Half Day
Do you want to leave the city for a day and experience something different? Are you interested in ancient history? How about enjoying unique and unforgettable views and getting to know the customs and traditions of local communities? Then, this trip is for you. Join us alone, as a couple, or as part of a larger group on this fun and interesting day outside of Cusco.
In the small town of Chinchero, you can enjoy a typical demonstration of artisanal weaving done by local women. Afterwards, you will visit the Maras Salt Mines, which will undoubtedly amaze you as they are located on the mountainside. Next, you will head to the gigantic agricultural laboratory of Moray, one of the most intriguing Inca archaeological complexes.
Afterward, we will head to the village of Misminay, where the locals will warmly welcome you and have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious traditional meal carefully prepared by their hands.
Throughout the journey, you will be surrounded by the Andean mountains, enjoying breathtaking views, observing the local inhabitants’ daily lives, and working in the fields. Additionally, we will pass by the Huaypo Lagoon (3,510 m / 11,515 ft), a beautiful expanse of crystal-clear water.
So, organize this exciting journey before the moment of departure, you will learn a lot and enjoy incredible landscapes. You won’t have to worry about anything as we have planned every detail down to the smallest one. All you have to do is enjoy this thrilling trip.
ITINERARY: Maras – Moray – Salineras 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
On this tour, you will travel through the Peruvian historic Urubamba Valley. Located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Urubamba Valley is known for its lush scenery, picturesque colonial towns, and magnificent Inca fortresses.
We will pick you up from your hotel between 8 and 8:15 a.m. and head to Moray. The drive will last around 1 hour and 20 minutes and is absolutely beautiful. You will drive through the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, the lush yellow wheat fields, and traditional Andean villages. You will ultimately arrive in the fascinating terraces of Moray. Moray is made up of three amphitheater-like terraces made by the Incas. These terraces are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape, and have been used as an agricultural laboratory to determine the optimal conditions for cropping.
After exploring Moray, you will head to the Salt Mines of Maras, which are just 2 miles away. Dating back to colonial times, Maras was considered a salt-producing center. Carved into the mountainside are over 3000 salt pools, which are filled daily by a little stream of water. Once the water evaporates, it leaves behind a glistening patchwork of salt. The Salt Mines are a great spot to take pictures and capture the amazing beauty of both the Andes and the spectacular Salines. We will then head back to Cusco.
IT IS INCLUDED:
- Professional guide
- Transportation
IT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Entrance fees:
- Moray is part of the tourist ticket that you may have already purchased. If not, it is 70 soles for the partial ticket or 130 soles for the general ticket. We recommend purchasing the general ticket if you plan on doing the city tour or visiting other ruins sites around Cusco, valid for 10 days.
- Maras salt flats has an additional cost of 15 soles
- You can buy both entrance tickets when we arrive at the sites
WHAT TO BRING
- Backpack for personal items
- Comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear
- Extra money for souvenirs and handicrafts
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water and snacks
- Sunglasses
- Personal medications
- Extra money in Soles
RECOMMENDATIONS
If besides visiting the Moray you would also want to visit the Sacred Valley the next day or the day before it is ok to just by the tourist ticket that costs 70 soles but if you are taking the City Tour within the next 10 days after visiting Moray, you should buy the tourist ticket that costs 130 Soles. With the general ticket you will also have access to other attractions and museums in Cusco.
Flexibility cancellation/ change
- Cancel your tour 48 hours in advance and be reimbursed for the full amount of the tour. If you cancel the tour after these 48 hours prior to your tour no refund will be processed.
- The policy to reschedule or to make any amendment allows the update to be made no more than 5 days prior to the date of your tour and it is valid until December 30th, 2022.
- The itinerary may be subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances, beyond the control of the operator, changes without prior notice.
Why is the tourist ticket not included?
The Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) is a personal ticket and is not sold in advance. It must be purchased in Cusco or at the entrance of the visited sites where this ticket is required.
Check our guide with all the information about the tourist ticket.
Can I do this tour in the morning and the City Tour in the afternoon?
No. Due to the travel times and distances between one place and the other, it is not possible to combine the two tours in the same day.
I will be staying in the Sacred Valley, can I start the tour from there?
No. All group tours depart from Cusco. If you want to start from your hotel in the Sacred Valley you will need to hire a private tour.
