Chinchero, Moray and Salineras Guided Tour

This guided tour takes visitors on a journey through Peru’s agricultural heritage. You’ll get to explore the ancient Inca ruins of Moray and marvel at the salt-farming terraces of Maras. Then, head to Chinchero to learn about traditional textile techniques. With round-trip transportation and a bilingual guide, this five-hour experience promises culture. While some have reported minor logistical issues, the tour delivers unforgettable sights. So, if you’re keen to uncover Peru’s secrets, this could be the perfect adventure.

Key Points

• This guided tour visits the Inca ruins of Moray, the ancient salt mines of Salineras, and the traditional textile techniques of Chinchero over a 5-hour duration.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation from Cusco and a bilingual guide to provide insights on the historical and cultural significance of each site.
• Pricing ranges from $20 to $12 per person, with up to 40% savings, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
• Customer reviews indicate the tour provides good value for money, with some concerns about pickup timing and the overall flow and organization of the experience.
• Booking can be done online, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and the meeting point is available via Google Maps.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour provides an opportunity to explore three remarkable sites in the Cusco region: Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras.

It lasts 5 hours and costs $20 to $12 per person, with up to 40% savings. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes round-trip transportation and a bilingual guide. Highlights include Moray’s agricultural terraces, Salineras’ salt mines, and Chinchero’s traditional textile techniques.

Though transportation and value for money get mixed reviews, the tour overall has a 3.9/5 rating based on 12 reviews.

You can check availability and book online.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a 1 hour and 20 minute drive to the first destination. At Moray, you’ll explore an agricultural laboratory with circular Andean terraces used to adapt products to different climates. Next, visit the Salineras (salt mines of Maras) with over 3,500 salt ponds believed to date back to pre-Inca times. The final stop is Chinchero, known as the birthplace of the rainbow, where you’ll see the preservation of traditional Andean textile techniques. The approximate return time to Cusco is 2:00 p.m.

| Destination | Duration |

|————-|———-|

| Moray | – |

| Salineras | – |

| Chinchero | – |

Transportation and Guide

Round trip transportation is included in the tour price, allowing participants to travel from their Cusco hotels to the various sites with ease.

A bilingual guide accompanies the group, providing insights in both English and Spanish. The guide ensures a smooth experience, handling logistics and sharing information about the historical and cultural significance of each location visited.

While some reviews mention minor issues with pickup timing, the transportation and guide service are generally adequate for the tour’s value.

Customer Experience

While the tour’s transportation and guide service are generally adequate, the overall customer experience has received mixed reviews.

According to past customers:

1. Some travelers have reported issues with pickup timing, leading to frustration and delays.

2. The overall value for money has been described as average, with some feeling the tour is overpriced.

3. Organization and communication from the tour provider have been hit-or-miss, with a lack of clarity around certain aspects of the experience.

4. Despite the interesting sites visited, a few customers felt the tour lacked a cohesive flow or narrative.

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Booking Information

How does one go about booking this tour?

You’ll start by checking availability for the start times that work best for you. During the booking process, select the number of participants and the date you’d like to go.

Start by checking availability for preferred start times. During booking, select the number of participants and desired date.

The tour provides a meeting point you can find via Google Maps. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, booking is straightforward.

Just keep in mind the mixed reviews regarding organization and communication, with some travelers reporting issues with pickup timing.

Exploring Moray’s Agricultural Terraces

The tour’s first stop is Moray, an ancient Inca site known for its remarkable agricultural terraces.

These terraces are arranged in a unique circular pattern, creating microclimates that allowed the Incas to experiment with growing different crops. Visitors can explore the site and marvel at:

1. Tiered terraces descending over 100 feet

2. Temperature variations of up to 15°C between the top and bottom

3. Evidence of Inca’s advanced agricultural knowledge

4. Stunning natural beauty of the Andean landscape

This innovative farming laboratory offers a glimpse into the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of agriculture and environmental adaptation.

Discovering the Salineras of Maras

After exploring the fascinating agricultural terraces of Moray, the tour moves on to the Salineras of Maras.

These ancient salt mines feature over 3,500 salt ponds believed to date back to pre-Inca times. Visitors can witness the locals harvesting salt, a centuries-old tradition. The geometric patterns of the salt ponds make for stunning visuals.

Travelers have the chance to purchase locally-produced salt as a memento of their visit. Though the transportation and organization could use improvement, the Salineras offer a unique glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage and traditional salt-harvesting practices.

Visiting the Birthplace of the Rainbow in Chinchero

Wrapping up the tour, visitors arrive at Chinchero, known as the "birthplace of the rainbow." This Andean town preserves traditional textile techniques, allowing travelers to witness skilled weavers in action.

Highlights include:

1. Vibrant textiles and dyes derived from natural materials

2. Demonstrations of ancient weaving methods using backstrap looms

3. Opportunities to purchase handcrafted souvenirs directly from the artisans

4. Stunning views of the surrounding Andean landscape

Though the tour timing may be inconsistent, Chinchero offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Things To Know

What Are the Included Activities in This Tour?

This tour includes visiting Moray – an agricultural lab with terraces, exploring the Salineras salt mines, and stopping at Chinchero, known for its traditional Andean textile techniques. The tour also includes round-trip transportation and a bilingual guide.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Interests?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized. It’s a pre-set tour with fixed stops at Moray, Salineras, and Chinchero. However, you can request a private tour to have more flexibility in adjusting the schedule to match your interests.

Are There Any Age or Physical Ability Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age or physical ability restrictions for this tour. All travelers can participate, though it involves some moderate walking over uneven terrain. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels.

What Should I Bring With Me for the Best Experience?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, and snacks. The tour involves hiking and exploring outdoor sites, so dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery!

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs I Should Be Aware Of?

There aren’t any hidden fees. The tour price covers the transportation, guide, and entrance fees. You’ll just need to budget for any personal purchases, like souvenirs, at the sites. Oh, and don’t forget to tip the guide!

Sum Up

This guided tour offers a chance to explore Peru’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage. Visitors can explore the stunning Moray terraces, the ancient Salineras salt mines, and the traditional textiles of Chinchero. Though there are some logistics concerns, the experience provides an unforgettable glimpse into the country’s fascinating history and traditions. It’s a must-see for those seeking an immersive cultural adventure in Peru.

You can check availability for your dates here: