The CUSCO: MARAS MORAY SALINERAS and CHINCHERO WEAVERS TOUR offers travelers a chance to discover the captivating cultural heritage of the region. From exploring the ancient Inca ruins of Moray to witnessing the centuries-old tradition of salt extraction at Salineras, this half-day excursion promises an immersive and enriching experience. But the real gem lies in the opportunity to observe the skilled artistry of Chinchero’s renowned weavers, who skillfully bring vibrant textiles to life. With convenient logistics and a flexible schedule, this tour invites you to delve deeper into the heart of Peru’s remarkable legacy.

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Key Points

This 6.5-hour excursion includes visits to Maras, Moray, Salineras, and Chinchero Weavers, with a starting price of $23 per person.
Highlights include exploring the archaeological site of Moray, discovering the ancient salt production site of Salineras, and learning about traditional textile techniques in Chinchero.
The tour provides cultural experiences related to dyeing, archaeology, and salt production, with a live guide available in English and Spanish.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or visually impaired individuals, and the return time to Cusco is between 2:40-3:00 PM.
Booking options include reservation without upfront payment, flexible start times, and a cancellation policy with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Cusco: Maras Moray Salineras and Chinchero Weavers Tour is a 6.5-hour excursion that takes visitors to several notable sites around Cusco.

A 6.5-hour excursion to several notable sites around Cusco, including Maras, Moray, Salineras, and Chinchero Weavers.

Priced from $23 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, a live guide in English and Spanish, and admission to Moray and the Salineras salt mines.

Guests can expect to return to Cusco between 2:40-3:00 PM.

Though the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or the visually impaired, travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking is available online, with the option to reserve a spot without upfront payment.

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

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors first explore the natural dyeing culture in Chinchero, where they witness the traditional techniques used to create vibrant textiles.

Next, they venture to the archaeological center of Moray, marveling at the circular platforms once used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation.

The tour then takes them to the Salineras de Maras, an ancient salt production site still in use today. Guests marvel at the vast expanse of salt ponds and learn about the traditional salt harvesting methods.

The tour returns to Cusco in the early afternoon, around 2:40 to 3:00 p.m.

Tour Features

Although the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or visually impaired individuals, it offers a live guide in both English and Spanish to provide insights throughout the journey.

The tour includes transportation, the tourist ticket for entry to Moray, and entrance to the salt mines. Visitors can expect to return to Cusco between 2:40 and 3:00 p.m.

The tour features a combination of cultural experiences, including seeing the natural dyeing process in Chinchero and exploring the archaeological wonders of Moray and the ancient salt platforms at Salineras de Maras.

Booking Information

Customers can reserve their spot on the Cusco: Maras Moray Salineras and Chinchero Weavers Tour with no upfront payment.

The tour can be booked with flexible start times, based on availability. Travelers are advised to check the available timeslots when making their reservation.

The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing customers with flexibility.

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Customer Reviews

The tour has received a mixed reception from customers, with an overall rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews. While some praised the guide’s knowledge and the significance of the sites, others reported communication and pickup issues with the tour operator, Minka Travel.

| Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |

| — | — |

| Guide’s expertise | Communication problems |

| Importance of sites | Pickup issues |

| – | With Minka Travel |

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Visiting Chinchero

The tour begins with a visit to Chinchero, a picturesque town nestled in the Andes.

Travelers will explore the natural dyeing culture of this ancient Inca site. They’ll witness skilled weavers demonstrating traditional techniques using vibrant local plants and minerals to create stunning textiles.

The tour highlights the community’s ongoing commitment to preserving their rich cultural heritage. Visitors can browse the artisan market, where local families sell hand-woven products.

This unique experience offers a glimpse into the enduring traditions that shape the daily lives of the Chinchero people.

Exploring Moray

After exploring the rich cultural heritage of Chinchero, the tour proceeds to the archaeological center of Moray.

This unique Inca site features:

Circular terraced platforms descending into the earth, believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation.
Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Evidence of the Incas’ advanced understanding of engineering and hydraulics.
Opportunities to marvel at the ingenuity and precision of Inca construction.

The Moray site provides a fascinating glimpse into the agricultural practices and technological prowess of the Inca civilization.

Experiencing Salineras De Maras

What makes the Salineras de Maras so captivating? The ancient salt ponds, dating back to Inca times, blanket the slopes of the Maras valley.

Thousands of individual pools, each hand-harvested, create a mesmerizing mosaic of white against the rugged landscape. Visitors can stroll through the site, observing local workers gather salt using centuries-old techniques.

The salineras, still in use today, offer a glimpse into Peru’s enduring traditions. Guests will marvel at the sheer scale and engineering feat of this unique salt production site, a testament to the Incas’ mastery of the land.

The salineras offer a glimpse into Peru’s enduring traditions, a testament to the Incas’ mastery of the land.

An unforgettable stop on the tour.

Things To Know

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not explicitly stated as suitable for children. However, the itinerary involves walking and visiting archaeological sites, so it may not be the most engaging experience for young children. Families should consider the child’s interests and abilities before booking.

Can We Stop for Lunch or Buy Snacks During the Tour?

The tour does not include any stops for lunch or snacks. Travelers will need to bring their own food and beverages to consume during the tour. There are no scheduled meal breaks or opportunities to purchase refreshments along the way.

What Kind of Clothing or Footwear Is Recommended?

The tour involves visiting outdoor archaeological sites, so comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Layered clothing is also suggested, as the weather can be cool, especially at higher elevations. Hat, sunscreen, and a small backpack or bag may also be useful.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the various sites visited during the tour. Visitors can expect to find basic restrooms at the Moray archaeological site and the Salineras de Maras salt platforms.

Can We Take Photos or Videos at the Sites?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos at the sites on this tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions or rules regarding photography and filming at the different locations visited.

Sum Up

This captivating half-day tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of the Cusco region. Visitors can explore the archaeological wonders of Moray and Salineras, witness traditional weaving techniques in Chinchero, and benefit from flexible scheduling and a generous cancellation policy. With an expert bilingual guide, this tour provides an enriching and convenient experience for those seeking to uncover the treasures of Peru’s Sacred Valley.