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Maras Moray Chinchero Tour

From$67
6 hours
Cusco, Peru

About this activity

Discover the ancient Maras Salt Mines, the unique agricultural terraces of Moray, and the archaeological site and traditional market of Chinchero on this guided day trip from Cusco.

Highlights

  • Explore ancient Maras Salt Mines
  • Discover Moray's unique agricultural terraces
  • Visit Chinchero's archaeological site
  • Experience Chinchero's traditional market
  • Enjoy scenic views of the Sacred Valley

Full description

Embark on a captivating journey through Peru's Sacred Valley, starting with a visit to the Maras Salt Mines, where you'll witness traditional salt extraction methods that have been practiced for centuries. Next, explore the Moray Agricultural Terraces, an ancient Incan agricultural laboratory designed to study crop growth at different altitudes. Conclude your day in Chinchero, a charming town known for its well-preserved archaeological site and vibrant traditional market, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. This tour provides a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to delve deeper into Peru's rich heritage.

Included / Excluded

  • Transportation from Cusco to Maras, Moray, and Chinchero
  • Guided tour of Maras Salt Mines and Moray Agricultural Terraces
  • Visit to Chinchero's archaeological site and traditional market
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Early in the morning, we will pick you up from the hotel to start this fascinating tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be at the town of Chinchero, located 17 miles from Cusco city. Here, we will visit a local workshop to appreciate the ancestral techniques to create amazing textiles.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Then, we will visit the salt mines of Maras located on an open hill in Urubamba’s valley. This place has an impressive process created by Incas, where a subterranean stream evaporates salty water and it emerges at a spring. The flow is then directed into an intricate system of tiny channels constructed so that the water runs gradually down onto the several hundred ancient terraced ponds. The water, which is exposed to the sun, leaves salt on the land.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
3

After visiting the salt mines near Maras, head to the Moray ruins, which are made up of three coliseums thought to have been used by the Incas as a sort of open air crop laboratory. The coliseums consist of several enormous terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is about 30 meters (98 feet) deep. Admire these terraces which are arranged in concentric circles and are reminiscent of an ancient Greek theater. The Sacred Valley of the Incas has extensive fertile lands perfect for cultivation, as well as impressive archaeological sites. This place will show us the lifestyle of the Inca Empire and its advanced construction techniques. After the tour you will return to Cusco at Plaza El Regocijo.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour involves moderate walking; ensure you're comfortable with this level of activity.
  • The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for the forecasted weather.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
  • Carry a light jacket as temperatures can vary throughout the day.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infants Required On Laps

Good to know

  • You should bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera
  • If you choose to book without tickets included, you`ll have the flexibility to buy them as we go. Please be aware that purchasing Boleto Turistico Parcial on the day will involve queuing during the visit. It`s important to note that ticket purchases on the day must be made in cash using Peruvian soles, the local currency. We are unable to accept US dollars or any other forms of payment for these on-the-spot purchases.
  • The tour ends at Plaza El Regocijo, located one block from Plaza de Armas

Additional information

You should bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera If you choose to book without tickets included, you`ll have the flexibility to buy them as we go. Please be aware that purchasing Boleto Turistico Parcial on the day will involve queuing during the visit. It`s important to note that ticket purchases on the day must be made in cash using Peruvian soles, the local currency. We are unable to accept US dollars or any other forms of payment for these on-the-spot purchases. The tour ends at Plaza El Regocijo, located one block from Plaza de Armas
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