Maras, Moray and Chinchero Private Day Trip from Cusco
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.
Options
Private service,
Pickup included
What's included in Maras, Moray and Chinchero Private Day Trip from Cusco
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Moray
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.
Salinas de Maras
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.
Complejo Arqueologico Chinchero
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.
Inclusions
- English-speaking tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Private transportation)
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fee for archaeological sites
- 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
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 10 minutes before departure time.
Additional 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.
