaceful Huaypo Lagoon, surrounded by rolling hills and snowy peaks, where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients in the great outdoors. Continue to Chinchero, a vibrant Andean village alive with weaving traditions, a colorful market, and a colonial church built on Inca foundations. Explore Moray, the Incas’ ingenious circular terraces once used for agricultural experiments, before heading to the dazzling Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of shimmering pools cascade down the mountainside. Blending natural beauty, cultural encounters, and ancient history, this experience promises an unforgettable day in one of Peru’s most enchanting regions.

1 Full Day Picnic Lunch at Huaypo Lake Summary:

TOUR NAME: Picnic Lunch at Huaypo Lake Visiting Chincheros, Moray and Maras Salt Falts from Cusco, Ollantaytambo or Urubamba (Sacred Valley)
100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed Sacred Valley Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
GROUP SIZE: Small Group Service (02ppl Min – 06ppl Average – 08 ppl Max.) (Private Service Upon Request)
STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba Hotel/Airbnb. From 7:30 am to 8:00 am
ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco, Ollantaytambo or Urubamba at Hotel/Airbnb at 4:30 pm Approx
DEPARTURE: Daily.
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 2
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: Huaypo Lagoon (3,507 m / 11,506 ft), Chinchero (3,762 m / 12,342 ft), Moray (3,500 m / 11,482 ft), Maras Salt Mines (3,380 m / 11,089 ft),
TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to explore the sites
MEALS: 1 Picnic lunch (Vegetarian, Vegan and Free Gluten with NO extra cost, Upon Request)
GUIDE: Bilingual Guide Service

1 Full Day Picnic at Huaypo Lake with Llamas Alpacas + Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines Short Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Urubamba – Chincheros – Moray – Circular Agricultural Terraces – Maras Salt Mines – Cusco – Sacred Valley

1 Full Day Picnic at Huaypo Lake with Llamas Alpacas + Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines Highlights

Begin your journey from Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo for maximum convenience.
Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch by Huaypo Lagoon (3,507 m / 11,506 ft) with views of snowy peaks.
Discover Chinchero (3,762 m / 12,342 ft), with its vibrant market, weaving traditions, and colonial church on Inca foundations.
Explore the circular agricultural terraces of Moray (3,500 m / 11,482 ft), an Inca laboratory for crop experiments.
Be amazed by the Maras Salt Mines (3,380 m / 11,089 ft), with over 3,000 shimmering salt pools still in use today.
Experience a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

DAY 1
Cusco - Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Urubamba – Chincheros – Moray - Circular Agricultural Terraces – Maras Salt Mines - Cusco – Sacred Valley+

Picnic at Huaypo Lake with Llamas Alpacas + Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines includes:

Pick-up and drop-off from Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo
Professional, English/Spanish-speaking guide
Private transportation throughout the itinerary
Private picnic lunch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients
Bottled water and light snacks during the journey
All logistical arrangements for a smooth and comfortable experience
Personalized attention in small groups or private service for a more intimate experience
First-aid kit and oxygen available in the vehicle for your safety at high altitude

Picnic at Huaypo Lake with Llamas Alpacas + Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines doesn’t include

Boleto Turístico Parcial (Tourist Ticket) required for Chinchero and Moray (approx. 70 soles per person)
Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines (approx. 20 soles per person)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra snacks, drinks)
Tips for guide and driver (optional, at your discretion)
Any services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary
Travel and Health Insurance (highly recommended). (bring copies with you please): Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.

1 Full Day Picnic at Huaypo Lake with Llamas Alpacas + Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines (Prices for 2026)

Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We wont Cancel your Trip !!!

How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information as well as a Deposit of 30% and the Final Balance will be paid once you are in Cusco.

