Nestled within the Andean highlands, the historic city of Cusco serves as a gateway to a captivating exploration of Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant tapestry of Chinchero’s artisanal traditions, marvel at the ancient engineering feats of Moray and Maras, and uncover the awe-inspiring grandeur of Ollantaytambo’s Inca fortress. This comprehensive tour promises to unveil the intricate stories woven throughout the region, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Inca Empire.

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Good To Know

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s cultural and historical highlights, including visits to Chinchero, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo.
The tour is priced at $80.00 for a group of up to 3 participants, with transportation, tips, and entrance tickets included.
Visitors can enjoy Cusquenian culture and Inca history, with opportunities to witness traditional weaving techniques and explore ancient agricultural sites.
The tour itinerary includes a visit to the Colonial Church of Chinchero, the circular terraces of Moray, the historic salt ponds of Maras, and the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo.
The private group experience with an English and Spanish-speaking driver/guide provides a hassle-free way to discover the cultural and historical wonders of the Cusco region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour includes visits to the cultural and historical sites of Chinchero, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo, and is priced from $80.00 per group of up to 3 participants.

The tour lasts 5 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

A 5-hour tour with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required for reservation.

The tour explores Cusquenian culture, ancestral textiles, and Inca history, with highlights like the Colonial Church of Chinchero, Moray’s circular terraces, and Ollantaytambo’s impressive fortress.

Transportation, tips, and entrance tickets are included in the price.

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

Cultural and Historical Highlights

Though the tour explores Cusquenian culture and ancestral Inca history, it also allows visitors to experience the living traditions of the region.

Travelers can visit the Colonial Church of Chinchero and browse the traditional market known for handmade weavings.

At Moray, they’ll discover the Incas’ circular terraces used for agricultural experimentation.

The tour culminates at Ollantaytambo’s impressive fortress, agricultural terraces, and temples, providing a glimpse into the empire’s engineering feats and architectural wonders.

Throughout the experience, participants enjoy the vibrant tapestry of Cusco’s cultural and historical heritage.

Itinerary Details

The tour commences with a departure from the meeting point to Chinchero, located 28 km from Cusco.

At Chinchero, visitors explore the local market and learn about traditional weaving techniques.

Next, the group travels to Moray to discover the Inca’s agricultural experimentation on the site’s circular terraces.

The journey continues to Maras, where participants witness the historic salt ponds and salt extraction processes.

Finally, the tour concludes at the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, where guests tour the impressive fortress, agricultural terraces, and temples.

Transportation and Services

This tour provides a private group experience with an English and Spanish-speaking driver/guide.

All transportation to the established destinations is included, ensuring a seamless journey. Entrance tickets to the sites are also covered, so there’s no need to worry about additional expenses.

The driver/guide will be available throughout the tour to share insights and answer any questions, enhancing the overall experience.

The driver/guide will be on hand throughout the tour to provide insights and address any queries, enriching the overall experience.

With this comprehensive package, travelers can focus on seeing the cultural and historical wonders of Chinchero, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo without the hassle of logistics.

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Experiences at Chinchero

As visitors arrive at Chinchero, they’ll be greeted by the vibrant colors and intricate weaving techniques of the local artisans.

This traditional market is known for its handmade textiles, offering a glimpse into Cusquenian culture:

Witness skilled weavers using ancient methods to create vibrant tapestries, ponchos, and other textiles.
Browse the market stalls for unique handicrafts, including intricate weavings, pottery, and jewelry.
Learn about the significance of natural dyes and wool from alpacas and sheep in traditional Andean textiles.
Explore the Colonial Church, a reminder of Chinchero’s rich history and the blending of Inca and Spanish influences.

There's plenty more to explore in Chinchero

Exploring Moray’s Circular Terraces

After exploring the vibrant market and colonial church in Chinchero, the tour moves on to the remarkable Moray.

This ancient Inca site features a series of concentric circular terraces used for agricultural experimentation.

Descending down the terraces, visitors can observe the dramatic temperature differences between each level, a result of the Inca’s advanced understanding of microclimates.

Experts believe the terraces allowed the Incas to cultivate a diverse range of crops, testing which varieties thrived in the unique environmental conditions.

Wandering through this unique archaeological wonder provides insight into the Inca’s innovative farming techniques.

Visiting the Historic Maras Salt Ponds

From Moray, the tour continues to the historic Maras salt ponds, where visitors can observe the traditional salt extraction process.

The salt ponds, dating back to Inca times, feature a series of terraced ponds carved into the mountainside. Guests can witness local workers harvesting salt by scooping the mineral-rich water into the ponds, allowing it to evaporate and leave behind salt crystals.

The ponds offer a glimpse into an age-old practice that has sustained the local community for centuries. The striking visual of the ponds against the rugged landscape makes for an unforgettable experience.

Discovering Ollantaytambo’s Impressive Fortress

The tour concludes at the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo, a testament to the Inca’s remarkable engineering and architectural prowess.

This archaeological site features massive stone structures, agricultural terraces, and temple complexes. Visitors can explore the formidable stone walls and imagine the strategic significance of this fortress in Inca times.

The Incas used Ollantaytambo as a royal estate and a military stronghold, taking advantage of the site’s natural defenses.

Today, it offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and sophistication of the Inca civilization, leaving visitors in awe of its scale and grandeur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit additional sites. Travelers can work with the tour operator to add or modify the itinerary based on their interests and preferences, subject to availability and additional costs.

What Should I Bring for the Tour?

Travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, snacks, and some extra cash for optional purchases. It’s also a good idea to pack light layers in case the weather changes during the tour.

Are There Any Age or Physical Restrictions?

There are no age or physical restrictions for this tour, but guests should be able to walk on uneven terrain and stairs. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, and the driver/guide can accommodate special needs with advance notice.

Can I Pay in a Different Currency?

The tour allows payment in different currencies, though the listed price is in US dollars. Customers can inquire about paying in other accepted currencies when booking the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration. The tour operator offers flexible options, allowing you to customize the experience and spend more time exploring the sites based on your interests and needs.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour through Cusco’s ancient sites offers a unique window into the region’s rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant local market and traditional weaving in Chinchero to the innovative agricultural terraces of Moray and the historic salt ponds of Maras, this journey culminates at the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, showcasing the enduring legacy of the Inca civilization.

You can check availability for your dates here: