Embark on a private day trip to Maras, Moray, and Chinchero in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore ancient Incan archaeological sites, witness the unique terrace system at Moray, visit the historic town of Maras and its salt mines, and immerse yourself in Inca history and Andean textiles in Chinchero.
Embark on a private day trip to Maras, Moray, and Chinchero in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore ancient Incan archaeological sites, witness the unique terrace system at Moray, visit the historic town of Maras and its salt mines, and immerse yourself in Inca history and Andean textiles in Chinchero.
- Moray - The Maras, Moray & Chinchero Tour starts with a hotel pickup around 8 AM, embarking on a picturesque drive through the Andes. This journey, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes long, meanders past snow-capped mountains, golden wheat fields, and traditional villages, providing a breathtaking introduction to the landscapes of the Sacred…
- Moray - The Maras, Moray & Chinchero Tour starts with a hotel pickup around 8 AM, embarking on a picturesque drive through the Andes. This journey, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes long, meanders past snow-capped mountains, golden wheat fields, and traditional villages, providing a breathtaking introduction to the landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
The first destination is Moray (3,500 masl / 11,482 ft.), a remarkable Inca agricultural site. Here, three bowl-shaped terraces descend into the earth like an ancient amphitheater, designed to experiment with microclimates to optimize crop growth. The symmetry and engineering of this site showcase the profound Inca agricultural knowledge, harmonizing science and spirituality with the land.
- Salinas de Maras - After exploring Moray, the tour continues just 2 miles (3.2 km) downhill to the Maras Salt Mines (3,380 masl / 11,090 ft.), a captivating landscape where history and tradition converge. This ancient salt-producing site, believed to date back to pre-Inca times, remains an essential part of the local economy.
Over 3,000 salt pools, carved into the mountainside, form a stunning mosaic of white terraces cascading down the slopes. Each pool is filled daily by a naturally mineral-rich spring, and as the sun evaporates the water, the remaining salt crystals are meticulously harvested using age-old techniques.
The contrast between the brilliant white salt flats and the rugged Andean mountains makes this site unforgettable.
- Complejo Arqueologico Chinchero - The final stop is Chinchero (3,762 masl / 12,343 ft.), a delightful Andean village where Inca heritage and colonial influences blend. Here, visitors admire the well-preserved Inca walls that frame the main square, along with ceremonial altars that still resonate with the spiritual energy of the past.
The tour then visits the colonial church, a hidden gem adorned with vivid murals and intricate artwork, offering a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish traditions.
To conclude the journey, participants immerse themselves in the world of Andean textiles, where local artisans share their ancestral weaving techniques. Using natural dyes and hand-spun wool, they create intricate patterns that tell the stories of their people—a craft passed down through generations, long before the Incas.
After this enriching cultural experience, the tour returns to Cusco, carrying with it the essence of the Andes.
- English-speaking tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Private transportation)
- English-speaking tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Private transportation)
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fee for archaeological sites
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fee for archaeological sites
On this comprehensive day-long excursion, you’ll explore the most significant archaeological sites within the entire Sacred Valley of the Incas. Experience the magic and historical significance of this valley as we journey to the mysterious Moray archaeological site, celebrated for its mesmerizing terracing system enabling production of crops at varying…
On this comprehensive day-long excursion, you’ll explore the most significant archaeological sites within the entire Sacred Valley of the Incas. Experience the magic and historical significance of this valley as we journey to the mysterious Moray archaeological site, celebrated for its mesmerizing terracing system enabling production of crops at varying elevations.
Next, we’ll tour the village of Maras and the Salineras, featuring a unique salt water spring that flows from the mountains and trickles down into separate evaporation chambers that have been operational since the Inca era until now.
Our final destination is the vibrant town of Chinchero, where we delve a bit deeper into Inca history and the origin of Andean textiles.
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- It is recommended that you bring a sun hat, sunscreen, a waterproof jacket, water and a camera
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.