Maras, Moray, and Salt Mines Tour with Snack Pack

The tour begins with a meeting point at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco, next to the main fountain in the square, where our team will be waiting for passengers between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. After meeting the group, your guide will give a brief introduction to the tour and share some information about the places you will visit throughout the day. Each passenger will also receive an individual snack kit. We will then set off towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking in the stunning Andean landscapes, agricultural fields, and mountains that define this remarkable region.

Our second stop will be at a traditional textile center in Chinchero, where you will learn more about the ancestral techniques of Andean weaving. During the visit, you will be introduced to alpaca fibers, natural dyeing techniques, and traditional methods used by local communities to produce their textiles. You will also discover how these traditional skills and techniques have been preserved and passed down through generations, while having the opportunity to observe the region’s distinctive textiles and craftsmanship up close.

We will continue our journey through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking in the mountains, agricultural fields, and Andean communities that form part of the region’s distinctive landscape. Along the way, your guide will explain the importance of the Sacred Valley to Inca culture, as well as the geographical characteristics that made the area particularly suitable for agricultural development.

Our next visit will be to the Moray Archaeological Site, an ancient Inca agricultural complex featuring remarkable circular terraces built at different levels. The arrangement of these structures created variations in temperature and humidity, which has contributed to theories regarding their possible use for agricultural experimentation. During the visit, your guide will explain how the Incas made use of the terrain, changes in elevation, and microclimatic conditions to develop knowledge related to cultivation and the adaptation of different plant species.

After visiting Moray, we will continue to the village of Maras, a small Andean settlement that preserves elements of both its Inca heritage and colonial past. During the visit, we will walk through its streets and learn more about its history, architecture, and traditions, while your guide shares insights into the local community and Maras’s significance throughout different historical periods.

We will then visit the impressive Maras Salt Mines, home to more than 3,000 small salt evaporation ponds spread across the mountain slopes. Salt is produced from a natural saltwater spring, which is channelled through a network of canals into the ponds. As the water evaporates under the sun, salt crystals are left behind and subsequently collected. This activity is still carried out by local communities and preserves traditional techniques that date back to pre-Inca times. During the visit, your guide will explain how the process works and its importance to the families of the region.

After completing our visit to the Maras Salt Mines, we will begin our return journey towards Cusco. Along the way, we will once again pass through the Chinchero area, taking in the rural landscapes of the Sacred Valley, agricultural fields, and mountains that line the road. This route offers an opportunity to appreciate a different perspective of the Andean landscape as we make our way back to the city.

After completing our visit to the textile center, we will begin the journey back to Cusco. Throughout the drive, we will continue to enjoy the Andean scenery, with its mountains, agricultural fields, and traditional communities. Upon arrival in the city, drop-off will be at Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, a convenient location from which you can continue exploring the historic center, discover its surroundings, and enjoy some free time to have lunch at your own expense before continuing with your activities.