Discover the captivating cultural heritage of Peru’s Cusco region on this immersive tour. Explore the ancient Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, marvel at the centuries-old Maras Salt Mines, and witness the intricate traditional weaving techniques of the Chinchero weavers. With knowledgeable bilingual guides, comfortable transportation, and an affordable price, this 6-hour adventure promises to unveil the rich tapestry of Peruvian history and craftsmanship. What secrets might you uncover along the way?

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Key Points

A 6-hour guided tour visiting the historical and cultural sites of Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and the salt mines near Cusco, Peru.
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guides, and entrance fees, with a maximum group size of 12 participants.
Highlights include a weaving workshop in Chinchero, exploring the Inca agricultural terraces in Moray, and visiting the ancient Maras Salt Mines.
The tour provides insights into the Inca’s agricultural techniques, traditional salt production methods, and the intricate weaving practices of the local community.
Participants can take advantage of the 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund and enjoy the stunning mountain landscapes throughout the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Cusco: Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Chinchero Weavers Tour offers visitors a chance to explore some of the region’s most captivating cultural and historical sites.

Priced from $14.40 per person, this 6-hour tour departs from Cusco with a group size limited to 12 participants.

Guests will journey to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and the salt mines, learning about traditional weaving, ancient Inca agriculture, and colonial architecture.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guides, and entrance fees, with a 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund.

Travelers are advised to bring their passport, comfortable shoes, and cash for an immersive cultural experience.

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

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a 50-minute bus ride to the Chinchero District, where travelers have a chance to explore a local weaving workshop.

The tour begins with a 50-minute bus ride to the Chinchero District, where travelers have a chance to explore a local weaving workshop.

They’ll learn about the natural dye extraction process from local plants.

Next, it’s a 35-minute drive to the Moray Archaeological Complex, an ancient Inca agricultural site featuring terraced circular depressions.

After a 40-minute guided tour, the group heads to Maras, a village with preserved colonial architecture and thin-stoned buildings.

The final stop is the Maras Salt Mines, where they’ll spend 40 minutes exploring the historic site’s 3,000 small salt pools dating back to pre-Inca times.

Chinchero District

A 50-minute bus ride takes travelers to the Chinchero District, where they’ll have a chance to explore a local weaving workshop.

Here, they’ll learn about the extraction of natural dyes from local plants, a centuries-old tradition. Weavers demonstrate their intricate techniques, creating vibrant textiles using handmade looms.

Visitors can browse the colorful selection and even purchase unique souvenirs to take home.

After the weaving demonstration, there’s a short photo stop to capture the stunning mountain landscape surrounding the village.

The Chinchero experience offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Moray Archaeological Complex

From the Chinchero District, a 35-minute bus ride takes visitors to the remarkable Moray Archaeological Complex.

Here, they’ll explore ancient Inca agricultural terraces set amidst a stunning landscape. Guided tours allow visitors to walk along the terraces and marvel at the ingenious design that allowed the Incas to grow a variety of crops at different elevations.

The complex’s unique microclimate is thought to have been used for agricultural experimentation. Spending 40 minutes exploring this fascinating site, visitors gain insight into the Incas’ advanced understanding of environmental conditions and their innovative farming techniques.

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Maras Village

After exploring the ancient Inca terraces of Moray, the tour heads next to the charming Maras Village.

Nestled in the Andes, this picturesque town boasts well-preserved colonial architecture and distinctive thin-stoned buildings. Guests will have the chance to wander through the narrow streets, admiring the quaint houses and churches that reflect the area’s rich cultural heritage.

The visit to Maras provides a glimpse into the daily life of the local people, offering a refreshing contrast to the archaeological sites. This brief stop allows travelers to soak in the tranquil atmosphere before continuing their journey to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines.

There's plenty more to explore in Chinchero

Maras Salt Mines (Salineras)

The tour then heads to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines, also known as Salineras.

These historic salt evaporation ponds date back to pre-Inca times. Visitors explore this unique site, marveling at the 3,000 small salt pools dotting the hillside.

The guide explains the traditional salt harvesting process, where workers carefully collect the salt by hand. Guests have time to wander through the intricate network of ponds, taking in the striking contrast of the white salt against the green landscape.

It’s a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient salt production methods.

Inclusions

This tour package includes several essential components to ensure a memorable experience.

The tour includes:

Hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing for convenient transportation to and from the starting point.
A bilingual tour guide, who provides insights and explanations throughout the tour in both English and Spanish.
Entrance fees to the archaeological sites of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, ensuring access to these fascinating historical wonders.
All transportation, including bus rides to the various locations, is provided as part of the tour.

The inclusion of these key elements creates a well-rounded and hassle-free tour experience for the participants.

Important Information

Travelers are encouraged to bring their passport, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, a camera, and sunscreen to fully enjoy the tour. The high elevations at the sites can make the sun strong, so sun protection is essential. Cash is recommended for any additional purchases at the salt mines or weaving workshop. The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Advance reservations are not required, allowing flexibility for travelers.

| What to Bring | What to Wear | Additional Tips |

| — | — | — |

| Passport | Comfortable walking shoes | Dress for the weather |

| Camera | Sun hat | Bring cash for purchases |

| Sunscreen | Layers as needed | Tour operates rain or shine |

Things To Know

Can I Bring Alcohol on the Tour?

No, the tour doesn’t allow bringing alcohol. It’s best to enjoy the cultural and historical sights without any distractions. The focus should be on enjoying the experience provided by the tour.

How Long Is the Drive From Cusco to Each Site?

The drive from Cusco to Chinchero takes about 50 minutes, to Moray around 35 minutes, and to the Maras Salt Mines approximately 80 minutes. The tour covers quite a bit of ground, so be prepared for some extended bus rides between sites.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour likely includes restroom breaks, though the exact timing is unclear from the information provided. Participants will probably have opportunities to use facilities at the various sites visited during the 6-hour excursion.

Can I Purchase Items From the Weaving Workshop?

Yes, visitors can purchase handmade items from the weaving workshop during the tour. The workshop showcases traditional Andean weaving techniques, and guests are encouraged to browse and buy the unique textiles and souvenirs on display.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be the best fit for young children. While the sights are fascinating, the high elevations and long bus rides could be challenging for little ones. However, older children may enjoy the cultural experiences if properly prepared.

Sum Up

This Cusco tour offers an immersive glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. From witnessing traditional weaving techniques in Chinchero to exploring the ancient agricultural terraces of Moray and the historic Maras Salt Mines, this 6-hour journey provides an affordable and unforgettable experience. With bilingual guides, transportation, and hotel pickup, it’s the perfect way to discover the wonders of Peru’s Cusco region.