Maras Moray, and Chinchero are one of the best destinations in Peru, known for their rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating history. They are located in the Cusco region of Peru, once the Inca Empire's heart. From traditional weaving techniques to agricultural experimentation, these sites are sure to leave visitors with a greater appreciation for the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient Inca people.
Maras Moray & Chinchero Half-Day Tour - Overview
Salineras of Maras, Moray, and Chinchero are among Peru's best destinations. Each site has its unique beauty and cultural significance, making them must-visit destinations for anyone traveling to the Cusco & Machu Pichu in Peru.
They are also located in a beautiful part of the country, with stunning natural scenery and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The Salineras of Maras, Moray, and Chinchero will surely delight and inspire you whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature. These three destinations offer unique insights into Peru's history, culture, and traditions.
Tour Highlights:
- Salineras de Maras: A series of salt ponds that have been in use for centuries. You can take a tour of the ponds and learn about the traditional methods of salt production that are still used today. The Salineras are located in a beautiful valley and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Moray: Another popular destination in the region known for its impressive Inca ruins. The Incas used the circular terraces at Moray for agricultural experiments, and the site offers a fascinating glimpse into the innovative farming practices of this ancient civilization.
- Chinchero: A charming town famous for its weaving traditions. You will witness the weaving process and purchase beautiful textiles made from alpaca wool. Chinchero is also home to several Inca ruins, including a palace and temple.
Tour Schedule:
- Starts: 8:00 am or 12:30 from your hotel in Cusco
Included:
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
- Private, comfortable transportation
- Professional Tour Guide
- Entrance ticket Moray
- Entrance ticket to Salineras of Maras
- Entrance ticket to Chichero
Not Included:
- Meals not Included
- Tip to your staff
Before you book:
- A minimum of 2 people are needed to start a tour.
- Shopping available, take some cash with you
- This is a Half-tour only
- Cancellation Policy: You can cancel this tour for up to 48 hours and get a full refund.
- Book with Confidence and Flexibility
Full Itinerary
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 8:00 am or 12:30 pm (you can choose a morning or afternoon tour) and drive for 1 hour to Moray (3,450 m/11,318 ft), the circular terraces used by the Incas for agricultural experiments, which is a great way to learn about the innovative farming practices of this ancient civilization. The stunning natural scenery and impressive Inca sites make for a memorable experience.
Next, you will drive 30 minutes to Maras (3385 m/11105 ft), a small town in the Sacred Valley of Peru, about 40 kilometers northwest of Cusco. The city is known for its rich history, stunning natural scenery, and traditional salt production methods. Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets, admire the traditional adobe houses, and visit the beautiful colonial church built during the Spanish invasion.
The tour's highlight is Salineras of Maras (3200 m/10498 ft), just 20 minutes from Maras. The Salineras have been in use since pre-Inca times, and the traditional methods of salt production are still used today. The ponds are owned and operated by local families who harvest the salt through evaporation, which can take up to a month. Once harvested, the salt is sold in local markets or used for traditional purposes. There are over 3000 salt ponds, and the harvesting process is truly fascinating and makes for a great photo opportunity.
Finally, we will drive 40 minutes to Chinchero (3,762 m/12,343 ft), where you can see traditional textile production and visit a colorful market, allowing visitors to shop and support local artisans.
The people of Chinchero are known as expert weavers, and they use a variety of natural fibers, including alpaca, llama, and sheep wool, to create beautiful textiles. They use various techniques, including spinning, dyeing, and weaving, to create intricate patterns and designs that reflect the culture and history of the region.
In Chinchero, you will also visit the Inca site and the colonial church and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After the tour, you will return to your hotel in Cusco.
The tour can be customized; add Ollantaytambo or explore in a full day!
Maras Moray Half-Day Tour Price
Price per person:
- US$ 120 - Small Group (includes entry fees)
- 4+ Travelers, contact us to get a special price: info@trexperienceperu.com
To book the Maras Moray Tour, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 50 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco with any card and without booking fees.
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Maras Moray and Chinchero Tour - Travel Info
What to Bring
When traveling to Chinchero, Moray, and Maras, it's important to consider that you are going to a higher altitude than Cusco city. You will need to pack for cold weather as well as for sunny and rainy days.
During the tour, you will travel in our comfortable private vans; however, once you are at the places we visit, you need to walk for an average of 30 minutes in uneven terrain and have proper shoes and clothing.
