Discover Maras, Moray, and Chinchero: Half-Day Adventure

Begin your journey in morning or afternoon preparation when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and set out on a scenic drive through the lush Andean countryside. As you meander past fields of potato, wheat, and traditional highland villages, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Sacred Valley.

Moray: Our first stop is the fascinating archaeological site of Moray, located at 3,450 meters (11,318 feet) above sea level. Here, you’ll explore the impressive circular terraces—four stunning formations that resemble Roman amphitheaters carved into the earth. These terraces served as an agricultural laboratory for the Incas, where they experimented with different crops and climates. The mystery and innovation of this site will leave you in awe as you discover how the Incas used these terraces to optimize farming techniques.

Maras: Next, we travel to the charming colonial town of Maras. Originally built during the Spanish conquest to exploit the nearby salt mines, Maras boasts narrow streets and colonial architecture, including a beautiful church dating back to 1650. As you explore, you’ll experience the deep cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations in this tranquil village.

Salt Mines (Salineras): Just a short drive from Maras, we reach the incredible Salineras, home to over 3,000 salt ponds. These salt mines have been in operation since pre-Inca times, and local families have harvested salt here for centuries. As you wander through the sparkling salt terraces, you’ll learn about the traditional harvesting process that has remained unchanged for generations, relying on natural evaporation to produce high-quality salt crystals.

Chinchero: The final stop on our adventure is the picturesque town of Chinchero, located at 3,760 meters (12,336 feet). Known as the “Land of Great Weavers,” Chinchero is famous for its vibrant market, colonial-era church, and impressive Inca farming terraces. Here, you’ll witness local women demonstrating the traditional methods of weaving, spinning, and dyeing textiles, using natural colors and ancient techniques passed down through generations. This is the perfect place to shop for authentic handmade goods and take home a piece of Andean culture.

After a day of exploration and cultural immersion, we return to Cusco, arriving just in time for lunch around 1:00 p.m.

Chinchero: Located at 3,760 meters above sea level, this town is renowned for its skilled weavers and colorful market. The local women will showcase how they use natural dyes and traditional tools to create intricate Andean textiles, keeping alive an art form that dates back to Inca times. The town also features beautiful Inca terraces and a charming colonial church built atop an Inca palace.

Moray: Situated at 3,500 meters above sea level, Moray is a remarkable archaeological site featuring four large, circular terraces resembling amphitheaters. Believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory, these terraces allowed the Incas to experiment with different crops and microclimates, showcasing their advanced understanding of farming and ecology.

Salt Mines (Salineras): Nestled near the town of Maras, the salt mines consist of over 3,000 individual salt ponds, each owned by local villagers. These salt ponds have been in continuous use since pre-Inca times, and the villagers still harvest salt using the traditional method of evaporation. Learn about the cooperative system in which the Maras villagers work together as a community to produce and sell salt to local markets, known collectively as "MARASAL."