Maras, Moray & Chinchero Indigenous Market – Full Day

Explore the rich cultural tapestry of the Andean region with this immersive tour. Discover the artisan community in Chinchero, witnessing age-old techniques of llama wool and alpaca fiber treatment. Journey to the remarkable Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray, showcasing advanced practices. Then, uncover the secrets of the ancient salt mines in Salineras de Maras, where sustainable salt production methods thrive. This captivating experience promises to transport you back in time, revealing the enduring traditions that define the Andean way of life.

Key Points

• A full-day tour exploring the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray, the natural salt mine of Salineras de Maras, and the artisan community in Chinchero.
• Visitors can observe demonstrations of traditional weaving, spinning, and dyeing techniques, and have the opportunity to purchase unique handmade products.
• The tour provides insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region, showcasing the advanced agricultural knowledge and sustainable practices of the Andean people.
• The tour is available in English, Spanish, and German, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance with no upfront payment required.
• The tour is limited to a small group of 6 participants, allowing for a more personalized and interactive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Maras, Moray & Chinchero Indigenous Market – Full Day" tour offers an immersive experience for visitors, with a price starting from $22.00 per person.

The 3-hour small group tour is limited to 6 participants and available in English, Spanish, and German. Customers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

The tour includes photo stops, guided tours, and walking, covering the artisan community in Chinchero, the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray, and the natural salt mine of Salineras de Maras.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at Diagonal 120 in Maras, the tour takes visitors on an exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The first stop is the artisan community in Chinchero, where locals demonstrate the traditional treatment of llama wool and alpaca fiber.

Next, the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray reveals its semi-circular platforms used for crop adaptation.

The tour then visits the Salineras de Maras, a natural salt mine with a long history of local dietary use.

Throughout, there will be photo stops, guided tours, and approximately 5 hours of walking before returning to the starting point.

What to Expect at Artisan Community in Chinchero

As visitors arrive at the artisan community in Chinchero, they’ll witness the intricate process of preparing llama wool and alpaca fiber.

Local weavers demonstrate traditional techniques, from sorting the fibers to spinning and dyeing them. Visitors can watch craftspeople skillfully transform the raw materials into colorful textiles and garments.

This hands-on experience provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with the artisans, learn about their techniques, and even purchase some of the unique handmade products as souvenirs.

Exploring the Inca Agricultural Laboratory of Moray

After exploring the vibrant artisan community in Chinchero, the tour moves on to the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray.

This unique site features semi-circular terraces carved into the earth, designed as an experimental crop cultivation system. Visitors can marvel at the intricate engineering and explore how the Incas used these platforms to adapt and grow a variety of crops, including potatoes, corn, and quinoa.

The temperature difference between the top and bottom terraces creates microclimate zones, allowing the Incas to test different growing conditions. This innovative approach demonstrates the Incas’ advanced agricultural knowledge.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering the Salineras De Maras: Natural Salt Mine

The tour then leads visitors to the Salineras de Maras, a remarkable natural salt mine with a rich history. Nestled in the Andes, this ancient salt production site dates back to Inca times. Thousands of salt ponds dot the hillside, each one meticulously maintained by local families who have harvested the precious mineral for generations. Visitors can observe the traditional techniques used to collect the salt, which is then sold in nearby markets. The Salineras de Maras offer a glimpse into the enduring traditions and sustainable practices of the Andean people.

| Salt Pond Characteristics | | | | |

|———-|———-|———-|———-|———-|

| Elevation | 11,000 ft | Temp. | 45-75°F | pH | 5.5-6.5 |

| Water Salinity | 200-300 g/L | Size | 5×5 ft | Harvest Cycle | 30 days |

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes several key inclusions to provide a comprehensive Andean experience.

Pickup from your Cusco hotel, professional bilingual guides, and transport to the destinations are all included. Entrance fees to the Maras salt mines, Moray archaeological site, and Chinchero market are covered. Guests can also opt for an affordable buffet lunch.

The tour operates with small groups of up to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. While hotel drop-off isn’t included, the tour conveniently returns you to the starting point in Cusco.

Customer Feedback and Experiences

While the tour generally receives positive reviews, one customer reported a few issues with their experience.

Ahmed from the Netherlands described a 3-hour wait for transportation and high phone charges while contacting customer service.

Despite these inconveniences, the tour still seems to offer a compelling experience for visitors:

The tour still offers a compelling experience for visitors, including exploring Andean markets, visiting Inca agricultural sites, and observing traditional textile production.

• Explore the Andean market of Pisac, Maras, and Moray with a professional bilingual guide.

• Visit the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray and the natural salt mine of Salineras de Maras.

• Observe the traditional treatment of llama wool and alpaca fiber in the artisan community of Chinchero.

Additional Information and Considerations

If planning to join this tour, it’s important to check availability for the desired start times, as the itineraries may be subject to change.

The meeting point is in Cusco, with pickup scheduled between 7:30 and 8:00 am.

The full-day excursion covers an artisan community in Chinchero, the Inca agricultural site of Moray, and the natural salt mines of Maras.

The tour includes photo stops, guided tours, and walking for a total of 5 hours. An optional buffet lunch can be added for an additional cost.

Things To Know

What Are the Recommended Clothing and Footwear for the Tour?

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes and layers are recommended for the tour. Dress in lightweight, breathable fabrics to accommodate changing weather conditions. Bring sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen as well.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Level Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age or fitness restrictions for participants. The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, as it involves moderate walking and sightseeing. Participants should be able to walk for several hours comfortably.

Can I Modify the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Travelers can choose to focus on specific sites based on their interests. The tour operator is flexible and willing to adjust the itinerary to meet the needs of each group.

Are There Opportunities to Interact With Local Artisans?

The tour includes an opportunity to visit an artisan community in Chinchero, where visitors can learn about the traditional treatment of llama wool and alpaca fiber. This allows for direct interaction with local artisans and their craftsmanship.

What COVID-19 Safety Measures Are in Place for the Tour?

The tour company follows local COVID-19 guidelines, which may include mask-wearing, social distancing, and limited group sizes. Specific safety measures are subject to change, so customers should check with the provider for the latest updates.

Sum Up

This immersive cultural tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Andean region’s rich heritage. Visitors can witness traditional artisanal practices, explore the Inca agricultural wonder of Moray, and appreciate the sustainable salt production at the ancient Salineras de Maras. It’s an engaging and enlightening experience for those seeking to connect with the area’s indigenous traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: