About this experience
Discover the highlights of the Sacred Valley on this half day tour to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. Visit the Chinchero Textile Center, where local artisans preserve ancient Inca weaving traditions using alpaca wool, natural dyes, and traditional looms. Continue to the impressive circular terraces of Moray, the Incas' agricultural laboratory, before exploring the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, home to more than 3,000 salt pools still worked by local families. Travel with a professional bilingual guide, enjoy comfortable transportation, and experience the perfect blend of history, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic Andean traditions, all while returning to Cusco early enough to make the most of your afternoon.
At a glance
- Duration: 5 hr–6 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 5 hr–6 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
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.
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.
What is included
- Textile weaving demonstration in Chinchero
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
- Professional bilingual guide (English & Spanish)
- Personalized assistance
- Photo stops
- Comfortable tourist transportation
- Free time at each attraction
Not included
- Food and beverages
- Tips for the driver and guide (optional)
- Personal expenses
- Maras Salt Mines (paid on site)
- Partial Tourist Ticket (Moray paid on site)
Itinerary and highlights
Your adventure begins with hotel pickup at 8:30 AM, followed by a scenic drive to the northeast of Cusco.
Our first stop is the Chinchero Textile Center (Awanas de Chinchero), where you'll discover the rich textile traditions of the Andes. During this 20-minute visit, local women demonstrate ancient Inca weaving and spinning techniques, using alpaca and sheep wool, natural dyes, and traditional looms to create authentic handmade textiles passed down through generations.
Next, we continue to the impressive Moray Archaeological Site, an extraordinary complex of circular agricultural terraces believed to have served as an Inca agricultural research center, where different microclimates were used to experiment with crops.
The journey then takes us to the famous Maras Salt Mines, a breathtaking landscape of more than 3,000 salt pools that have been harvested since pre-Inca times. These salt ponds are still owned and maintained by local families, who collect the mineral-rich salt using traditional methods before processing it for sale in local markets.
After exploring these remarkable attractions, we return to Cusco. The tour concludes approximately half a block from Cusco's Main Square (Plaza de Armas) between 2:00 PM and 2:40 PM, giving you the rest of the afternoon to continue exploring the city.
Meeting and pickup information
- Travelers will be dropped off at Plaza Regocijo, located one block from Cusco's Main Square (Plaza de Armas). The guide will indicate the exact drop-off point before the end of the tour.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- MACHUPICCHU DESTINOS
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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