From Cusco: Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, Pisaq

Exploring the Andean region beyond Cusco offers travelers a chance to enjoy ancient Inca history and stunning natural landscapes. This full-day tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through five remarkable sites, each with its own unique cultural and archaeological significance. From traditional weaving demonstrations to innovative agricultural terraces, the tour promises an enriching experience for those eager to uncover the secrets of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Cusco visits the textile center of Chinchero, the experimental agricultural terraces of Moray, and the ancient Maras salt mines.
• The tour also includes guided visits to the Inca ruins and agricultural terraces of Ollantaytambo and Pisaq.
• Participants can enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage, learn about advanced Inca farming techniques, and observe traditional salt harvesting.
• The tour is priced at $45 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
• The 12-hour tour includes hotel pickup in central Cusco, lunch in Urubamba, and guided explorations of the key sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Although the tour from Cusco to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo, and Pisaq is priced at $45.00 per person, it offers a full day of exploration spanning 12 hours.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, the tour provides flexibility.

The tour offers flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Highlights include visiting a textile center, an Inca agricultural laboratory, and the iconic Maras salt mines.

Lunch in Urubamba and guided tours of Ollantaytambo and Pisaq are also included.

This tour provides an excellent overview of major Cusco attractions, though some participants find the pace a bit rushed.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from hotels in central Cusco, followed by a visit to Chinchero, a textile center and archaeological site where visitors spend an hour. Next, they explore Moray’s experimental agricultural terraces for half an hour. The tour then visits the Maras Salt Mines, with over 4,000 salt extraction pits, for 40 minutes. After an Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba, the group heads to Ollantaytambo Fortress and Pisaq’s agricultural terraces and Inca cemetery, each for 40 minutes. The tour ends at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.

| Site | Duration |

| — | — |

| Chinchero | 1 hour |

| Moray | 30 minutes |

| Maras Salt Mines | 40 minutes |

| Ollantaytambo | 40 minutes |

| Pisaq | 40 minutes |

Chinchero: Textile Center and Archaeological Site

Chinchero serves as both a vibrant textile center and an archaeological site, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The town is known for its traditional weaving techniques, where skilled artisans demonstrate the intricate process of creating colorful textiles.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved Inca ruins, including terraced agricultural platforms and the remains of an ancient palace.

The site provides a unique opportunity to understand the sophisticated engineering and design of Inca architecture.

A stop in Chinchero allows travelers to enjoy the area’s cultural traditions and historical significance.

Moray: Experimental Agricultural Laboratory

One of the highlights of the tour is Moray, an intriguing Inca archaeological site believed to have served as an experimental agricultural laboratory.

The site features a series of circular stone terraces descending into a shallow depression. Researchers theorize the Incas used the unique microclimate of each terrace to test the growth of different crops.

Visitors can explore the terraced bowls and imagine the Incas’ agricultural innovations. The picturesque setting offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Visitors can explore the terraced bowls and imagine the Incas’ agricultural innovations. The picturesque setting offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Though the stop is brief, Moray provides a fascinating glimpse into the Incas’ advanced farming techniques.

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Maras Salt Mines: Over 4,000 Salt Extraction Pits

Over 4,000 salt extraction pits make up the Maras Salt Mines, a unique and captivating site along the tour.

Visitors descend into the valley to observe the gradual evaporation of salty spring water in these ancient Inca-built ponds. The striking white landscape and traditional salt-harvesting techniques offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and culture.

Guests spend around 40 minutes exploring the mines, learning about the sustainable salt production process. The tour provides an opportunity to purchase locally-harvested salt as a memorable souvenir from the Sacred Valley excursion.

Urubamba: Andean Buffet Lunch

After exploring the Maras Salt Mines, the tour group heads to Urubamba, where they enjoy an Andean buffet lunch.

The buffet offers a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes, including hearty stews, roasted meats, and vibrant vegetable dishes.

The lunch provides an opportunity to rest and refuel before continuing the day’s adventures.

The buffet caters to various dietary needs, with vegetarian options available.

Sitting down to a leisurely Andean lunch is a chance to savor the local flavors and culture, preparing the group for the next stops on the tour.

Ollantaytambo Fortress: Imposing Inca Constructions

After the rejuvenating lunch in Urubamba, the tour group heads to the next captivating site – the Ollantaytambo Fortress.

This imposing Inca construction showcases:

• Massive stone terraces and platforms

• Towering ruins of an ancient temple

• Stunning views of the Urubamba River valley

• Remnants of granaries and administrative structures

Visitors can marvel at the engineering feats of the Incas, who used these structures for both religious and military purposes.

The Incas’ engineering prowess is on full display at the Ollantaytambo Fortress, which served both religious and military functions.

The fortress’s strategic location and architectural brilliance leave a lasting impression on the group as they continue their journey through the Sacred Valley.

Pisaq: Agricultural Terraces and Inca Cemetery

The tour group now makes its way to the ancient site of Pisaq, which is renowned for its impressive agricultural terraces and Inca cemetery.

Perched high in the Andes, Pisaq’s terraces were engineered by the Incas to cultivate crops and manage water resources.

Beyond the terraces, the site also features an extensive Inca cemetery, with tombs and ruins scattered across the hillside.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved structures and gain insights into the Inca’s advanced agricultural and burial practices.

The stop at Pisaq offers a unique glimpse into the ingenuity and legacy of the Inca civilization.

Since You Asked

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a maximum capacity of 18 people. The transportation used is tourist transport, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience for the group.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $45.00 per person, regardless of age or student status. However, the tour does allow for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Can Participants Take Their Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks, but the tour includes a buffet lunch with vegetarian options. Any additional snacks or beverages outside the included lunch would be at the participant’s own expense.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not specifically advertised as wheelchair accessible. However, the tour may accommodate wheelchair users with prior notice, as the transportation has a maximum capacity of 18 people. Visitors should check with the tour provider for accessibility details.

Can Participants Choose the Order of the Sites Visited?

The tour itinerary is set and participants cannot choose the order of the sites visited. The tour follows a predetermined schedule to ensure efficient use of time and coordinated transportation for all participants.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Peru’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes on this comprehensive full-day tour from Cusco. Marvel at the intricate weaving techniques, agricultural innovations, and breathtaking archaeological sites that showcase the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. This exceptional value-for-money excursion offers a well-rounded exploration of the region’s most captivating destinations, making it a must-do experience for any traveler.

You can check availability for your dates here: