From Cusco: Chinchero, Salinas De Maras and Moray Tour

Set out on a captivating journey to uncover the Inca’s ancient wonders in Cusco’s stunning surroundings. This 5-hour tour explores three remarkable sites – Chinchero, Salinas de Maras, and Moray – offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and impressive engineering feats. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, travelers can enjoy the Inca’s agricultural innovations and marvel at the dramatic mountain vistas. What secrets lie waiting to be discovered in these enchanting Inca ruins?

Key Points

• This guided tour from Cusco explores three famous Inca archaeological sites: Chinchero, Salinas de Maras, and Moray.
• The 5-hour tour is priced at $20 per person and includes transportation, a bilingual guide, and site entrance fees.
• Highlights of the tour include the circular Andean terraces of Moray and the over 3,500 salt ponds at Maras.
• The tour offers scenic views of snow-capped mountains and lagoons, and returns to Cusco around 2 PM.
• Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water, as the tour operates rain or shine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors a chance to explore three remarkable Inca sites near Cusco: Chinchero, Salinas de Maras, and Moray.

Priced from $20 per person, the 5-hour excursion includes pickup, round-trip transportation, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, and entrance fees.

Enjoy a 5-hour excursion exploring Inca sites near Cusco for $20 per person, including transportation, guide, and entrance fees.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without paying upfront.

The tour covers Moray’s agricultural terraces, the Maras salt mines, and scenic mountain and agricultural views before returning to Cusco around 2pm.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from either Plaza Kusipata or Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

First, visitors explore Moray, an Inca agricultural laboratory featuring circular Andean terraces.

Next, the tour stops at the Maras Salt Mines, where over 3,500 salt ponds carved into the mountainside produce salt.

The scenic journey includes views of snow-capped mountains, lagoons, and agricultural fields.

The tour returns to Cusco around 2:00 p.m.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes pickup from your hotel in Cusco, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide who provides commentary in both English and Spanish.

The tour also includes entrance fees to the sites.

However, the tour doesn’t include:

• Food or drinks

• Items for personal use, like sunscreen or water

• Wheelchair accessibility

• Activities for pregnant women

Plus, the tour prohibits weapons, smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, and fireworks.

The tour operates rain or shine, and coca tea is recommended to help with altitude adjustment.

Preparation and Important Information

To get the most out of this tour, visitors should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, cash, and their passport or ID card.

The tour operates even in rain, so a daypack is recommended for carrying supplies. Certain items are prohibited, including weapons, sharp objects, smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, and fireworks.

For altitude adjustment, drinking coca tea is advised. This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women.

Visitors should be prepared for a scenic journey with views of snow-capped mountains, lagoons, and agricultural fields.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Based on 12 reviews, the overall rating for this tour is 4 out of 5 stars.

Customers highlighted the quality of the guide, giving them a 5/5 rating, and the overall value for money, also receiving a 5/5 rating.

However, there were some mixed reviews regarding pickup times and communication about changes.

The tour seems to offer a good experience overall, with highlights including:

• Visiting the unique Inca agricultural site of Moray

• Exploring the Maras Salt Mines

• Enjoying scenic mountain and agricultural views

• Having a knowledgeable bilingual guide

The tour appears to provide a well-rounded introduction to these fascinating Inca archaeological sites near Cusco.

Getting to Chinchero, Salinas De Maras, and Moray

Reaching the trio of Chinchero, Salinas de Maras, and Moray from Cusco is a scenic journey through the Andean countryside.

The tour van departs from central Cusco, climbing into the mountains with vistas of snow-capped peaks and agricultural fields.

First, it’s a visit to the ancient Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, an open-air laboratory.

Next, it’s on to the Salinas de Maras, where thousands of salt ponds dot the mountainside.

The last stop is Chinchero, known for its colorful Andean textiles and Inca ruins.

The return to Cusco is around 2 PM, completing this comprehensive half-day excursion.

Exploring the Inca Agricultural Laboratory at Moray

The tour van climbs higher into the Andes, reaching the first stop at Moray. This Inca agricultural laboratory features remarkable circular terraces carved into the mountainside.

The Inca’s remarkable circular terraces carved into the mountainside reveal an agricultural laboratory in the high Andes.

Descending into the serene complex, visitors can:

• Admire the ingenious design that created microclimates for experimentation

• Marvel at the scale and precision of the Inca engineering

• Imagine ancient farmers tending crops at each level to discover optimal growing conditions

• Ponder the Inca’s advanced understanding of agriculture and climate

• Soak in the tranquility and stunning vistas surrounding the archaeological site.

Discovering the Maras Salt Mines

After exploring the remarkable agricultural terraces of Moray, the tour continues its journey to the Maras Salt Mines.

Nestled in the Andean mountains, the Maras Salt Mines feature over 3,500 small salt ponds carved into the mountainside. These ponds have been harvested by the local community for centuries, creating a stunning visual display.

Visitors can wander through the ponds, observing the salt-making process and taking in the picturesque scenery. The Maras Salt Mines offer a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and traditional practices, complementing the earlier visit to the Inca agricultural site of Moray.

Things To Know

Can I Visit These Sites Independently or Must I Join a Tour?

Travelers can visit Chinchero, Salinas de Maras, and Moray independently or join a guided tour. While independent exploration is possible, a tour provides logistical convenience, expert guidance, and deeper insights into these Inca sites.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t currently offer any student or senior discounts, but visitors can explore the sites independently if they prefer. However, joining a guided tour provides the convenience of transportation and an expert guide to enhance the experience.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Inca Sites in the Area?

The tour provider doesn’t offer extensions to visit additional Inca sites. However, travelers can inquire about customizing the tour or booking a private tour to explore more of the region’s archaeological wonders.

How Challenging Is the Hiking Involved, and Are There Any Age Restrictions?

The tour involves moderate hiking, so it’s suitable for most ages. However, it may be challenging for young children or those with mobility issues. The tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible or recommended for pregnant women.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary to Focus on Specific Sites?

Yes, it’s possible to customize the tour itinerary. Travelers can focus on specific sites by discussing their preferences with the tour operator. However, the standard itinerary already covers the key highlights, so significant changes may incur additional costs.

Sum Up

The "From Cusco: Chinchero, Salinas De Maras and Moray Tour" offers a captivating exploration of Inca history and heritage. With its impressive highlights, convenient inclusions, and positive customer reviews, this tour provides a valuable introduction to the region’s remarkable sites, including the intriguing Moray agricultural terraces and the unique Maras salt ponds. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking to enjoy the rich cultural legacy of the Inca civilization.

You can check availability for your dates here: