The "Cusco: Chinchero, Moray, and Salt Mines Tour" takes travelers on an immersive journey through the Sacred Valley’s rich cultural heritage. From exploring traditional textile workshops to marveling at ancient Inca agricultural terraces, this guided adventure offers a chance to uncover the region’s captivating history. But the real gem might just be the Maras Salt Mines, where centuries-old salt harvesting techniques are still in use today. What secrets do these salt ponds hold?

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Key Points

This tour offers a comprehensive cultural and historical exploration of the Cusco region, covering the Chinchero textile workshops, Moray agricultural terraces, and Maras salt mines.
Visitors can learn about ancient Inca weaving techniques, witness the sophisticated irrigation system at Moray, and observe the traditional salt harvesting process at Maras.
The tour provides efficient transportation and knowledgeable bilingual guides, allowing for a seamless and informative experience.
Panoramic views of the Andes mountains and the Sacred Valley enhance the culture throughout the tour.
The tour duration is approximately 5-6 hours, making it an efficient way to explore multiple highlights of the Cusco region.

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Tour Overview

This tour, titled "Cusco: Chinchero, Moray, and Salt Mines Tour," offers a comprehensive exploration of three remarkable Andean destinations.

Priced competitively at $14.96 per person, the 5-6 hour journey includes guided visits in English or Spanish.

Pickup is provided from downtown hotels, with a meeting point for those staying elsewhere.

Highlights include learning about traditional textile weaving in Chinchero, understanding the unique irrigation system at the Inka agricultural terraces of Moray, and observing the salt evaporation process at the pre-Inka salt mines of Maras.

With efficient transportation and knowledgeable bilingual guides, this tour provides an enriching experience.

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

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins in the Chinchero District, where visitors spend 45 minutes exploring traditional textile workshops.

They learn about ancient weaving techniques and enjoy panoramic views of the Chicon and Pitusiray Mountains.

Next, the tour moves to Moray, where guests explore the ancient Inka agricultural terraces for 45 minutes, understanding the unique irrigation system.

The final stop is the Maras Salt Mines, where a guided tour (45 minutes) allows visitors to observe the salt evaporation process in small pools.

A guided tour (45 minutes) at the Maras Salt Mines allows visitors to observe the salt evaporation process in small pools.

The tour provides an immersive experience into the region’s cultural and historical heritage.

Chinchero District

Visitors spend 45 minutes exploring traditional textile workshops in the Chinchero District. They learn about ancient weaving techniques that have been passed down for generations.

Skilled artisans demonstrate the intricate process of dyeing and weaving alpaca and sheep wool into vibrant textiles. Guests witness the creation of colorful textiles, from combing the raw fiber to the final product.

The tour also offers panoramic views of the Chicon and Pitusiray Mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop to the cultural experience.

Chinchero’s rich textile heritage and stunning natural setting make it a highlight of the tour.

Moray

After exploring the textile workshops in Chinchero, the tour then takes visitors to the ancient Inka agricultural terraces of Moray.

Visitors have 45 minutes to explore this unique site, which offers insight into the Inka’s advanced agricultural practices.

The key features of Moray include:

Circular, stepped terraces descending into a central depression.
Sophisticated irrigation system, allowing for temperature experiments.
Evidence of crop cultivation and climate adaptation.
Panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding mountains.

This stop provides a fascinating glimpse into the Inka’s agricultural ingenuity and environmental stewardship.

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Maras Salt Mines

Following the tour of Moray, the group heads to the Maras Salt Mines.

The guide leads them on a 45-minute tour of the pre-Inka salt mines. Visitors observe the salt evaporation process in small pools, where saltwater is channeled from a nearby spring. The salt is then harvested and sold locally.

The Maras Salt Mines have been in operation for centuries, providing a livelihood for the local community.

Entrance fees are 20 soles, payable in cash only. Visitors should bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for a moderate amount of walking on uneven terrain.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Inclusions and Fees

The tour includes a bilingual guide and transportation, with optional hotel pickup for private accommodations.

The fees are as follows:

The fees are as follows: Tourist ticket for Moray: 70 soles (cash only), Entrance ticket to salt mines: 20 soles (cash only).

Tourist ticket for Moray: 70 soles (cash only)
Entrance ticket to salt mines: 20 soles (cash only)
Food and drinks aren’t included
Gratuities aren’t included

These additional costs are payable directly during the tour.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Guests should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and cash for the entry fees and any personal expenses.

Important Information

There are several important details to note about this tour.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Guests should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, snacks, sunscreen, water, and cash.

The tour isn’t suitable for people with back problems, mobility issues, visual impairments, or those over 220 lbs (100 kg).

The tour includes a bilingual guide, transportation, and hotel pickup (for private option only), but excludes the tourist ticket for Moray (70 soles) and the salt mines entrance fee (20 soles).

Food, drinks, and gratuities are also not included.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised this tour, with an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars rating based on 178 reviews.

Customers highlighted the expertise of the bilingual guides, who provided insightful information throughout the experience. The tour was also praised for its efficiency, allowing visitors to explore multiple destinations in a short timeframe.

Plus, travelers appreciated the positive experiences with the bilingual explanations. The overall value for money was rated 4.6 out of 5, further solidifying this tour as a popular choice among visitors to the Cusco region.

Guide Rating: 4.8/5
Transportation Rating: 4.6/5
Value for Money Rating: 4.6/5
Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Things To Know

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

This tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement. It’s suitable for children, as long as they can handle the physical activity involved. However, it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or very young kids.

Can We Stop for Lunch During the Tour?

The tour does not include a scheduled lunch stop. However, guests are free to purchase food and drinks at their own expense during the tour. The itinerary allows for breaks, so there may be opportunities to grab a bite to eat.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks Planned Along the Way?

The tour itinerary includes stops at Chinchero, Moray, and the Salt Mines, but there’s no specific mention of scheduled restroom breaks. Participants should plan to use facilities at these sites or prior to the tour’s departure.

Can We Bring Our Own Alcohol on the Tour?

No, bringing your own alcohol is not permitted on the tour. The tour does not include any alcoholic beverages, and consumption of personal alcohol is generally not allowed. You’ll need to purchase any alcohol at the destination.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Maras Salt Mines Portion?

The Maras Salt Mines portion involves approximately 45 minutes of guided walking to observe the salt evaporation process in the small salt pools. Visitors will need to be able to navigate uneven terrain and stairs during this part of the tour.

Sum Up

The Cusco: Chinchero, Moray, and Salt Mines Tour offers a captivating exploration of the Sacred Valley’s cultural and historical heritage. At just $14.96 per person, travelers can enjoy a guided adventure that showcases traditional textiles, ancient Inca agricultural terraces, and the centuries-old salt harvesting techniques of the Maras Salt Mines. With breathtaking views and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides an unforgettable journey through the region’s rich history and traditions.