Group Service: Price per person: US$220

(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities):

Private Service: Price per person: Price based on Number of people departing that date:

02 ppl Private Service : US$350
03 ppl Private Service US$300
04 – 6 ppl Private Service US$280
07 – 10 ppl Private Service US$250
11 – More ppl Private Service US$230

Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Persons Minimum)

What you need to bring on Picnic at Huaypo Lake with Llamas Alpacas + Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

List of things you must bring:

Original passport or ID – Required for entrance registration.
Comfortable clothing and layers – mornings can be chilly and afternoons warm
Sturdy walking shoes for exploring uneven terrain
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect from the high-altitude sun
Water bottle to stay hydrated
Camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking landscapes
Light jacket or raincoat – weather can be unpredictable in the Andes
Snacks if you want something extra between stops
Small backpack to carry your personal items comfortably
Cash in soles for entrance fees not included (Boleto Turístico, Maras Salt Mines)

FAQs – Picnic at Huaypo Lake + Sacred Valley Highlights

General & Itinerary

What is the starting point of the tour?
Pick-up is available from Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo.
What time does the tour start?
Around 7:30 am, depending on your pick-up location.

What time does the tour end?

Approximately 3:30–4:00 pm, returning to your pick-up point.
Is this a private or shared tour?
Options are available for private or small group tours.

Can the itinerary be adjusted?

Minor adjustments can be made depending on time and group preferences.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome. Adult supervision is recommended at uneven terrain areas.

Huaypo Lake & Picnic
7. What is special about Huaypo Lake?

It’s a serene Andean lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering breathtaking views.

Are llamas and alpacas included?

Yes, you can interact and take photos with friendly llamas and alpacas during the picnic.

What is included in the picnic lunch?

A private picnic lunch featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, tailored to your preferences.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes, please inform us in advance of any dietary needs.

How long is the picnic at Huaypo Lake?

Typically 45–60 minutes, giving time to relax, eat, and take photos.

Chinchero
What will we see in Chinchero?

The traditional market, colonial church built on Inca foundations, and weaving demonstrations.

Can we buy souvenirs in Chinchero?

Yes, local artisans sell textiles and handicrafts.

How long do we spend in Chinchero?

Around 30–45 minutes, depending on interest.

Can we interact with the local weavers?

Yes, artisans are happy to show and explain their weaving techniques.

Moray
What is unique about Moray?

The circular agricultural terraces, used by the Incas to experiment with crops at different microclimates.

How long do we stay at Moray?

About 30–40 minutes, allowing time for exploration and photography.

Is there walking involved at Moray?

Yes, some walking on uneven terrain is required; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Maras Salt Mines
What are the Maras Salt Mines?

Over 3,000 salt pools still harvested using traditional methods, creating a spectacular Andean landscape.

Is there an entrance fee for Maras?

Yes, approximately 20 soles per person, not included in the tour price.

Can we take photos at Maras?

Absolutely! The site is very photogenic.

How long do we stay at Maras?

Around 30 minutes, enough to explore and enjoy the views.

Transport & Logistics
What type of transportation is provided?

Private, comfortable vehicles with air conditioning.

Are pick-up and drop-off included?

Yes, from your starting point in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo.

How many people are in each vehicle?

Vehicles typically accommodate 4–08 passengers, depending on group size.

Costs & Tickets
What is included in the tour price?

Pick-up/drop-off, private transportation, guide, picnic lunch, bottled water, and logistical arrangements.

What is not included?

Boleto Turístico Parcial (70 soles) for Chinchero and Moray, Maras Salt Mines entrance (20 soles), personal expenses, tips, and travel insurance.

Can I pay for entrance fees on-site?

Yes, the Boleto Turístico and Maras fee must be purchased in cash (soles) on arrival.

Health & Safety
Is this tour safe for high-altitude travelers?

The tour reaches altitudes above 3,500 meters. We recommend hydration, slow pacing, and acclimatization if needed.

Are first-aid supplies available?

Yes, the vehicle is equipped with a first-aid kit and oxygen for altitude comfort.

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