Chinchero & Maras: Exploring culture

Explore the authenticity of Chinchero and the natural wonder of the Maras Salt Mines

Destinations

Perú

Activity

Tour duration

Half day

Group size

Up to 18 Pax per vehicle

Star/finish city

Cusco City

Difficulty

Level 1: Casual

Travel with purpose

Plant a Tree

Through this adventure, you will be helping us achieve our goal of planting more than 2,000 trees in the community of Puccamarca in Cusco.

Embark on this exciting 8-hour adventure and explore the cultural heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Whether you join a group or choose a private experience, you’ll immerse yourself in a unique journey.

We’ll begin in the charming town of Chinchero, where you’ll discover ancestral traditions and its impressive Textile Center. Then, we’ll head to Moray, a fascinating archaeological site that will transport you back to the Inca past. Finally, we’ll explore the famous Maras Salt Mines, where you’ll marvel at the ancient salt-extraction techniques still in use today.

After a day full of discoveries, we’ll return to Cusco, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this cultural and natural experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.

● Visit the Andean Weaving Community in Chinchero — Learn ancestral textile techniques using llama and sheep wool preserved by local artisans.
● Explore Moray — The Inca Agricultural Laboratory — Discover circular terraces designed by the Incas to experiment with crops in different microclimates.
● Walk through the Colonial Town of Maras — Admire its historic streets and noble coats of arms that reflect its colonial legacy.
● Marvel at the Maras Salt Mines — Witness thousands of terraced salt pools still harvested by local families using traditional methods.

Chinchero & Maras: Exploring culture

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TRAVEL ACTIVITIES: Cultural Adventure

TOUR TYPE: Shared group or Private tour

TOUR DURATION: Half day

TRAVEL STYLE: Standard

PHYSICAL RATING: Casual

STAR/FINISH CITY: Cusco City

Pick-up Location: Hotel pick-up, only if located in the city center.
Drop-off Location: Plateros Street (Cusco City Center)

TRANSPORT: Tourist van

GROUP SIZE: Up to 18 Pax per vehicle

AVAILABILITY: All year

DEPARTURES: Daily at 7:00 AM

LANGUAGE:

● Spanish
● English

Chinchero & Maras

Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Chinchero and Maras as you explore their main attractions.

Enjoy this tour privately or join a group of passionate travelers like you.

07:00 / 07:30 hrs: Pick-up from your hotel (if located in Cusco’s downtown).
08:40 hrs: Visit the Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center and learn about the region’s rich weaving traditions.
10:40 hrs: Visit to the Moray Agricultural Research Center.
12:20 hrs: Visit to the Maras Salt Mines.
14:00 / 14:30 hrs: Return to Cusco.

Chinchero & Maras

We will pick you up in the morning from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco to begin our adventure through the Sacred Valley, exploring two emblematic sites of the Inca civilization.

We will start with a brief stop in Chinchero, where we will visit the Artisan Community to learn about the traditional process of weaving llama and sheep wool.

After that, we will head to the Archaeological Site of Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory used by the Incas to experiment with the adaptation of plants to the region’s different microclimates and ecological levels.

Next, we will continue our journey to the picturesque town of Maras, where we will admire the noble coats of arms that recall its colonial past.

To conclude, we will visit the Maras Salt Mines accompanied by our guide, who will take us to the viewpoint to contemplate the impressive salt ponds. Local inhabitants still use ancestral crystallization techniques to obtain salt crystals from the saline water.

At the end of the excursion, we will return to the city center of Cusco, with the tour expected to finish around 2:00 PM or 2:30 PM.

Altitudes:

Cusco: 3,350 m.a.s.l. (10,990 ft)
Moray: 3,762 m.a.s.l. (12,342 ft)
Maras: 3,762 m.a.s.l. (12,342 ft)
Pisac: 3,300 m.a.s.l. (10,826 ft)

Transportation: Cusco – Chinchero – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Cusco

● English or Spanish – speaking local guide
● Pick-up from hotel (available only for hotels close to the city center)
● Tourist transport
● Entrance to the Moray
● Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines
● Medical kit: First aid equipment, oxygen, and altitude sickness pills

● Meals, except those mentioned.
● Flights
● Extra expenses (such as tips or others).
● Travel insurance.

● Comfortable clothing
● Light jacket or raincoat (depending on the weather)
● Comfortable walking shoes
● Professional camera or a smartphone with good resolution to capture excellent photos.
● Hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun, rain, and cold.
● sunglasses, Sunscreen and/or moisturizer for face and body.
● Snacks: energy bars, chocolate, fruit, granola, or cookies.
● Your own medical kit with any special medication you may need, such as Sorojchi Pills (for altitude sickness) and blister protection.
● Cash in local currency, preferably in small bills and coins.

Private tour Chinchero & Maras (price per person):

● Private tour for 1 traveler: $ 120 USD per person
● Private tour for 2 travelers: $ 65 USD per person
● Private tour for 3 travelers: $ 50 USD per person
● Private tour for 4 travelers: $ 45 USD per person
● Private tour for 5 travelers: $ 40 USD per person
● Private tour for 6 travelers: $ 35 USD per person

Chinchero & Maras (No Tickets)
Shared tour without entrance fees. Price: $20 per person.

Need help or want to book a private tour?
Contact us via email or WhatsApp and our team will assist you.

1. What is the best time to visit Chinchero and Maras?
Chinchero and Maras can be visited all year round, but the best time is from April to October, when there is little rain and it is ideal for exploring the city and visiting its main attractions.

2. What important details should I know about the experience?
● This experience is offered as a shared service, meaning transportation will be shared with other travelers, up to a maximum of 12 passengers, all following the same itinerary. Private tours are also available. Contact us at info@nomadex.com to learn about private tour pricing.
● To ensure the itinerary is followed, a maximum tolerance of 15 minutes is allowed for the tour start.
● Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and you must return in the same seat you occupied at the beginning of the tour.

3. How far in advance can I make a reservation?
● Up to 6 months in advance, subject to availability (since entry to some attractions is limited).
● Up to 48 hours before the tour, subject to availability (only if you are already in Cusco). If you are traveling from another country, we recommend booking at least 30 days in advance, or 2 months in advance during high season.

4. Do I need to bring my identification for the tour?
Yes. All participants must carry a valid ID, foreigner card, or passport, since entrance tickets must be purchased physically on the day of the tour, presenting your ID at the ticket office of each attraction.

5. Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly. Children under 3 years old may join for free, and we recommend seniors plan according to their mobility comfort.

6. Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included, but there are options to buy food or snacks at some of the stops.

7. Can I request a private tour for my group?
Yes, private tours are available. Contact us for pricing and arrangements.

8. What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a light jacket are recommended due to the varying weather conditions in Cusco.

9. How long does the City Tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, depending on traffic and time spent at each attraction.

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