Cusco: Sacred Valley, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines Tour｜Peru

We will pick you up from your hotel around 8 a.m. and begin your adventure with a scenic drive through the snow capped mountains, wheat fields, and villages. S

We will first arrive at the ancient terraces in Moray. Moray boasts three amphitheater-like terraces, made by the Incas. These terraces, which are carved deep into the earth, in the shape of a bowl, were thought to be used to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops.

When you are done exploring Moray, we will head about two miles away, to the salt mines of Maras. This village is a salt-producing center and is thought to date back all the way to pre-Incan times. There are over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountainside, that are filled daily by a stream of water. This spectacular area is perfect for you if you wish to see something different than the ruins.

Next, explore a village market at “The Birthplace of the Rainbow.” Chinchero is a small Andean, Indian village located at 3,762 meters high, on the windswept plains of Anta, about 30 km from Cusco. There are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon.

Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. Its major claim to tourism is its colorful Sunday market, which is much less tourist-orientated than the market at Pisac. Finally, visit the famous catholic roman church, which was built over the Inca palace.

Choose the Pachamanca Lunch add-on to experience a truly unique local Andean cuisine in Chinchero. The group shows you how they make their earth oven and also show some of the local songs and dances and history of the area. It included 4-5 meats and their locally harvested vegetables. It adds around 2 hours to the tour. We can accommodate any diet restrictions.

Note: This market is held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday but if your trip isn’t on one of these days, they have a smaller textile center open daily. There, you can watch a demonstration on how to make beautiful, natural sweaters from Alpaca wool.