From Cusco: Tour to Chinchero/Maras/Moray+Picnic

Embarking on an 8-hour journey from Cusco, travelers can explore the captivating Sacred Valley region and uncover its rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant town of Chinchero to the unique agricultural terraces of Moray and the breathtaking salt ponds of Salineras, this tour offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes and immersive cultural experiences. Accompanied by friendly llamas, visitors can enjoy a delightful picnic amidst nature’s beauty while learning about the local weaving traditions and the Inca civilization’s agricultural prowess. This immersive day trip promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to delve deeper into the wonders of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Key Points

• Explore the ancient Inca sites of Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras, learning about traditional weaving, agricultural experimentation, and artisanal salt production.
• Enjoy a picnic in the serene natural surroundings accompanied by friendly llamas as part of the immersive cultural experience.
• Comprehensive package includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a knowledgeable tour guide in Spanish and English.
• Tour not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with animal allergies; participants should prepare accordingly.
• Duration is 8 hours, with a price of £128.63 per person and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley, with a duration of 8 hours and a price of £128.63 per person.

It includes hotel pickup from Cusco’s historical center around 8:30 a.m. and round-trip transport. Travelers will have the opportunity to discover the region accompanied by llamas and enjoy a picnic in nature.

The tour also features visits to the archaeological sites of Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras, where participants can learn about traditional weaving techniques and local customs.

The tour concludes with a return to Cusco around 3:30 p.m. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour’s highlights provide travelers a well-rounded experience of the Sacred Valley.

Visitors will discover the ancient Inca site of Chinchero, where they’ll learn about traditional weaving techniques from local artisans.

The tour then ventures to Moray, showcasing the Incas’ impressive agricultural experimentation centers.

Next up is Salineras, a captivating landscape of over 3,000 salt wells renowned for their artisanal pink salt.

Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy a picnic in the area’s serene natural surroundings, accompanied by friendly llamas.

This immersive itinerary offers insight into the region’s cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with a visit to Chinchero, where travelers explore the textile complex and learn about the vibrant tradition of weaving from local artisans.

Next, the group ventures to Moray, an archaeological site featuring intricate Inca terraces, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity of the ancient civilization.

The final stop is Salineras, the stunning salt wells renowned for their artisanal pink salt extraction.

After these informative and visually striking tours, the group enjoys a picnic in the serene natural surroundings before returning to Cusco, completing this immersive cultural experience.

The itinerary includes:

1. Chinchero: Textile complex and weaving demonstration
2. Moray: Exploration of Inca terraces
3. Salineras: View of 3,000 salt wells and pink salt extraction

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the tour, travelers can expect a comprehensive package that includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and the services of a knowledgeable tour guide, who can provide insights in both Spanish and English.

The tour also includes a picnic lunch, allowing participants to enjoy the natural surroundings.

However, the tour excludes any meals not mentioned, as well as entrance fees.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with animal allergies.

Travelers should come prepared with their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and cash for any additional expenses.

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Important Information

Travelers should come prepared with their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and cash for any additional expenses.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with animal allergies. Participants should also be aware of the following rules:

• No smoking, alcohol, drugs, or explosive substances are allowed on the tour.
• Customers are expected to follow the instructions of the tour guide and be respectful of the cultural sites and local customs.
• It’s important to keep in mind the high altitude of the destinations, and participants should hydrate and pace themselves accordingly.

Exploring Chinchero

One of the first stops on the tour is the historic town of Chinchero, a picturesque Andean village renowned for its vibrant textile traditions.

Visitors explore the local textile complex, where they learn about the intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations. They witness skilled artisans demonstrating the process of dyeing wool with natural pigments and weaving colorful textiles on traditional looms.

The tour also provides insights into the cultural significance of these textile arts within the Inca heritage.

After the textile demonstration, travelers have the opportunity to browse and purchase unique handcrafted items directly from the local weavers, supporting the community’s traditional livelihood.

Uncovering Moray

After exploring the vibrant textile traditions of Chinchero, the tour moves on to the next captivating destination – Moray.

This ancient Inca archaeological site is renowned for its unique concentric circular terraces, believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory.

Visitors can marvel at the impressive engineering feats of the Incas, as they discover:

1. The intricate terraced structures, designed to recreate different microclimates for crop experimentation.
2. The stunning vistas that offer panoramic views of the stunning Andean landscape.
3. The insights into the Incas’ advanced agricultural practices and their understanding of the environment.

Through this immersive experience, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and sophistication of the Inca civilization.

Discovering Salineras

The tour next ventures to the stunning Salineras, a unique and captivating landscape nestled in the Andes.

Guests are awed by the sight of over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds, known for producing artisanal pink salt. The ponds, built centuries ago by the Incas, stretch across the mountainside at an elevation of 3,380 meters.

Visitors learn about the intricate process of salt extraction, which has remained largely unchanged over time. They witness local workers harvesting the salt by hand, a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to appreciate the engineering feats and enduring traditions that have shaped this remarkable natural wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

This tour may be suitable for families with young children. While it includes some walking and visits to archaeological sites, the picnic in nature and presence of llamas could make it an engaging experience for kids. However, parental supervision is advised.

Can We Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional sites. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who may be able to accommodate requests within the tour duration and logistics.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Lunch or Is It Provided?

The tour includes a picnic lunch, so customers don’t need to bring their own. The tour provider will provide the picnic meal as part of the package, allowing visitors to enjoy the sights without the hassle of packing a lunch.

Is the Tour Available on Weekends and Holidays?

The tour is available on weekends and holidays. According to the information provided, the tour operates daily, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for customers’ schedules.

Can We Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, customers can request a private tour instead of a group tour. The tour operator offers private tours upon request, which allows for a more personalized experience tailored to the customer’s needs and preferences.

Recap

This immersive day trip from Cusco offers a captivating blend of cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Travelers will explore the vibrant town of Chinchero, the unique agricultural terraces of Moray, and the breathtaking salt ponds of Salineras, accompanied by friendly llamas. With a delightful picnic amidst nature’s beauty and insights into local weaving traditions and Inca agricultural prowess, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: