1-Day Tour to the Ourika Valley from Marrakec

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1-Day Tour to the Ourika Valley from Marrakech

Tour summary:

Duration

1 day

Arrival

Marrakech

Departur

Marrakech

Type of tour

Private or Shared

Just a short drive from Marrakech, the Ourika Valley offers a perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Red City. Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains, this lush valley is dotted with rivers, terraced fields, and traditional Berber villages that preserve an authentic way of life.

On this day trip to the Ourika Valley from Marrakech, you’ll hike to the famous Setti Fatma waterfalls, visit an argan oil cooperative run by Berber women, and enjoy lunch by the river. It’s the perfect getaway to explore nature, rural culture, and mountain scenery near Marrakech.

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Highlights

Pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech at 9:00 AM: begin your getaway into nature.
Scenic route through the High Atlas: lush landscapes, mountains, and Berber villages.
Visit to a Berber women’s cooperative: discover the traditional process of making argan oil.
Arrival in Setti Fatma: the heart of the Ourika Valley and the gateway to the waterfalls.
Guided hike to the Seven Waterfalls of Ourika: nature, fresh air, and spectacular views.
Traditional riverside lunch: a break accompanied by the sounds of the water and the mountains.
A visit to the Anima Garden: an oasis of art and nature before returning to Marrakech.
Return to Marrakech in the afternoon: a perfect day of hiking, culture, and relaxation.

Tour categories:

Tour Itinerary: 1-Day Trip to the Ourika Valley

Day 1: Marrakech – Ourika Valley – Setti Fatma – Jardín Anima – Return to Marrakec

Your tour of the Ourika Valley begins at 9:00 AM with pickup at your hotel or riad. We set off toward the High Atlas Mountains, leaving the hustle and bustle of Marrakech behind as we head into a landscape of green valleys and Berber villages dotted along the hillsides.

Argan Oil Cooperative: We’ll make our first stop at a cooperative run by Berber women, where you’ll discover the traditional process of extracting argan oil, a true Moroccan treasure used in both cuisine and cosmetics.

Ourika Valley and Setti Fatma: We continue to the heart of the valley, Setti Fatma, the starting point for a guided hike to the famous Seven Waterfalls. The trail climbs gently through orchards, irrigation channels, and small waterfalls, offering panoramic views and scenes of great beauty.

Lunch by the river: After the walk, you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the river—one of the highlights of the day.

Jardín Anima: In the afternoon, we will visit Jardín Anima, a unique space created by artist André Heller that combines contemporary art, botany, and architecture in a spectacular setting with views of the mountains.

We’ll return to Marrakech in the late afternoon, leaving the coolness of the valley behind and taking the tranquility of the mountains with us.

🛣️ Total distance	Approx. 120 km (round trip)
⏱️ Driving time	Approx. 2–2.5 hours (round trip, including stops)
🕘 Pickup time	9:00 AM
🏞️ Activities	Visit to an argan cooperative, hike to the waterfalls, lunch by the river, visit to the Anima Garden
🚐 Return	To Marrakech in the late afternoon

100% Customizable Itinerary

This itinerary can be fully tailored to your preferences and travel style. The price varies depending on the accommodation category, the number of travelers, and the duration of the trip.
Contact us and we’ll send you a personalized proposal with no obligation.
If this itinerary doesn’t quite match what you’re looking for, our team will design a tailor-made trip through Morocco for you, taking care of every detail so you can enjoy a unique experience.

What's included:

Pickup and return to your accommodation in Marrakech
Tour in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle (minibus for groups of more than 6 people)
Spanish-speaking driver/guide
Fuel and transportation costs
Private service (no other passengers)
Stop at an argan oil cooperative
Guided hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls

Does not include:

Gallery

Excursion Route:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get to the Ourika Valley from Marrakech?

Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. We leave at 9:00 a.m., and in just over an hour you’ll be immersed in the High Atlas Mountains. It’s the closest nature excursion to Marrakech, perfect for a quick getaway.

Is it a long walk to see the Setti Fatma waterfalls?

There are two options:

Short hike: About 20–30 minutes to the first waterfall (easy, suitable for everyone).
Full hike: Up to the seventh waterfall, about 2–3 hours round trip, with sections of stairs and rocky terrain. Recommended only for people in good physical condition.

The local guide will explain your options, and you can decide as you go. Wear comfortable shoes with good traction.

Is it possible to swim in the waterfalls?

In the summer, you can take a dip in the natural pools, but the water is very cold (it comes from mountain snowmelt). It’s very refreshing, but it’s not recommended for long swims. In the winter and spring, the water flow is stronger, and it’s not safe to swim.

Is lunch included? Where are we eating?

