Explore the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Peru’s Sacred Valley on this half-day tour from Cusco. Discover the mesmerizing terraced Inca ruins of Moray, marvel at the ancient salt-making techniques of the Salineras Salt Mines, and learn about the vibrant weaving traditions of Chinchero. With knowledgeable local guides, breathtaking vistas, and a convenient itinerary, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into the wonders that await beyond Cusco’s city limits.

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Key Points

A half-day tour from Cusco that visits the archaeological site of Moray, the Maras salt mines, and a weaving workshop in Chinchero.
Priced at €22.99 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, guided visits, and entrance fees with live guides available in English and Spanish.
The tour begins in Cusco’s Plaza Regocijo, with the first stop at Chinchero to see a local weaving workshop and colonial architecture.
Visitors can explore the unique terraced landscape of Moray, which was likely used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory.
The final destination is the Salineras Salt Mines, a historic site dating back to pre-Incan times where traditional salt harvesting methods can be observed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This half-day tour from Cusco takes visitors to the Sacred Valley’s top attractions – Moray, Maras, and the Salineras Salt Mines.

Priced at €22.99 per person, the 6-hour tour includes hotel pickup, guided visits, and entrance fees.

Priced at €22.99 per person, the 6-hour tour includes hotel pickup, guided visits, and entrance fees.

Highlights include exploring Moray’s ancient irrigation system, touring Maras’ colonial architecture, and experiencing the historic Salineras salt mines.

The tour is led by live guides in English and Spanish, and features a free cancellation policy with a full refund if cancelled 24 hours in advance.

Comfortable footwear and sun protection are recommended.

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

Itinerary

The tour begins at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco, where travelers embark on their journey to the first destination, Chinchero.

After a 50-minute drive, they’ll stop for photos and visit a local weaving workshop for 40 minutes.

Next, it’s a 50-minute trip to Moray, where they’ll take a guided tour of the remarkable terraced landscape.

Continuing on, the tour stops in Maras to admire the preserved colonial architecture.

The final destination is the Salineras Salt Mines, just a 30-minute drive away. Here, travelers can explore the historic site’s 3,000 small salt-producing pools.

Chinchero

After the journey from Cusco, travelers arrive at Chinchero, an Andean village known for its vibrant artisanal culture. They stop for a photo op and visit a local weaving workshop, seeing the traditional techniques passed down through generations. The lively market offers a chance to browse handcrafted textiles, pottery, and other souvenirs.

| Chinchero Highlights | |

|———————|–|

| Photo Stop | Capture the scenic Andean landscape |

| Weaving Workshop | Witness skilled artisans at work |

| Local Market | Browse authentic handicrafts |

| Colonial Architecture| Admire the preserved stone buildings|

| Shopping | Find unique, handmade treasures |

Chinchero’s vibrant culture and heritage provide a compelling start to the tour’s exploration of the Sacred Valley.

Moray

Leaving Chinchero behind, the tour group travels for approximately 50 minutes to reach the archaeological site of Moray.

This impressive Inca site features a series of terraced circular depressions, which were likely used as an agricultural laboratory. Guided by an expert, the group explores the site, learning about the intricate irrigation system and the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of microclimates.

The terraced bowls are believed to have allowed the Inca to experiment with different crops and growing conditions. Visitors can wander along the paths, snapping photos of the unique landform and imagining the site’s agricultural purpose.

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Maras

Next, the tour group travels for approximately 30 minutes to reach the town of Maras.

This well-preserved colonial town is known for its stunning architecture, featuring fine stone buildings.

The group will have the opportunity to:

Admire the town’s preserved colonial architecture, wander through the charming streets and plazas, and observe the locals going about their daily lives.

Admire the town’s preserved colonial architecture
Wander through the charming streets and plazas
Observe the locals going about their daily lives

Maras provides a glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage, complementing the earlier visits to Chinchero and Moray.

There's plenty more to explore in Chinchero

Salineras Salt Mines

The tour group then travels for approximately 30 minutes to reach the Salineras Salt Mines. This historic site dates back to pre-Incan times and continues to produce salt for the region. Visitors can explore the thousands of small salt pools, marveling at the intricate network that has been in use for centuries. The salt production process is a sight to behold, with locals using traditional methods to harvest the valuable mineral.

| Sight | Feeling |

|———————-|——————-|

| Thousands of salt pools | Awe |

| Centuries-old process | Appreciation |

| Locals at work | Admiration |

| Stunning landscape | Wonder |

| Ancient history | Fascination |

Highlights

The tour offers a chance to discover Chinchero’s Andean village and its artisan workshop, where visitors can witness the skilled craftsmanship of local weavers.

The itinerary also includes:

Exploring Moray’s stunning terraced landscape, an impressive Inca irrigation system
Visiting Maras, a well-preserved colonial town with fine stone buildings
Experiencing the Salineras salt mines, a historic site dating back to pre-Incan times and still producing salt for the region

These highlights provide a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of the Sacred Valley.

Inclusions and Costs

Although the tour price is €22.99 per person, the inclusions make it a value-packed experience.

The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco and admission fees to the top attractions – Moray (70 soles) and the Salt Mines (20 soles).

Travelers will visit a weaving workshop in Chinchero, explore the agricultural terraces of Moray, and experience the Salineras salt mines.

With a professional guide available in both Spanish and English, the tour ensures an engaging and informative journey through these remarkable Andean sites.

The reasonable price and comprehensive inclusions make this half-day tour an excellent way to discover the Sacred Valley.

Things To Know

Can I Cancel the Tour at Any Time?

You can cancel the tour for a full refund if done at least 24 hours in advance. After that, there’s no guarantee of a refund as it depends on the tour provider’s policies.

Is Transportation to the Starting Point Included?

Yes, hotel pickup in Cusco is included in the tour price. The tour departs from Plaza Regocijo, so transportation to the starting point is provided as part of the overall package.

Are Professional Photographs of the Tour Available for Purchase?

The tour doesn’t offer professional photographs for purchase. Participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras to capture the scenic landscapes and cultural experiences during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator encourages guests to pack snacks and water to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day’s activities.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Tour?

There is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. Individuals are welcome to join the tour, which runs with no minimum number of participants. The tour operates with a live guide in Spanish and English.

Sum Up

This half-day tour from Cusco offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the ancient Inca ruins of Moray, marvel at the unique salt ponds of Maras, and discover the vibrant weaving traditions of Chinchero. With convenient hotel pickup, guided visits, and reasonable pricing, it’s an ideal way to experience the natural beauty and historical significance of this remarkable region.

You can check availability for your dates here: