From Cusco: Chinchero, Moray and Salineras Guided Tour

The "From Cusco: Chinchero, Moray and Salineras Guided Tour" offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Andes. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this 5-hour expedition unlocks the secrets of ancient agricultural innovations and vibrant local artistry. From the stunning Chinchero marketplace to the captivating Moray terraces and the iconic Maras Salt Mines, this tour promises an unforgettable journey that…

Key Points

• This guided tour from Cusco explores the Andean towns of Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras, offering insights into Inca agricultural practices and traditional arts.
• The 5-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and entry fees to all attractions, providing a comprehensive and convenient experience.
• Highlights include the Chinchero arts and crafts market, the Moray agricultural laboratory, and the Maras Salt Mines, showcasing Inca engineering and cultural heritage.
• The tour allows visitors to witness the region’s unique microclimates and scenic landscapes, including snow-capped mountains and expansive agricultural fields.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility for the travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This guided tour takes visitors on an exploration of three remarkable destinations near Cusco: Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras.

The tour lasts 5 hours and costs €18.39 per person. Available in English and Spanish, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

This guided tour lasts 5 hours and costs €18.39 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary includes stops at Chinchero’s arts and crafts market, Moray’s agricultural laboratory, and the Maras salt mines.

Transportation is provided from Cusco, with scenic views along the way. The tour includes a bilingual guide and entry fees to all attractions, ensuring a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup locations at Plaza Regocijo and Plaza Kusipata in Cusco.

The first stop is the Chinchero District, where visitors explore an arts and crafts market for 40 minutes.

Next, the tour heads to Moray, an agricultural laboratory of circular Andean terraces used for adapting products to different climates.

The final stop is the Maras Salt Mines, with over 3,500 salt ponds believed to date back to pre-Inca times.

The tour concludes with drop-off at Plaza Kusipata and Plaza Regocijo, arriving around 2:00 p.m.

Key Attractions

Moray is an architectural marvel, featuring circular Andean terraces that were once used as an agricultural laboratory. The terraces, which span various elevations, allowed the Incas to experiment with growing crops in different climatic conditions.

The Maras Salt Mines, on the other hand, are a captivating sight, with over 3,500 salt ponds that date back to pre-Inca times. Visitors can witness the traditional method of salt extraction, where the salt water evaporates, leaving behind the precious mineral.

Chinchero, known as the "birthplace of the rainbow," is renowned for its preservation of Andean textile techniques, showcased in its bustling arts and crafts market.

Transportation Details

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Cusco.

Guests can expect a scenic 1-hour and 20-minute drive to the first stop. Along the way, they’ll enjoy views of snow-capped mountains, lagoons, and expansive corn and potato fields.

The transportation is provided in a comfortable vehicle, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Pickup locations are at Plaza Regocijo and Plaza Kusipata in Cusco, and drop-off is back at the same locations after the tour.

With efficient transportation, travelers can focus on seeing the cultural and historical significance of the three fascinating sites on the itinerary.

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Chinchero District

After the scenic drive from Cusco, the tour first stops at the Chinchero District, which is known for its thriving arts and crafts market.

Visitors can browse the colorful stalls, where local artisans showcase their handmade textiles, ceramics, and other traditional crafts. The guide provides insights into the history and significance of these Andean artworks, explaining how they’re produced using ancient techniques passed down through generations.

Forty minutes are allotted for exploring the market, allowing ample time to interact with the artisans, admire the craftsmanship, and perhaps even purchase a unique souvenir.

Moray Agricultural Laboratory

From Chinchero, the tour then ventures to the remarkable site of Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory. This unique site features a series of massive circular terraces descending into the earth, each with its own microclimate. The Incas used these terraces to experiment with growing different crops and adapting them to varying altitudes and temperatures.

| Moray Highlights | Duration | Key Features |

| — | — | — |

| Agricultural Laboratory | 40 minutes | Circular terraces, microclimates, crop experimentation |

| Inca Ingenuity | Centuries old | Pre-Columbian agricultural innovation |

| Stunning Scenery | Breath-taking | Snow-capped mountains, lush greenery |

This stop provides a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices and their innovative use of the land.

Maras Salt Mines

Next, the tour takes visitors to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines, where over 3,500 salt ponds dot the landscape.

These saltworks are believed to date back to pre-Inca times and have been in use for centuries. Visitors can explore the intricate network of salt ponds and observe the traditional process of harvesting salt by evaporating salty spring water.

The stark white ponds create a striking visual contrast against the surrounding hills.

After 40 minutes of exploration, the tour moves on to the next destination, providing a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and traditional practices.

Inclusion

The tour includes several key features that enhance the overall experience.

Pickup from your Cusco hotel ensures a seamless start to the day. A bilingual guide accompanies you throughout, providing insightful commentary on the sites.

Entry fees to the attractions – Chinchero, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines – are covered, eliminating any hassle. Round-trip transportation from Cusco is included, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a convenient and informative way to explore these remarkable Andean destinations without the burden of arranging logistics separately.

Things To Know

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is not specified. The tour is available for individual bookings, and the price is quoted per person. The tour description does not provide details about the group size.

Can I Book the Tour in Other Languages Besides English and Spanish?

The tour is available in English and Spanish, but it doesn’t mention other language options. Customers should contact the tour provider to inquire about availability in additional languages to meet their needs.

Is There an Option to Add a Visit to Ollantaytambo?

Unfortunately, this tour doesn’t include a visit to Ollantaytambo. The itinerary is focused on Chinchero, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines. There may be other tour options that combine these sites with Ollantaytambo, but it’s not part of this specific tour package.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour operator allows travelers to customize the itinerary to their preferences. Customers can add or modify stops, such as a visit to Ollantaytambo, by communicating their requests to the tour provider prior to the tour date.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price doesn’t cover optional activities, meals, or personal expenses. Travelers should expect to pay for these separately. It’s best to check with the tour provider about any additional costs before booking.

Sum Up

The "From Cusco: Chinchero, Moray and Salineras Guided Tour" offers an enriching cultural and historical experience. Travelers can explore vibrant markets, remarkable agricultural terraces, and historic salt mines, all with the insights of a bilingual guide. With round-trip transportation and all entry fees included, this tour promises a seamless and scenic journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes.

You can check availability for your dates here: