Exploring Peru’s ancient heritage is a must-do for many visitors to Cusco. The day trip to Maras, Moray, and Chinchero offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the region’s remarkable history and culture. From the captivating Inca terraces of Moray to the vibrant textiles of Chinchero, this guided excursion promises an enriching experience. With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, travelers can enjoy the stunning Andean scenery while uncovering the fascinating stories behind these remarkable sites.

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Key Points

Explore three famous Inca archaeological sites – Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Chinchero – on a day trip from Cusco.
Tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a live guide in Spanish and English.
Discover Moray’s circular agricultural terraces, the historic Maras Salt Mines, and the traditional textiles of Chinchero.
Enjoy scenic views of the Andes mountains and capture stunning photographs during the tour.
Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, and reservations can be made without upfront payment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This day trip from Cusco allows visitors to explore the fascinating archaeological sites of Maras, Moray, and Chinchero.

Priced from Kč 461 per person, the 5-hour tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a live guide available in Spanish and English.

Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, and you can reserve your spot without paying today.

Highlights include Moray’s ancient Inca agricultural terraces, the salt ponds of Maras, and the traditional Andean textiles of Chinchero, all set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Andes.

Looking for more options in Chinchero? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

The day trip takes visitors to explore Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory featuring circular terraces that were used for experimenting with different crops. From there, the tour moves on to the Maras Salt Mines, where over 3,500 salt ponds have been carved into a mountain and used since pre-Inca times. The final stop is the colorful town of Chinchero, known as the birthplace of the rainbow and showcasing traditional Andean textile techniques.

| Site | Highlights |

| — | — |

| Moray | Ancient Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces |

| Maras Salt Mines | Over 3,500 salt ponds carved into a mountain, used since pre-Inca times |

| Chinchero | Colorful town known as the birthplace of the rainbow, showcasing traditional Andean textile techniques |

Tour Experience

As visitors embark on the day trip, they’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the Andes, passing snow-capped mountains along the way.

The tour includes an experienced local guide who provides live commentary in both Spanish and English, sharing insights into the region’s history and culture.

An experienced local guide provides live commentary in Spanish and English, offering insights into the region’s history and culture.

Throughout the excursion, guests can capture stunning photographs of the breathtaking landscapes and ancient Inca sites.

Comfortable roundtrip transportation from Cusco hotels is included, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Important Information

Visitors should keep in mind that this day trip may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking.

Comfortable shoes are a must, as the terrain can be uneven at times. It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.

Travelers should be prepared for varying weather conditions, as the high-altitude environment can be unpredictable.

With these simple preparations, visitors can fully enjoy the cultural and historical richness of Maras, Moray, and Chinchero.

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Booking and Meeting Point

To begin the booking process, visitors can check availability to see the starting times for the day trip. Once a convenient time is selected, they can input the desired number of participants and travel date. The meeting point for the tour is available on Google Maps, making it easy for travelers to find the starting location.

| Step | Action |

| — | — |

| 1 | Check availability |

| 2 | Select participants and date |

| 3 | Review meeting point on Google Maps |

| 4 | Confirm booking and pay later |

The booking process is simple, allowing visitors to secure their spot and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Chinchero

Exploring Moray

The centerpiece of the day trip is the awe-inspiring Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory with a series of concentric terraces carved into a mountainside.

Experts believe the Incas used Moray to experiment with different microclimates and crops:

The terraces descend nearly 500 feet, with temperature variations of up to 27°F between the top and bottom.
This allowed the Incas to test a variety of agricultural techniques and plant species.
The circular design likely optimized air circulation and moisture retention for optimal growing conditions.
Moray’s advanced irrigation system further demonstrates the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of agronomy.

Visiting this unique site offers a glimpse into the Inca’s innovative agricultural practices.

Discovering the Maras Salt Mines

Next, the tour takes visitors to the Maras Salt Mines, where they’ll discover over 3,500 salt ponds carved into a mountainside.

This ancient site has been used since pre-Inca times, with families still harvesting salt from the ponds today. Visitors can wander through the striking landscape, observing the gradual evaporation process that creates the sparkling white salt.

The ponds’ unique layout and colors make for incredible photos. After exploring the mines, the tour continues to the nearby town of Chinchero, known for its traditional Andean textile techniques.

Visiting Chinchero

After exploring the striking Maras Salt Mines, the tour continues on to the nearby town of Chinchero.

This colorful Andean town is known as the "birthplace of the rainbow" and offers a glimpse into traditional textile production.

Visitors can expect to:

Witness skilled artisans demonstrating centuries-old weaving techniques, browse vibrant local markets, and explore Chinchero’s colonial-era church and mountain scenery.

Witness skilled artisans demonstrating centuries-old weaving techniques
Browse vibrant local markets for handmade textiles, pottery, and other crafts
Visit the colonial-era Chinchero Church with its impressive murals
Take in the stunning mountain scenery that surrounds the town
Learn about the town’s significance in Inca history and culture

Things To Know

What Should I Bring for a Picnic Lunch During the Tour?

It’s recommended to bring a packed lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Consider lightweight, non-perishable items that are easy to carry, like sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, and trail mix. This will keep you fueled during the day’s activities.

Can I Visit the Sites Independently Without a Tour Guide?

Yes, it’s possible to visit the Maras, Moray, and Chinchero sites independently without a tour guide. However, having a guide can provide valuable insights and context. Visitors can arrange their own transportation and explore the sites at their own pace.

Are There Any Handicap-Accessible Options for the Tour?

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, as the sites involve uneven terrain and stairs. There don’t appear to be any handicap-accessible options for this particular day trip.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Spend More Time at Specific Sites?

Yes, you can customize the itinerary to spend more time at specific sites. The tour operator offers flexibility to adjust the duration at each destination based on your interests and preferences.

Do the Tour Prices Include Entrance Fees to the Archaeological Sites?

Yes, the tour prices include entrance fees to the archaeological sites. The day trip covers the cost of visiting Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Chinchero, so you don’t need to worry about additional expenses.

Sum Up

This day trip from Cusco offers a chance to take in Peru’s ancient heritage. Explore the captivating Moray terraces, the historic Maras Salt Mines, and the vibrant textiles of Chinchero, all while enjoying stunning Andes mountain scenery. With a knowledgeable guide, round-trip transportation, and a reasonable price, it’s a perfect opportunity to discover the cultural riches of this region.

You can check availability for your dates here: