Chinchero, Maras, Moray and Salt Mines From Cusco

Nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, the tour from Cusco to Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage. From the vibrant local markets to the innovative Inca engineering, this journey uncovers a tapestry of traditions that have endured for centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this tour promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the Andes.

Key Points

• This private full-day tour from Cusco allows visitors to explore the adobe church and vibrant local markets of Chinchero.
• The tour also takes visitors to Moray, an Inca agricultural research site with circular terraces for crop experimentation.
• The final stop is the Maras Salt Mines, where travelers can observe the hand-built terraced salt pools used for salt evaporation.
• The tour is customizable and led by an English-fluent local guide, providing an immersive experience.
• The itinerary includes approximately 1 hour of travel time to Chinchero from Cusco.

Tour Overview

This private full-day tour from Cusco allows visitors to explore the notable sites of Chinchero, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and can be customized to match guests’ interests for personalized attention.

At Chinchero, travelers visit an original adobe church and local markets known for colorful textiles and handicrafts.

Visitors to Chinchero can explore an original adobe church and browse local markets known for vibrant textiles and handicrafts.

The tour then moves to Moray, where circular Inca terraces served as an agricultural research station.

Finally, visitors observe the hand-built terraced salt pools of Maras.

Admission fees and meals aren’t included in the tour price.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors begin the tour by exploring Chinchero, where they can admire the original adobe church and browse the local markets renowned for their vibrant textiles and crafts.

Next, they’ll discover Moray, an Inca agricultural research site featuring circular terraces used for experimenting with crops at different altitudes.

The final stop is the Maras Salt Mines, where they’ll observe the hand-built terraced pools used for salt evaporation.

Throughout the day, the tour is customizable to the interests of the group, allowing for a personalized experience led by an English-fluent local guide.

Chinchero: Exploring the Adobe Church and Local Markets

Why begin the tour at Chinchero? The village is home to an original adobe church and bustling local markets known for their colorful textiles and handicrafts.

Visitors can explore the church’s intricate murals and browse the stalls selling traditional Andean wares. The market is a lively hub where locals gather to buy and sell their wares.

Travelers can interact with the vendors, learning about the region’s rich cultural heritage as reflected in the crafts on display.

Chinchero offers an immersive introduction to Cusco’s unique blend of Inca and colonial influences.

Moray: Discovering the Inca Agricultural Research Station

After exploring the cultural richness of Chinchero, the tour progresses to the ancient Inca site of Moray.

Visitors discover intriguing circular terraces, an Inca agricultural research station used for experimenting with crops at different altitudes. The terraces descend 490 feet, creating a natural microclimate ideal for testing the growth and adaptability of various plants.

Experts believe the Incas utilized this unique site to develop more resilient crops, a testament to their advanced understanding of agriculture.

Moray offers a glimpse into the Inca’s innovative approach to food production in the Andes.

Maras Salt Mines: Observing the Hand-Built Terraced Pools

The tour then proceeds to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines, where visitors observe the hand-built terraced pools used for salt evaporation.

The Inca and their descendants have operated these mines for centuries, harvesting salt from the naturally occurring brine springs.

Tourists witness the process of salt extraction, as workers scoop the crystallized salt from the shallow pools and package it for sale.

The striking visual of the terraced salt pans, set against the surrounding Andean landscape, makes for a captivating and memorable experience on this comprehensive tour from Cusco.

Tour Details

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour to reach Chinchero, with specific times allocated for each site along the way.

Admission fees for the archaeological sites must be paid in the local currency, Soles. Meals and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

The tour is operated by a local guide fluent in English and isn’t wheelchair accessible. A minimum of 2 people is required per booking.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, but most travelers can participate.

The tour price starts from $130.00 per person and is non-refundable.

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this tour, which is operated by a local guide fluent in English.

This tour is operated by a local guide fluent in English, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, and a minimum of 2 people is required per booking. While most travelers can participate, it’s not recommended for those with back problems.

The tour price is non-refundable and starts from $130.00 per person. Based on 7 reviews, the tour has a rating of 5.0, with no negative feedback on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Admission fees for the archaeological sites must be paid in the local currency, Soles, which aren’t included in the tour price.

Pricing and Reviews

Although the tour price starts from $130.00 per person and is non-refundable, it has received a stellar 5.0 rating based on 7 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor, with no negative feedback from customers.

The tour provides private full-day transportation from Cusco, visiting the highlights of Chinchero, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines. It’s customizable to individual interests, ensuring personalized attention from the local English-fluent guide.

With a combination of impressive archaeological sites, colorful markets, and unique natural wonders, this tour offers an enriching and memorable experience for visitors to the Cusco region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized for Different Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit individual interests. The overview states the tour is "customizable to interests for personalized attention", allowing travelers to personalize their experience.

Is It Possible to Visit These Sites Individually Instead of a Full-Day Tour?

Yes, it’s possible to visit these sites individually rather than as a full-day tour. The tour operator offers flexibility to customize the itinerary based on visitors’ interests and time constraints.

What Types of Handicrafts Can Be Purchased at the Local Markets?

The local markets in Chinchero are known for their colorful textiles and handcrafted items, including traditional weavings, pottery, and jewelry. Visitors can find a variety of unique souvenirs and handicrafts to purchase as mementos of their trip.

Is It Possible to Take Photographs Inside the Chinchero Church?

Yes, visitors can take photographs inside the Chinchero church, though they should be respectful and avoid disrupting any ongoing religious services. Photography is generally permitted, but it’s best to ask the church staff before taking pictures.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age or fitness restrictions, but it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems. Most travelers can participate, as long as there’s a minimum of 2 people per booking.

The Sum Up

The tour from Cusco to Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage. Visitors can explore an original adobe church, vibrant local markets, impressive circular terraces, and hand-built terraced pools used for salt evaporation, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Andean landscape. This cultural experience provides a memorable and enriching journey through Peru’s history and traditions.