About this experience
In this full day tour you will know the best archaeological sites in the entire Sacred Valley of the Incas. Discover this enchanting and historic valley as we visit the enigmatic Moray archaeological site, where crops were produced at different heights in a stunning terrace system.
Then, we will visit the town of Maras and the Salineras, where a salt water springs from the mountains and descends into individual evaporation chambers that have been in operation since the time of the Incas to the present day.
Finally we will arrive at the colorful town of Chinchero, where we will learn a little more about Inca history and the creation of Andean textiles.
At a glance
- Duration: 7 hr–8 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 7 hr–8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is recommended that you bring a sun hat, sunscreen, a waterproof jacket, water and a camera
Local guides to help you plan
A Slow Sacred Valley Itinerary: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray
Skip the rushed day tour. This three-day route gives the Sacred Valley the time it deserves, with honest notes on transport, food, and where to sleep.
Chinchero Day Trip From Cusco
Plan a rewarding Chinchero day trip from Cusco with practical advice on the road journey, archaeological park hours, Boleto Turístico entry, flexible transport, and respectful visiting.
Maras Salt Mines Day Trip From Cusco
Plan a practical day trip from Cusco to the Maras Salt Mines, with route estimates, entry guidance, walking considerations, and an optional Moray stop.
What is included
- English-speaking tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Private transportation)
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fee for archaeological sites
Itinerary and highlights
The Maras, Moray & Chinchero Tour begins with a hotel pickup around 8 AM, setting off on a scenic drive through the Andes. The journey, lasting about 1 hour and 20 minutes, winds past snow-capped peaks, golden wheat fields, and traditional villages, offering a stunning introduction to the Sacred Valley’s landscapes.
Our first stop is Moray (3,500 masl / 11,482 ft.), an ingenious Inca agricultural site. Here, three bowl-shaped terraces descend into the earth like an ancient amphitheater, designed to experiment with microclimates for optimizing crop growth. The symmetry and engineering of this site reveal the depth of Inca agricultural knowledge, blending science and spirituality with the land.
After exploring Moray, we continue just 2 miles (3.2 km) downhill to the Maras Salt Mines (3,380 masl / 11,090 ft.), a striking landscape where history and tradition merge. This ancient salt-producing site, believed to date back to pre-Inca times, remains a vital part of the local economy.
Over 3,000 salt pools, carved into the mountainside, create a breathtaking 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 salt crystals left behind are carefully harvested using centuries-old techniques.
The contrast between the brilliant white salt flats and the rugged Andean mountains makes this site unforgettable.
Our final stop is Chinchero (3,762 masl / 12,343 ft.), a charming Andean village where Inca heritage and colonial influences intertwine. Here, we 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.
We then visit the colonial church, a hidden gem adorned with vivid murals and intricate artwork, offering a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish traditions.
To conclude our journey, we immerse ourselves 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, we return to Cusco, carrying with us the essence of the Andes.
Meeting and pickup information
- We'll pick you up from the lobby or front door of your hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or any accommodation located in Cusco's historic center.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Inkayni Peru Tours
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
accommodation located in Cusco's historic center.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
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