Maras, Moray & Chinchero Indigenous Market – Full Day

The "Maras, Moray & Chinchero Indigenous Market – Full Day" tour promises an immersive exploration of the Andean region’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can witness the vibrant artisan community in Chinchero, where traditional textile production techniques are still practiced. The tour then ventures to the fascinating agricultural laboratory of Moray, known for its innovative terraced farming. The journey culminates at the historic Salineras de Maras, where ancient salt extraction methods are on display. This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local traditions and uncover the remarkable history that has shaped the Andes. What else might this tour reveal about the region’s past and present?

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Full-Day Tours In Chinchero District.

Key Points

• This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s indigenous sites, including the artisan community in Chinchero, the Inca agricultural laboratory at Moray, and the historic salt mines of Salineras de Maras.

• The tour is priced at K108518080 per person, with a duration of 3 hours and a maximum group size of 6, available in English, Spanish, and German.

• The itinerary includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and covers the cultural and historical significance of the visited sites, catering to interests in archaeology, nature, and local culture.

• Based on a single review, the tour has a rating of 1/5, with concerns raised about transportation delays and high customer service costs, highlighting the need for improved reliability and communication.

• The tour give you a flexible itinerary, cater to diverse interests, emphasize sustainable practices, and collect continuous feedback for customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of some of the most fascinating indigenous sites near Cusco.

Priced at K₁₀₈₅₁₈ per person, the tour lasts 3 hours and is limited to 6 participants.

Available in English, Spanish, and German, the tour includes hotel pickup, a professional bilingual guide, tourist transport, entrance tickets, a buffet lunch, and permanent assistance.

The itinerary covers the artisan community in Chinchero, the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray, and the historic Salineras de Maras salt mine.

With a rating of 1/5 based on 1 review, customers have noted delays in transportation leading to high customer service call costs.

Itinerary Details

After being picked up from their hotel in Cusco between 7:30 and 8:00 AM, tour participants first visit the artisan community in Chinchero. Here, they observe the traditional treatment of llama wool and alpaca fiber.

The tour then moves on to explore the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray, where they can see the semi-circular platforms representing various ecological floors used for crop adaptation, such as potatoes, corn, and quinoa.

The final stop is the historic salt mine of Salineras de Maras, featuring a climate variation of 150 m between the lowest and highest points.

The tour returns to the city center around 2:30 PM.

Booking Information

Customers have the option to cancel their tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour operator also offers a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option, allowing customers to secure their spot with no immediate payment.

Availability for different starting times can be checked on the tour’s website.

The tour costs K₱1085180 per person and is limited to a maximum group size of 6 participants.

The tour is offered in English, Spanish, and German.

Customers should note that the itinerary is subject to change and the tour is ideal for those interested in archaeology, nature, and local culture.

Customer Feedback

Based on the tour information provided, there’s only one customer review available, which gives the tour an overall rating of 1 out of 5.

The notable complaint mentions delays in transportation leading to high customer service call costs. This suggests potential logistical issues with the tour that may impact the customer experience.

Some key considerations for the tour operator include:

• Improving transportation reliability and communication to minimize delays
• Enhancing customer support to address issues efficiently and mitigate additional costs
• Gathering more feedback to identify areas for improvement and ensure customer satisfaction
• Maintaining transparency about potential changes to the itinerary
• Addressing the specific concerns raised in the lone review.

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Important Considerations

When designing an engaging tour experience, the operator must consider several crucial factors to ensure customer satisfaction and long-term success. Firstly, the itinerary must remain flexible to accommodate unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions or transportation delays. Plus, maintaining clear and open communication with clients is paramount, as this can help mitigate issues that may arise. Finally, ensuring the tour caters to the diverse interests and needs of participants, from archaeology enthusiasts to nature lovers, is essential for creating a memorable and inclusive experience.

Factors to Consider	Importance
Flexible Itinerary	High
Clear Communication	Critical
Diverse Interests	Necessary
Continuous Feedback	Crucial
Sustainable Practices	Recommended

Chinchero Artisan Community

In the heart of the Sacred Valley, the Chinchero Artisan Community offers visitors a glimpse into the vibrant textile traditions of the Andes.

Travelers can observe the intricate process of llama wool and alpaca fiber treatment, which has been passed down through generations.

The community showcases their skills in:

• Spinning
• Weaving
• Dyeing
• Embroidery
• Traditional textile design

These artisans use natural dyes and time-honored techniques to create stunning textiles, including vibrant ponchos, shawls, and tapestries.

Exploring this community provides a unique opportunity to connect with the indigenous culture and support local artists.

Inca Agricultural Laboratory

The Inca Agricultural Laboratory, located at Moray, is a remarkable feat of Inca engineering and agricultural innovation. The site features a series of concentric, semi-circular terraces that represent various ecological floors. This unique design allowed the Inca to experiment with different crops and growing conditions, ultimately enhancing their agricultural knowledge and food production.

Crop	Elevation (m)	Temperature (°C)
Potato	3,500	12-18
Corn	3,400	14-20
Quinoa	3,450	13-19
Medicinal Herbs	3,550	10-16
Andean Tubers	3,600	8-14

This ingenious system showcased the Inca’s advanced understanding of agronomy and their ability to adapt to the diverse microclimates of the Andean region.

Historic Salt Mine

Located in the arid Andean landscapes of Peru, the Salineras de Maras is a historic salt mine that has been in operation since pre-Inca times.

Visitors can witness the unique process of salt extraction, where meltwater from a nearby spring is channeled into thousands of small terraced pools, allowing the water to evaporate and leave behind the precious mineral.

The site’s unique microclimate, with a variation of 150 meters between the lowest and highest points, contributes to the exceptional quality of the salt produced here.

Key features of the Salineras de Maras include:

• Thousands of small, terraced salt pools
• Meltwater from a nearby spring used for salt production
• Exceptional quality of salt due to the site’s unique microclimate
• Historic significance dating back to pre-Inca times
• Opportunity to observe traditional salt harvesting techniques

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Will We Arrive Back at the Hotel?

The tour is expected to return to the hotel around 2:30 PM. The itinerary indicates the tour will end with the return to the city center at this time, completing the full-day excursion.

Can I Use the Bathroom During the Tour?

Participants can use bathroom facilities during the tour. The itinerary includes stops at various sites, providing opportunities for restroom breaks. Travelers should communicate any special needs to the guide, who can accommodate them within the tour schedule.

Is Water Provided During the Tour?

Yes, water is provided during the tour. The tour overview indicates that the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and permanent assistance, suggesting that water would be available for participants throughout the day’s activities.

How Much Walking Is Involved Throughout the Day?

There is a moderate amount of walking involved throughout the day. Guests can expect to walk several kilometers while exploring the various sites, including the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray and the historic salt mine at Salineras de Maras.

Can I Take Photos at the Sites We Visit?

Visitors are generally permitted to take photos at the sites visited during the tour, though they should be mindful not to disrupt cultural activities or damage the historic structures. Photography guidelines may vary, so it’s best to check with the guide.

Recap

This tour offers an immersive experience into the rich cultural heritage of the Andes. Participants will explore the vibrant artisan community in Chinchero, the fascinating agricultural laboratory of Moray, and the historic Salineras de Maras. It’s the perfect opportunity for those seeking to connect with local traditions and history while witnessing the ingenuity of ancient Andean civilizations.

You can check if your dates are available here: