"Maras & Moray features beautiful natural landscapes; it is an unforgettable adventure in the Sacred Valley of the Incas that will take you to discover the history of the world-famous Maras Salt Mines and the Moray archaeological site with its circular terraces. Don't miss it!"
This half-day cultural circuit perfectly blends the brilliance of Inca engineering with the living traditions and unique geography of the Andes. It is the ideal option for travelers looking to explore the historical wealth of the Sacred Valley at a comfortable pace, marveling at panoramic mountain views, witnessing ancestral textile skills, and discovering exceptional photographic settings.
ITINERARY
Departure from Cusco and Scenic Drive: We begin our journey in the morning with a pickup in a tourist vehicle from the city of Cusco. Throughout the drive down into the Sacred Valley, we will appreciate beautiful mountain views and natural landscapes surrounding our overland route.
Cultural Stop in the Town of Chinchero: Our first stop will be the historic town of Chinchero. Here, we will visit a traditional workshop to discover its renowned artisanal textiles. We will learn about the process of washing, dyeing, and weaving with natural fibers, and we will also get to appreciate the local women's beautiful, traditional hair braids, a proud symbol of their cultural heritage.
Tour of the Moray Agricultural Research Center: We continue our trip to the Moray archaeological site. We will take a guided walk around this fascinating Inca agricultural research center, world-famous for its massive concentric circular terraces used to experiment with distinct microclimates and adapt different crops.
Exploration of the Fascinating Maras Salt Mines: Next, we will head to the famous Maras Salt Mines. Visitors will be amazed by the thousands of artisanal salt pans covering the canyon side, fed by a natural underground saltwater spring since pre-Hispanic times. At this site, you can purchase the celebrated pink salt, a gourmet ingredient highly sought after and used by the best international restaurants.
Return to Cusco City: After finishing our historical and cultural loop through the valley, we will board our tourist transport to return safely to downtown Cusco.
INCLUDES
Tourist transportation
Bilingual guide
Entrance fees
RECOMMENDATIONS
Light clothing and a warm jacket (Andean weather shifts quickly)
Extra cash (for buying artisanal textiles or Maras gourmet pink salt)
Sun hat or cap
Sunscreen
Water bottle
