Chinchero, Moray, Salt Mines With Drop-Off in Ollantaytambo

Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines are a must-see trio of destinations in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Visitors can enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage, from vibrant textile cooperatives to ancient Inca engineering marvels. While the sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, the real magic lies in how they continue to shape the lives of the local communities today. Uncover the stories that lie beneath the surface, and discover why this tour is a true highlight of any Peruvian adventure.

Key Points

• This guided tour from Cusco explores the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including archaeological sites like Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
• The tour is priced from $35.00 per person and includes transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance tickets, and a buffet lunch in Urubamba.
• Highlights include experiencing the woven textile traditions of Chinchero, discovering the unique agricultural terraces of Moray, and visiting the grand ruins of Ollantaytambo.
• The tour is not recommended for certain individuals due to factors such as altitude, stairs, and physical limitations.
• Visitors can expect a comprehensive tour experience with insights into Inca history and culture, as well as drop-off at Plaza Regocijos in Cusco.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The guided tour from Cusco explores the Sacred Valley of the Incas over a full day. Priced from $35.00 per person, the 12.5-hour adventure includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later. The tour visits archaeological sites like Chinchero, Maras Salt Mines, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq.

Highlights include learning about ancient weaving and Moray’s unique terraces, plus a buffet lunch featuring local cuisine in Urubamba.

Transportation, a bilingual guide, and necessary entrance tickets are provided. However, the tour isn’t suitable for certain guests, so it’s important to review the important information.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors will explore a range of archeological sites on this comprehensive tour, including the woven textile traditions of Chinchero, the unique agricultural terraces of Moray, and the remarkable Maras Salt Mines.

In Chinchero, they’ll learn about ancient weaving processes. At Moray, they’ll discover the history behind the site’s distinctive terraced bowls, once used for agricultural experimentation.

The tour also includes the grand ruins of Ollantaytambo and the colorful market at Pisaq.

Throughout the day, guests will enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local Peruvian cuisine in the town of Urubamba.

Inclusions and Transportation

As part of the comprehensive tour, the package includes pickup from downtown hotels in Cusco or a designated meeting point for private accommodations.

Throughout the day, travelers will be accompanied by a bilingual tour guide who can provide information in both English and Spanish.

Travelers will be accompanied by a bilingual tour guide who can provide information in both English and Spanish throughout the day.

The tour includes bus transportation to explore the various sites across the Sacred Valley.

After visiting the salt mines, a buffet lunch featuring local cuisine will be served at a restaurant in Urubamba.

Finally, the tour will conclude with drop-off at Plaza Regocijos in Cusco.

Important Information

Though not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, or those susceptible to altitude sickness, the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Sacred Valley.

Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, and cash for entrance fees, as they’re only accepted in local currency. Be prepared to climb 200 steps to reach the summit of Ollantaytambo without an elevator.

The tour groups are bilingual, and it’s essential to check availability for the desired start time, as the attractions are spread out, leading to significant travel time by bus.

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Tour Logistics

Checking availability for the desired starting time is crucial, as the attractions on this tour are spread out across the Sacred Valley, necessitating significant travel time by bus.

Groups are bilingual, so the tour guide will provide commentary in both English and Spanish.

Climbing 200 steps is required to reach the summit of Ollantaytambo, but there’s no elevator access.

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, or those prone to altitude sickness.

Bringing your passport, comfortable shoes, and cash for entrance fees is essential, as tickets can only be purchased in local currency.

Exploring Chinchero

The tour begins with a visit to Chinchero, a picturesque Andean town known for its vibrant textile traditions.

Guests explore an ancient Inca archaeological site, marveling at the well-preserved walls and plazas. They then visit a local weaving cooperative, where skilled artisans demonstrate the traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Visitors learn about the significance of natural dyes and intricate weaving patterns, gaining an appreciation for this living Quechua heritage.

After browsing the vibrant marketplace, the group departs for the next destination, eager to uncover more of the Sacred Valley’s rich cultural tapestry.

Discovering Moray’s Unique Terraces

As the group departs Chinchero, they soon arrive at the remarkable archaeological site of Moray.

The guide explains that Moray was an Inca experimental agricultural station, featuring a series of terraced depressions carved into the earth. The largest crater measures 98 feet deep, with concentric circular terraces descending down the sides.

The Incas used these unique terraces to study the effects of temperature, humidity, and solar radiation on their crops.

The Incas leveraged the terraced depressions of Moray to study the impact of environmental factors on their agricultural practices.

Visitors marvel at the site’s ingenious design and incredible scale, gaining insights into the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices and innovation.

Unearthing the Maras Salt Mines

Continuing their journey through the Sacred Valley, the group makes its way to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines. For centuries, local families have harvested salt from the salt pans carved into the hillside. The process is labor-intensive, with workers collecting the salt by hand and drying it in the sun.

• The salt mines are a stunning sight, with geometric patterns of white salt contrasting against the red earth.

• Visitors can observe the salt harvesting process and learn about the history and cultural significance of this ancient practice.

• The salt from Maras is renowned for its purity and unique flavor, prized by chefs and foodies worldwide.

• Exploring the mines provides a fascinating glimpse into the enduring traditions of the Andes.

Things To Know

How Do I Get Back to Cusco After the Tour?

The tour includes drop-off at Plaza Regocijos in Cusco, so you’ll be returned to your starting point in the city after the full-day adventure exploring the Sacred Valley sites. Just sit back and enjoy the scenic ride back.

What Should I Bring for the Optional Train to Machu Picchu?

For the optional train to Machu Picchu, you’ll need your passport, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and cash for any additional entrance fees or purchases. It’s also a good idea to pack snacks and a water bottle.

Can I Book This Tour in Other Languages Besides English and Spanish?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish, but other languages may be available upon request. Customers should check with the tour provider to see if guides in their preferred language can be arranged.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Lunch to a Private Meal?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade the lunch to a private meal. Customers can request a private, gourmet dining experience instead of the included buffet lunch for an additional fee. This provides a more personalized and elevated dining experience during the tour.

Can I Visit Additional Sites in the Sacred Valley on My Own?

Yes, you can visit additional sites in the Sacred Valley on your own after the guided tour. The tour provides an overview, but you’re free to explore other Inca ruins and villages at your own pace.

Sum Up

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the captivating cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley. From the vibrant textiles of Chinchero to the ancient Inca engineering marvels of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, each destination provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history. Culminating with a drop-off in Ollantaytambo, this immersive experience is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here: