From Cusco: Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Chinchero Weavers Tour

Exploring the rich cultural heritage of Peru, the "From Cusco: Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Chinchero Weavers Tour" promises an immersive experience. Participants can witness the intricate art of traditional weaving, marvel at the unique Inca agricultural terraces, and discover the historic Salineras salt mines. With a small-group setting and a delicious lunch, this tour offers a chance to explore the captivating landscapes and age-old traditions that have shaped the region. What secrets might this journey uncover?

Key Points

• A 13-hour small-group tour from Cusco visiting Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Chinchero Weavers, with hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a buffet lunch.
• Highlights include a weaving workshop in Chinchero, exploring the terraced agricultural site of Moray, and discovering the historic Salineras salt mines.
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a hassle-free experience, with all entrance fees covered except for Maras salt mines.
• Recommended items for the tour include passport, sunglasses, sun hat, change of clothes, camera, sunscreen, rain gear, and cash.
• Tour not suitable for wheelchair users, and smoking is prohibited during the tour, with a required meeting with the guide before the start.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 13-hour tour from Cusco takes visitors to explore the cultural and natural wonders of Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Chinchero Weavers.

The small-group tour, limited to 12 participants, is led by a bilingual guide and includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a buffet lunch.

Highlights include a weaving workshop in Chinchero, the terraced agricultural site of Moray, and the historic Salineras salt mines.

The tour concludes in Cusco’s Plaza Regocijo.

Flexible booking allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and participants are advised to bring necessary items like passports, rain gear, and cash.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to Chinchero (elevation: 3,762 meters), where participants can explore a weaving workshop and witness the Quechua traditions of textile production. Next, they’ll discover Moray (elevation: 3,450 meters), an intriguing agricultural landscape of terraced pools. The tour then moves to Maras Village, where the historic Salineras salt mines, featuring 3,000 small pools dating back to pre-Inca times, can be explored. After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, the group visits Ollantaytambo before finishing at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.

| Site | Elevation | Description |

| — | — | — |

| Chinchero | 3,762 meters | Weaving workshop, Quechua traditions |

| Moray | 3,450 meters | Terraced agricultural landscape |

| Maras | – | Historic Salineras salt mines |

Inclusions

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

You’ll enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba and have entrance tickets covered for Moray, the Maras salt mines, and partially for other sites. The total cost for these entrance fees is 70 soles. Plus, the 20-sole entrance fee for the Maras salt mines is included.

Prepare for the tour by bringing your passport, sun protection, and extra clothing, as the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Smoking is prohibited during the tour.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund.

This flexible booking policy means you can reserve your spot now and pay later, with no payment required today.

This cancellation policy provides peace of mind and flexibility for travelers. Regardless of when you cancel, as long as it’s at least 24 hours before the tour, you’ll receive a full refund.

This allows you to adjust your plans without penalty if needed. The tour operator understands the importance of offering a hassle-free booking experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Preparation and Restrictions

To prepare for the tour, visitors should bring their passport, sunglasses, sun hat, a change of clothes, a camera, sunscreen, rain gear, and cash. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and smoking is not allowed. Visitors should meet their guide 30 or 20 minutes before the tour starts.

| What to Bring | Restrictions |

| — | — |

| Passport | Not suitable for wheelchair users |

| Sunglasses | Smoking is not allowed |

| Sun hat | – |

| Change of clothes | – |

| Camera | – |

| Sunscreen | – |

| Rain gear | – |

| Cash | – |

Chinchero Weavers Workshop

Although located at an elevation of 3,762 meters, Chinchero is a captivating destination where visitors can enjoy the vibrant Quechua weaving traditions.

During the tour, guests will visit a local weaving workshop and witness skilled artisans demonstrating the intricate process of creating colorful textiles.

Visitors can witness skilled artisans demonstrating the intricate process of creating vibrant, colorful textiles at a local weaving workshop.

From spinning wool to dyeing the fibers using natural pigments, the workshop offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Visitors can also browse and purchase handcrafted products, supporting the local community and taking home a piece of Peruvian artistry.

Exploring Moray’s Terraced Landscape

The Inca ruins of Moray are a testament to the agricultural ingenuity of the ancient civilization.

This unique archaeological site features a series of concentric terraced depressions, believed to have been used as an experimental agricultural station.

Visitors can explore the intricate system of terraces, which may have been used to study the effects of different climatic conditions on crop cultivation.

The site’s distinctive design and stunning natural setting make it a captivating destination for those interested in Inca history and engineering.

Exploring Moray’s terraced landscape offers a glimpse into the Inca’s advanced understanding of agricultural practices.

Discovering the Maras Salt Mines

After exploring the unique terraced landscape of Moray, the tour continues to the historic Maras Salt Mines.

Nestled in the Andes, this ancient site features over 3,000 small salt pools dating back to pre-Inca times.

Visitors can witness:

• Locals harvesting salt using traditional methods

• Crystallized salt formations in shades of white, pink, and red

• Dramatic views of the surrounding mountains

• A picturesque village with charming architecture

• The opportunity to purchase locally-produced salt as a souvenir

The Maras Salt Mines offer a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring traditions of the region.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour may not be the most suitable for families with young children. It involves walking at high elevations and visiting sites that may not be engaging for young kids. However, families should check with the tour operator for specific child-friendly accommodations.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks or Drinks During the Tour?

Yes, travelers can purchase additional snacks or drinks during the tour. There are opportunities to buy local treats and refreshments at various stops along the itinerary, though these are not included in the tour price.

Is There an Option to Take the Tour on a Different Date?

Yes, there’s an option to take the tour on a different date. The tour offers flexible booking, allowing you to reserve now and pay later without any payment required today.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Sites or Activities?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional sites or activities. Travelers can customize the itinerary by contacting the tour operator and discussing their preferences. Additional fees may apply for any additions or modifications to the standard tour.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each of the Main Attractions?

The tour allocates around 1-2 hours at each of the main attractions: Chinchero for weaving, Moray for exploring the agricultural terraces, and Maras for visiting the historic salt mines. Lunch and Ollantaytambo are also included.

Sum Up

This enriching tour from Cusco immerses visitors in Peru’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. The small-group experience features visits to a traditional weaving workshop, the unique Moray terraces, and the historic Maras salt mines. With convenient transportation, a delicious lunch, and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes.

You can check availability for your dates here: