Nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, a captivating half-day tour awaits travelers. It’s an opportunity to take in the region’s rich cultural heritage, from the vibrant arts and crafts scene in Chinchero to the awe-inspiring engineering of the Moray terraces and the captivating salt pools of Maras. This tour promises to ignite a deeper appreciation for the Incan legacy that continues to shape the landscape and lives of those who call this remarkable region home.

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Key Points

This half-day tour from Cusco visits the scenic towns of Chinchero, Moray, and the iconic Maras salt mines, providing insights into Inca history and culture.
The tour includes hotel pickup, professional bilingual guides, and entrance fees to Chinchero and Moray, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.
Visitors can browse handmade textiles, ceramics, and Andean handicrafts at the Chinchero arts and crafts market, and learn about traditional dyeing and weaving techniques.
The tour explores the remarkable circular terraces of Moray, which were used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation and to study the effects of microclimates on crops.
The Maras salt mines, in use since Incan times, offer a glimpse into the traditional methods of salt harvesting and striking photographic opportunities.

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Overview of the Tour

The half-day tour from Cusco takes visitors to the scenic towns of Chinchero, Moray, and Maras, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and agricultural practices of the Inca Empire.

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and is available in Spanish and English. Guests can expect hotel pickup, professional bilingual guides, and entrance fees to Chinchero and Moray.

The tour also includes a stop at the iconic Maras salt mines. With comfortable shoes recommended and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides an affordable and convenient way to explore these Inca wonders.

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

Pickup and Meeting Point

The tour begins with pickup from Plaza Kusipata, conveniently located in the historic center of Cusco.

This designated meeting point makes it easy for travelers staying within the city center to join the excursion. The pickup service is included, with hotel collection offered for accommodations situated in the historic district as well.

For those staying outside the central area, an alternate meeting point will be arranged.

The pickup and drop-off logistics are designed to provide a seamless start and end to the half-day adventure exploring Chinchero, Maras, and Moray.

Chinchero Arts and Crafts Market

After pickup from Plaza Kusipata, the tour first visits the vibrant arts and crafts market in Chinchero.

Visitors spend 50 minutes exploring the bustling stalls, browsing handmade textiles, ceramics, and traditional Andean handicrafts. A local guide provides a demonstration of the intricate dyeing and weaving techniques used to create these unique products.

Travelers have the opportunity to interact with the artisans, learn about their craft, and purchase souvenirs directly from the source. The market offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and skilled artistry of the Chinchero community.

Moray Circular Terraces

After departing Chinchero, the tour group travels to the archaeological site of Moray.

Moray features remarkable circular terraces, believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation. The unique design of the terraces creates distinct microclimates, allowing the Incas to study the effects of temperature variations on crop growth.

Visitors can explore the site and marvel at the ingenious engineering of the Inca people. The guided tour provides insights into the site’s history and the innovative agricultural practices of the Inca Empire.

The circular terraces of Moray offer a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s advanced understanding of the natural world.

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Maras Salt Mines

Next, the tour group visits the Maras Salt Mines, a captivating site that has been in use since Incan times.

The Maras Salt Mines consist of approximately 3,000 small salt pools, which have been utilized for salt production for centuries. Visitors can take a guided tour and witness the traditional method of harvesting salt by evaporating salty spring water.

The striking white salt pools offer a unique photographic opportunity against the surrounding rugged landscape. The tour allows about an hour to explore the Maras Salt Mines, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage.

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Return to Cusco

The tour group now heads back to Cusco, arriving around 2:00 PM at Plaza Regocijo.

After exploring the salt mines, they’ll return to the city center. The drop-off location is in downtown Cusco, convenient for travelers to continue their day.

The tour includes hotel pickup from the historic center and professional bilingual guides throughout the excursion.

Convenient hotel pickup and professional bilingual guides accompany this immersive tour through Chinchero, Moray, and Maras.

With an overall rating of 4.3/5 from previous travelers, this half-day tour offers an immersive experience exploring Chinchero, Moray, and Maras at a great value.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the BTC ticket is required for Chinchero and Moray.

Inclusions and Important Information

The tour includes hotel pickup from the historic center of Cusco and drop-off in downtown. A professional bilingual guide accompanies the group, providing insights into the Incan heritage and modern traditions. An entrance fee to Chinchero and Moray is included, though the Maras salt mines require a separate fee. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the BTC ticket is necessary for Chinchero and Moray, but not for Machu Picchu. Children under 2 cannot be assigned their own seats.

| Important Information |

|———————-|

| Comfortable shoes recommended |

| BTC ticket required for Chinchero and Moray |

| Children under 2 not eligible for assigned seats |

| Meeting point arranged for accommodations outside historic center |

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 163 reviews.

Guests particularly commended the knowledgeable and engaging guides, rating them 4.6 out of 5. The transportation also received high marks at 4.4, with travelers noting the comfort and punctuality.

Knowledgeable and engaging guides earned a 4.6 rating, while comfortable and punctual transportation received 4.4 out of 5 from travelers.

The tour provided excellent value for money, earning a 4.4 rating. While most were satisfied, some suggested allocating more time at the Maras salt mines to fully explore the site.

The tour’s combination of cultural, historical, and natural attractions made for a memorable half-day experience.

Things To Know

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for travelers to cancel their booking if their plans change without incurring any penalties.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own lunch on the tour. The tour does not include lunch, so you’re welcome to pack a meal to enjoy during the day. This allows you to save money and have the flexibility to eat when you choose.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price listed is a standard rate per person, regardless of age or student status. Customers should expect to pay the full €12.87 per person for the tour.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

Tour groups typically range from 6 to 15 people. The size can vary depending on the demand and availability, but the operator aims to maintain a small group size for a more personalized experience.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour likely includes restroom breaks, as it’s a 5-hour excursion. Participants will likely have the opportunity to use facilities at the various stops, such as Chinchero and Maras. However, the frequency and duration of these breaks are not explicitly stated in the overview.

Sum Up

The half-day tour from Cusco offers a captivating glimpse into the Sacred Valley’s cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the vibrant Chinchero market, marvel at Moray’s ingenious agricultural terraces, and witness the centuries-old salt-harvesting tradition at Maras. This immersive experience provides a well-rounded introduction to the region’s rich history and natural wonders, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for Incan legacy and the enduring traditions of the Andean people.