Explore the north of Cusco near the Sacred Valley. You will visit Chinchero, an important Inka town and one of the foremost centers of handmade textiles. Afterwards, explore the ancient agriculture terraces in Moray and the pre-Inka salt mines.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 6 hours
- Starting time 8:00 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, Spanish
- Pickup included
- Pickup is available at downtown hotels in Cusco. Please indicate if you are staying at a private accommodation (with address and phone number), you will then be provided with a meeting point close by.
Experience
Highlights
- Enjoy the panoramic views of Chicon and the Pitusiray Mountains
- Marvel at the ancient textile weaving process
- Explore the Inka terraces in Moray
- Take in the stunning views of natural pre-Inka salt mines
Full description
Your tour will start with your group pick-up. From there you will drive for about an hour to Chinchero, making a short stop in this town to visit one of the last traditional families. You will also learn about ancient textiles and the weaving process.
After driving 30 minutes more, you will arrive to Moray, the ancient Inka agriculture laboratory located in a rare topographical depression in which the Inkas developed into unique circular terraces. You will learn how this entire area was also watered by a well-engineered irrigation system.
After enjoying Moray, you will continue for another hour to the Salineras Salt Mines of Maray, your last destination on your tour. The salt mine is actually a vast collection of terraces born from a water stream high on a mountain.
Over many centuries this salt spring has been channeled to 1,000 small pools. People wait for the sunny days to evaporate the water which leaves the pure salt behind, a technique of which has been used since pre-Inka times. You will finally drive approximately 1.5 hours back to Cusco, where your group will be dropped off near the Main Plaza de Armas.
Includes
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Bilingual guide
- Transportation
- Hotel drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Tourist ticket for Moray (70 soles, can be purchased on site)
- Entrance ticket to the salt mines (10 soles, can be purchased in Maras)
- Gratuities
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
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Important information
Know before you go
- The local partner cannot be held responsible for the change of weather conditions during your tour; it is recommended to learn more about weather conditions via apps or any other method and then to choose the best day of departure based on that research
