Maras Moray and Chinchero

Half Day Tour: Maras Moray and Chinchero Ruins, and Salt Mines – A Journey Through Inca Innovation

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel, our Machupicchu Latin America guide picks you up from the lobby between 7:45 and 8:00 am, ready to start an adventure filled with history, mystery, and breathtaking Andean landscapes.

We drive comfortably from Cusco to Chinchero, a town renowned for its rich cultural heritage and ancient traditions.

Chinchero: Where Time Stands Still

But the legend says that Chinchero was once the royal retreat of Túpac Inca Yupanqui, one of the greatest Inca emperors, who chose this serene spot for his palace.

At the Túpac Inca Yupanqui Royal House, you see the original Inca stone walls, perfectly preserved—a testament to the incredible engineering skills of the Inca civilization.

As we walk through town, Chinchero women, dressed in vibrant traditional clothing, showcase their weaving skills in local textile centers. Each thread they weave carries a story passed down through generations.

From here, we drive deeper into the Sacred Valley, heading toward Maras, a village that holds one of the Incas’ greatest agricultural experiments.

Moray: The Mysterious Agricultural Laboratory

Still at Moray, the sight of concentric terraces carved into the earth forms a breathtaking landscape.

More than just beautiful, this site served as an advanced Inca agricultural laboratory.

The Incas designed it to study climate effects at different elevations, with temperature differences of up to 15°C (59°F) between the top and bottom terraces.

Some believe its circular shape symbolizes the eye of the gods, watching over crops for abundant harvests.

As we explore these terraces, imagine ancient farmers experimenting with corn, potatoes, and coca plants, adapting them to the Andean climate. The energy here is undeniable, connecting visitors to the legacy of the Inca empire.

The Salt Mines of Maras: A Sparkling Treasure

For this reason our final stop is the Salt Mines of Maras, or Salineras, a stunning network of nearly 3,000 salt pools cascading down the mountainside.

Used since Inca times—and possibly even earlier—these pools collect mineral-rich water from an underground spring. The intense Andean sun evaporates the water, leaving behind pure, hand-harvested salt crystals, following a centuries-old tradition.

Locals believe this salt has special healing properties due to its rich mineral content. As you take in the shimmering landscape, you connect with ancient trade routes where salt was once as valuable as gold.

A Glimpse into Inca Engineering and Daily Life:

Then throughout this tour, you’ll witness firsthand the remarkable ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

From their understanding of microclimates at Moray to their exploitation of natural resources at Maras, the Incas demonstrated an unparalleled ability to adapt to their environment and thrive. It’s no wonder that modern scientists still study these ancient sites to unlock their secrets.

After soaking in the beauty and history of these stunning locations, we’ll drive you back to your Cusco hotel, with an estimated return time of around 1:00 pm.

You’ll have the afternoon free to reflect on the wonders you’ve just experienced—or, perhaps, to explore more of Cusco’s charming streets and plazas.

Additional Options for Maras, Moray and Chinchero:

• If you’re catching a flight from Cusco, we can adjust the tour timing to ensure you’re back at the airport by 12:00 pm.
• Alternatively, for an extra cost, we can drop you off in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo if your adventure continues deeper into the Sacred Valley.

This half-day tour isn’t just a visit to ancient ruins—it’s a journey through time, where myths, history, and the breathtaking Andean landscape come together to leave an indelible mark on your heart. Whether you’re fascinated by the stories of Inca emperors or captivated by the timeless beauty of the salt mines, this experience will transport you to a world where the past feels as vivid as the present.

Day 1: Half Day Maras, Moray, Chinchero Ruins, and Salt Mines Tour

• 7:45 am – 8:00 am: Pick-up from Cusco hotel and departure for Chinchero.
• Chinchero: Explore Túpac Inca Yupanqui’s Royal House and meet Chinchero women showcasing traditional weaving techniques.
• Maras: Continue the drive to the village of Maras.
• Moray: Visit the Moray archaeological site and its concentric terraces used as agricultural laboratories.
• Salt Mines (Salineras): Discover the artisanal salt mines with over 3,000 wells, still in use since the Inca period.
• 1:00 pm: Return to Cusco hotel.

Highlights:

• Discover Inca agricultural innovations at Moray.
• Visit the famous Salt Mines of Maras, one of the oldest salt extraction sites.
• Learn about Andean weaving traditions in Chinchero.

Optional Adjustments:

• Early return to Cusco airport by 12:00 pm for departing flights.
• Option to be dropped off in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo for an additional cost.

Includes / Does not Include

Includes:

• Hotel pick up and drop off.
• Transport.
• English speaking guide.
• 1 Bottle of Water.
• Small group tour.

Does not Include:

• Admission ticket (80 Peruvian sol cash).
• Gratuity (optional).
• Additional expenses.
• Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

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