Lunch is not included, but it’s one of the highlights of the day. You’ll eat at a traditional restaurant along the Ourika River, with terraces overlooking the water. Enjoy homemade Moroccan cuisine (tajine, couscous, skewers) in a spectacular setting. The price is very affordable (about €8–10). Your guide will take you to a trusted spot.

What is Jardín Anima? Is it worth it?

It is a botanical and art garden created by French artist André Heller, featuring exotic plants, surrealist sculptures, and views of the mountains. It’s an optional stop but highly recommended if you enjoy art and nature. Admission is not included (it’s paid separately, about €8). It’s a modern and creative alternative set within a traditional setting.

Shall we visit a women's cooperative

Yes, we’ll stop at a argan oil cooperative run by Berber women. You’ll see the entire traditional process: from harvesting the fruit to pressing the oil. You’ll be able to buy cosmetic and culinary argan oil directly, at a fair price and with no middlemen. It’s a cultural experience that supports local development.

How can I book the tour?

You can book directly through our website or by sending us a message on WhatsApp.
💬 Contact us on WhatsApp and we’ll send you all the information about availability, prices, and personalized options.

Request a Reservation

+212 658 860892

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What our customers say

excellent

We just got back from our trip, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. Everything was perfectly organized, which allowed us to enjoy ourselves to the fullest without worrying about a thing.

The dromedary excursions in the desert and the quad rides were among the most exciting and fun activities of the trip. In addition, the accommodations exceeded all our expectations: comfortable, clean, charming and located in spectacular locations.
The value for money was excellent. We felt we got much more than we expected.
But what really made this trip special was our guide, Hassan. From the very beginning, he was approachable, friendly, and very professional. He was always looking out for us, making sure we were comfortable, safe, and having a good time at all times. It was a real treat to have someone like him with us!

We recommend this experience 100%. Morocco is an incredible country, and living it with such a careful organization and with a guide like Hassan really makes the difference. Thank you for everything!

We had an unforgettable trip in Morocco with Hassan as our driver and guide. We were a group of five friends touring Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fez, Casablanca, Essaouira and Marrakech, and the whole experience was perfectly organized thanks to him. Hassan was much more than just a driver. He took us to excellent local restaurants, always negotiating fair prices on our behalf and making sure we enjoyed authentic Moroccan cuisine without worrying about overpaying. His knowledge of each city, its culture and history greatly enriched the trip, and he was always willing to explain details and answer all our questions. What we valued most was her flexibility and constant attention. She adapted the itinerary to our needs, to our rhythm and to the group dynamics, always with a professional and close attitude. At all times we felt safe, comfortable and very well cared for. If you are planning to travel Morocco and are looking for a reliable driver, an excellent guide and a person who really cares about making your trip a special experience, we can't recommend Hassan enough.

Hassan and his team are excellent. They were recommended to us by friends and were fantastic. Like all operators, they took a little while to resolve the problem, but Hassan was very flexible with his range of services. He accommodated my needs rather than insisting on doing everything on a high budget. This was very different from others and optimized my budget. The car and driver (Hamid) were first class and the accommodation in the riad and camp was very comfortable. 5 stars.

We have just returned from an incredible trip organized by Haya Viajes and we could not be more grateful for the unique experience we had in Morocco. From the very first moment, the organization was impeccable: every detail was carefully planned, which allowed us to enjoy ourselves to the fullest without worrying about anything. We traveled as a family—two couples with four children—and Hassan made sure that each of us felt comfortable and enjoyed every moment. We discovered the most authentic side of Morocco, exploring traditional villages, bustling markets, and spectacular landscapes. However, the most magical part was undoubtedly our experience in the desert dunes. Spending the night under a starry sky, riding a dromedary, and feeling the immensity of the Sahara was something we will never forget. The children were fascinated, and we were amazed by the beauty and tranquility of the place.

Hassan is not only an excellent organizer, but also a charming person, always willing to share his culture and make us feel at home. If you are looking for an authentic adventure in Morocco, we highly recommend trusting him, a trip that will remain forever in our hearts!

It was the first time my friend and I had traveled to Morocco, and we didn’t know where to start. We got Hassan’s contact information, and from the very beginning, he helped us with everything. He picked us up at the airport and took us to our first riad, where we received a very warm and welcoming reception. The next morning we set off for the desert with Hassan, who accompanied us throughout the entire trip, explaining each place to us and making us feel very comfortable at all times. We visited the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, continued on to the Dades Gorges, and ended the day in the Merzouga Desert with a camel ride and a magical night in a Berber camp under the stars. At dawn on the third day, we went on a quad bike tour through the desert—an experience we highly recommend to everyone—and then continued on to Ouarzazate and finally Marrakech. With many meals included and others left open to enjoy the places where we stopped, this was one of the trips where I felt most at ease, enjoying every moment without a care in the world. Without a doubt, an unforgettable experience.