Here are some items you may want to consider packing for the Maras Moray and Chinchero tour:
- Small backpack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm clothes for early morning or afternoons
- Light jacket or sweater (depending on the season)
- Sunscreen
- Hat or cap
- Rain gear, rain ponchos
- Sunglasses
- Camera or phone with a camera
- Water bottle
- Snacks (optional)
- Cash for any additional purchases or tips
It's also good to check the weather forecast before the tour to prepare you for possible bad weather conditions. Bring any necessary medication or supplies if you have any specific medical needs.
Places we visit on this tour
Moray (circular terraces)
Moray is an archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of the Incas at 3385 m (11105 ft). It is known for its unique circular terraces, which the Inca Empire built in the 15th century.
The circular terraces at Moray are arranged in a series of concentric circles and are believed to have been used for agricultural experiments by the Inca. The terraces have varying depths and temperatures, which created microclimates that allowed the Inca to test the growth of different crops in different conditions.
The site also includes a complex of buildings and irrigation channels used to control water flow to the terraces and store agricultural products. The buildings at Moray are believed to have been used for ceremonial and administrative purposes.
Maras Town
They are also known as the "Ciudad de las Portadas," a nickname given to the town of Maras due to its numerous colonial-era doorways and arches, known as "portadas" in Spanish. These doorways are a distinctive feature of the town's architecture and are highly valued for their historical and cultural significance.
Many of the "portadas" in Maras are made of carved stone and feature intricate designs and motifs. They were built by Spanish colonizers in the 16th and 17th centuries and were used to mark the entrances to important buildings and homes.
The "portadas" is an important part of Maras' cultural heritage, and the town takes great pride in preserving them. The local government has implemented measures to protect and restore the doorways. Visitors to Maras can take guided tours to learn about the history and significance of these unique architectural features.
Salt ponds (Salineras of Maras)
The Salt Ponds of Maras, also known as Salineras de Maras, is a series of salt evaporation ponds in the Sacred Valley at 3200 m (10498 ft). The salt ponds have been used since pre-Columbian times and are still operated using traditional methods today.
The salt ponds are situated on a steep hillside just outside the town of Maras and cover an area of several hectares. They consist of thousands of small terraced pools that are filled with salty water from a natural underground stream. The water is left to evaporate in the sun, leaving behind salt crystals that local families harvest.
The salt from the Salineras de Maras is highly valued for its purity and unique flavor. It is used for cooking and preserving food, as well as for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. The salt is also an important source of income for local families, who work together to maintain the ponds and harvest the salt.
Chinchero(land of great weavers)
Chinchero is a small Andean town located at 3,762 m (12,343 ft). It is known as the "Land of Great Weavers" due to the town's rich textile traditions, passed down through generations. The local people are skilled in weaving intricate patterns and designs into textiles using traditional techniques and natural dyes.
Chinchero is also home to a beautiful archaeological site with a large colonial church built on top of an Inca palace. The church, known as the Church of Our Lady of Monserrat, was built by the Spanish in the early 17th century using stones taken from the nearby Inca site.
The Inca palace, located underneath the church, is believed to have been built by the Inca ruler Tupac Yupanqui. The palace featured impressive stonework and a large central courtyard and was likely used for ceremonial and administrative purposes.
In addition to its cultural and historical significance, Chinchero is known for its stunning views of the Andes Mountains and its vibrant local markets, where visitors can purchase handcrafted textiles and other artisanal goods.
Maras Moray Tour - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maras Moray and Chinchero Tour?
The Maras Moray and Chinchero Tour is a popular day trip from Cusco, Peru, that takes visitors to the ancient Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, the salt mines of Maras, and the traditional town of Chinchero.
How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts around half a day. However, we can upgrade to a full-day tour with Ollantaytambo or other places of interest.
How much does the tour cost?
The cost of the tour can vary depending on the group size and itinerary you request, but it typically ranges from 100 to 150.USD per person.
What is included in the tour?
Our Maras Moray tour includes private transportation, an English-speaking tour guide, and entry fees to all places we visit.
Is lunch included in the tour?
Meals are not included in our tours. However, you can upgrade to a full-day tour with a picnic lunch.
What should I bring on the tour?
It is recommended to bring warm clothes, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, and some cash for any additional purchases or tips.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for children. The tour is considered easy and safe for children.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The sites visited on tour may not be fully wheelchair accessible due to the uneven terrain and stairs. TreXperience can accommodate wheelchair users with advance notice and special arrangements.
Can I book the tour online?
Yes, booking with TreXperience is easy, with no booking fees, and 100% safe as we STRIPE to process our payments.
What is the best time of year to take the tour?
The best time to take the tour is typically during the dry season, which runs from April to October, as the weather is typically sunny and clear. However, the sites can be visited year-round.