Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras Day Tour Cusco

The Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras Day Tour in Cusco offers an incredible opportunity to explore the region’s rich Inca heritage. From the vibrant Chinchero District to the unique agricultural terraces of Moray and the ancient salt ponds of Salineras, this 6-hour adventure provides a comprehensive look into the traditional Andean culture. With professional guides and transportation included, the tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience. But what makes this day tour truly stand out? Let’s dive deeper into the details.

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Key Points

A 6-hour tour exploring significant Inca archaeological sites, including Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras, departing from Cusco at 9:00 AM.
The tour price is $16 per person and includes live English and Spanish guides, transportation, guided tours, and demonstrations of traditional techniques.
Key highlights of the tour include the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, the 17th-century colonial church in Chinchero, and the ancient salt production site of Salineras.
The tour package includes professional guides, air-conditioned coach transportation, demonstration of traditional dyeing and weaving techniques, and entrance fees for Moray and Salineras.
Preparation and restrictions include recommended items, suitability for individuals with physical limitations, and expected uneven surfaces, varying temperatures, and potential weather changes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras Day Tour from Cusco offers a comprehensive exploration of some of the most significant Inca archaeological sites in the region.

A comprehensive exploration of the most significant Inca archaeological sites around Cusco, including Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras.

Priced at just $16 per person, the 6-hour tour departs from Plaza Regocijo in Cusco and visits Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras.

Travelers will enjoy live English and Spanish guides, free cancellation, and the option to reserve without upfront payment.

The itinerary includes transportation by air-conditioned van, guided tours, and demonstrations of traditional dyeing and weaving techniques.

Participants should prepare for uneven surfaces, varying temperatures, and weather conditions.

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

Itinerary Details

The tour departs from Plaza Regocijo in Cusco at 9:00 AM and travels by van for 40 minutes to reach the Chinchero District, where you will have a 40-minute visit.

They’ll then journey 40 minutes to Moray for a guided tour of 40 minutes.

Next, it’s a 30-minute drive to Salineras de Maras, where they’ll have a 40-minute guided tour of the over 3,000 salt ponds used for artisanal salt extraction.

The tour returns to Plaza Regocijo around 2:00 PM. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights of the Tour

Explorers can marvel at the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, where the indigenous people experimented with diverse crops in microclimates. They’ll also visit Chinchero’s 17th-century colonial church and discover the colorful murals there. Guests can learn about traditional dyeing and alpaca wool weaving techniques during the tour. The highlight is undoubtedly the Salineras de Maras, an ancient salt production site with over 3,000 small salt ponds used for artisanal salt extraction. This tour provides a unique opportunity to understand Inca agricultural practices and witness the preservation of traditional Andean crafts.

| Highlights | Description |

|————|————-|

| Moray | Explore Inca agricultural terraces where diverse crops were grown in microclimates. |

| Chinchero | Visit a 17th-century colonial church and see colorful murals. |

| Weaving | Learn about traditional dyeing and alpaca wool weaving techniques. |

| Salineras | Discover an ancient salt production site with over 3,000 small salt ponds. |

Inclusions in the Tour Package

This tour package includes a professional guide who’ll provide insights throughout the excursion.

You’ll travel by air-conditioned coach to each destination. At Chinchero, you’ll witness a demonstration of traditional dyeing and weaving techniques.

Entrance fees for Moray and Salineras are covered, allowing you to explore these Inca archaeological sites fully. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included, ensuring a seamless experience.

However, the tour doesn’t accommodate wheelchair users or individuals with mobility issues or severe back problems. Be prepared for uneven surfaces, varying temperatures, and weather conditions during this 6-hour adventure.

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Preparation and Restrictions

Although comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended for this tour, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, individuals with mobility issues, or those with severe back problems.

The itinerary involves uneven surfaces, varying temperatures, and potential weather changes, so participants should be prepared for these conditions.

The tour involves walking and standing for extended periods, so those with physical limitations may find it challenging.

It’s advisable to consider these restrictions before booking the tour to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Chinchero District

Exploring Chinchero’s Colonial Heritage

The tour begins with a visit to the colonial town of Chinchero, known for its 17th-century church and vibrant murals.

Visitors explore the church’s intricate architecture and discover the unique blend of Spanish and Inca influences.

The tour then transitions to a demonstration of traditional dyeing and alpaca wool weaving techniques, providing insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Travelers have the opportunity to observe skilled artisans at work and learn about the intricate process of creating these traditional textiles, gaining a deeper appreciation for the local craftsmanship.

Discovering the Inca Ruins of Moray

After exploring the colonial charm of Chinchero, the tour heads to the Inca ruins of Moray.

This remarkable archaeological site showcases the Inca’s advanced agricultural experimentation.

Visitors can admire:

The series of concentric, circular terraces descending into the earth like an ancient amphitheater.
The microclimate conditions created by the terraces, which allowed the Inca to test diverse crops.
The sheer engineering feat of constructing such a complex, yet functional, agricultural laboratory in the highlands.

The guided tour provides valuable insights into the Inca’s innovative farming practices and their understanding of diverse microclimates.

Visiting the Salt Ponds of Salineras De Maras

Departing Moray, the tour then heads to the captivating Salineras de Maras – a vast landscape of over 3,000 individual salt ponds.

Visitors walk through the salt ponds, learning about the ancient Inca salt extraction process. Guides explain how the ponds are filled with salty spring water, which evaporates in the sun, leaving behind the precious salt crystals.

Visitors walk through the salt ponds, learning about the ancient Inca salt extraction process as guides explain the evaporation of salty spring water.

Guests witness the locals harvesting the salt by hand, maintaining a tradition that’s been passed down for generations.

The tour provides a unique glimpse into this remarkable manifestation of Inca agricultural engineering and the resilient community who sustain it.

Things To Know

Can I Book This Tour if I’m Traveling Solo?

Yes, solo travelers can book this tour. The tour accepts individual bookings, and there’s no minimum group size requirement. Solo travelers will join other participants on the shared van transportation and guided activities.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour operator may allow you to customize the itinerary to better suit your interests. However, they’ll likely require advance notice and the changes may incur additional costs. It’s best to discuss any customization requests directly with the tour company.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snacks and Water?

No, you don’t need to bring your own snacks and water. The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and the guide will provide entrance fees and transportation. Travelers only need to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, and sunscreen.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement. It’s an open-enrollment tour that operates daily, so you can book it even if you’re the only participant.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour if Needed?

The tour duration can’t be extended, but participants can customize the itinerary within the 6-hour time frame. Any changes would need to be coordinated with the tour guide to ensure all highlights are covered.

Sum Up

The Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras Day Tour offers an immersive experience exploring Inca heritage and Andean culture. With professional guides, transportation, and insights into Inca practices, this 6-hour adventure showcases the vibrant Chinchero District, unique agricultural terraces of Moray, and ancient salt ponds of Salineras. It’s an enriching opportunity to discover the stunning landscapes and cultural traditions of the Cusco region.

You can check availability for your dates here: