What the "3 valleys" cover
According to the description of the tour above, the day goes like this: you leave Marrakech for the High Atlas and stop at Asni (an Amazigh village with valley views and a weekly souk on Saturdays), then the Ourika Valley, with an optional stop at an argan oil cooperative, and finally Setti Fatma, where a guide leads a walk of moderate difficulty to the waterfalls. Lunch is at a riverside restaurant, and you are back in Marrakech around 4:30 to 5 pm. The pickup point listed is Jemaa el-Fna square.
So what you mostly see is the Ourika, with Asni as a passing stop. For details on the places, see the Ourika Valley, the Setti Fatma waterfalls and Ouirgane and Asni.
Offers to compare
| Offer | Duration | From | Valleys | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Valleys: Asni, Ourika, Setti Fatma | 9 h | $74 | Asni, Ourika, Setti Fatma | Those who want the full route, privately | See |
| Ourika, waterfalls and lunch | About 7 h | See the listing | Ourika only | One valley, without rushing | See |
| Atlas Mountains and Ouirgane Valley | About 8 h | See the listing | Ouirgane | Forest walking, quieter than the Ourika | See |
We could not read the rating, review count or price of the last two offers: check them on the listing, and aim for a rating of at least 4.4. There are also 7 to 8 hour variants (Ourika, Asni and Sidi Fares privately; a "5 valleys" tour to Oukaimeden, Sidi Fares, Asni and Tahanaout) and a cheaper small-group "3 valleys" tour, rated 4.2 from only 43 reviews when we looked.
Ourika alone or 3 valleys?
The 3 valleys are worth it if you also want the road and the mountain villages. If you only care about the walk to the waterfalls, the standard Ourika tour is enough: our guide to the Ourika Valley day trip compares those offers. To choose between destinations, see Ouzoud, Ourika or Essaouira.
Pitfalls and tips
- Read the itinerary: check that all three valleys are in the description, not just the title.
- Walking: closed shoes are a must; the path to the waterfalls is rocky and can be slippery.
- Argan and shops: the cooperative stop is common and optional; say early if you do not want to buy.
- Lunch: check whether it is included; drinks rarely are.
- Saturday: the Asni souk is lively that day, and so is the road.
- Season: summer is very hot in Marrakech and cooler at altitude; in winter, snow can block access to some points.
- More freedom: a private transfer or a rental car lets you stop where you like; see renting a car in Marrakech. To go higher, towards Toubkal, read Imlil and Toubkal and the High Atlas from Marrakech. You can compare car rentals before you go.
Which offer to choose?
- First time in the Atlas: the private "3 valleys" tour, to see the road and the villages.
- Walkers: Ourika with a guide, or Ouirgane for more calm.
- Tight budget: a small group, accepting a lower rating and few reviews.
- Family: a private tour, to adapt the breaks; the waterfall walk suits children who are comfortable on rocks.
Book a few days ahead in high season, and compare with other trips in our excursions from Marrakech.
