Unlock the secrets of Peru’s rich cultural heritage on this immersive day trip to Cusco. Venture beyond the city’s iconic landmarks and explore the stunning Maras Salt Mines, the captivating Moray Archaeological Site, and the vibrant Chinchero community. From traditional salt-making techniques to ancient Inca agricultural practices, this tour promises to uncover the depth and diversity of Peru’s enduring traditions. Get ready to dive into an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the country’s timeless beauty.

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Key Points

This day trip from Cusco explores the Maras Salt Mines, Moray Archaeological Site, and the cultural hub of Chinchero, offering insights into Peru’s Inca heritage.
The tour provides an opportunity to witness salt extraction using traditional methods, marvel at the intricate Inca agricultural terraces, and experience local textile traditions.
Participants will enjoy a typical Peruvian meal at the end of the tour, further immersing them in the region’s culinary culture.
The tour is approximately 5 hours long and limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with options for English and Spanish-speaking guides.
The tour offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Cusco: Maras, Moray, and Chinchero Day Trip offers an engaging exploration of some of the region’s most captivating archaeological and natural sites.

An engaging exploration of the region’s most captivating archaeological and natural sites, including the Maras Salt Mines and Inca botanical laboratory of Moray.

Priced at $30 per person, this 5-hour tour is limited to a group size of 10, catering to English and Spanish speakers.

With a flexible cancellation policy, you can book with confidence and receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary showcases the stunning Maras Salt Mines, the Inca botanical laboratory of Moray, and the vibrant PARWA center in Chinchero, promising a well-rounded adventure in the Sacred Valley.

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Itinerary Highlights

Discover the extraction of the finest salt in the world at the Maras Salt Mines, where visitors can witness the traditional methods used to harvest this precious commodity. After exploring the salt ponds, continue to the Moray Archaeological Site to admire the remarkable concentric terraces, which were used as an Inca botanical laboratory. Complete the day’s adventure by visiting the PARWA Center in Chinchero, showcasing beautiful local textiles, and exploring the impressive Inca ruins with their terraces and aqueducts.

| Site | Highlights |

| — | — |

| Maras Salt Mines | Witness salt extraction |

| Moray Archaeological Site | Explore concentric terraces |

| Chinchero | See PARWA textiles, Inca ruins |

Maras Salt Mines

Tucked away in the Andes mountains, the Maras Salt Mines showcase an ancient and captivating process of salt extraction.

Visitors wander through thousands of small, terraced ponds where water from a nearby spring is channeled and evaporated, leaving behind the precious mineral. This salt, renowned for its purity and distinctive flavor, has been harvested here since Inca times.

Today, local families continue the tradition, raking the salt by hand and selling it in the nearby town. Exploring the geometric patterns of the ponds and witnessing this age-old practice offers a unique glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Moray Archaeological Site

Nestled within the Sacred Valley, the Moray Archaeological Site captivates visitors with its intricate, concentric terraces.

Once an Inca agricultural laboratory, the site’s unique design allowed the Incas to experiment with different microclimates and grow a variety of crops.

Visitors can explore the terraces, marveling at the engineering feats that enabled this ancient agricultural innovation.

The site’s stunning vistas and the opportunity to glimpse into the Incas’ advanced farming techniques make Moray a must-see destination on any Cusco day trip.

Exploring this remarkable site is a highlight for many travelers in the region.

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Chinchero

The PARWA Center in Chinchero offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s rich textile traditions. Here, skilled artisans demonstrate the intricate process of weaving and dyeing using techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can browse the vibrant collection of textiles, including ponchos, shawls, and wall hangings, and learn about the cultural significance of these handcrafted products.

| Product | Price |

| — | — |

| Poncho | $50 |

| Shawl | $25 |

| Wall Hanging | $75 |

| Tapestry | $100 |

| Scarf | $15 |

Beyond the PARWA Center, the ruins of Chinchero, an important Inca center, feature terraces and aqueducts that showcase the impressive engineering feats of the Inca civilization.

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Meals and Dining

As part of the Cusco: Maras, Moray, and Chinchero Day Trip, visitors enjoy a typical meal at La Casa de Barro restaurant in the Sacred Valley.

This locally-owned hotel serves up authentic Peruvian cuisine, offering a delightful dining experience. The menu features a variety of regional dishes, allowing participants to savor the flavors of the Sacred Valley.

Dishes may include roasted potatoes, grilled meats, and fresh produce from nearby farms.

After exploring the Maras salt mines, Moray ruins, and Chinchero’s textiles, this lunch break provides a chance to refuel and take in the local culinary traditions.

Transportation and Logistics

As part of the Cusco: Maras, Moray, and Chinchero Day Trip, the tour provides hassle-free transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included from your accommodation in Cusco.

The round-trip transportation is conveniently provided as part of the tour package. The journey includes:

The round-trip transportation is conveniently provided as part of the tour package. The journey includes a scenic drive, visits to Maras, Moray, and Chinchero.

A scenic drive through the Sacred Valley.
A stop at the iconic Maras Salt Mines.
Exploration of the captivating Moray Archaeological Site.
A visit to the vibrant town of Chinchero.

Sit back, relax, and let the tour take care of the logistics, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout the day.

Booking Information

To secure your spot on the Cusco: Maras, Moray, and Chinchero Day Trip without upfront payment, you can reserve your place now and pay later.

The tour has limited availability, so it’s recommended to check the schedule and confirm participant selection.

Booking is flexible, allowing you to reserve your spot now and complete payment at a later time.

This hassle-free approach ensures you don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the Maras salt mines, Moray archaeological site, and the traditional town of Chinchero.

Simply reserve your spot and pay when you’re ready.

Things To Know

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention a minimum age requirement. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, including families with children. The group size is limited to 10 participants, so there’s ample opportunity for a personalized experience.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for the tour. However, a typical lunch is included at La Casa de Barro restaurant in the Sacred Valley as part of the tour package.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The 5-hour day trip is the standard offering. However, you can customize your experience by requesting additional activities or exploring the sites at your own pace during free time.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any student or senior discounts. However, the tour price is already quite reasonable, starting at $30 per person. Booking in advance can help secure the best rate.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?

The tour operator offers some flexibility to customize the itinerary. Travelers can discuss adding extra sites with the team, though this may incur additional costs. It’s best to inquire about customization options when booking the tour.

Sum Up

This captivating day trip in Cusco offers an immersive experience into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. From the remarkable Maras Salt Mines to the intriguing Moray Archaeological Site, and the vibrant PARWA Center in Chinchero, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of the region’s history, traditions, and culinary delights. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a deeper connection with Peruvian culture, this day trip is a must-do.