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When visiting Cusco, some of the most exciting moments are taking trips out of the city to Inca archaeological sites and other places of interest. Two of the most significant and intriguing in the region are the Maras Salt Mines and Moray. You’ll also get to experience something special in the small town of Chinchero.
Discover the impressive Inca constructions and enjoy the traditional handmade weaving demonstration of textiles in Chinchero. Then, you’ll head on to the agricultural experimental station of Moray, where the Inca culture developed new crops. Finally, visit the famous Maras Salt Mines to see one of the most fascinating sights you’ll likely see and purchase one of the most unique products available in Cusco—pink Maras salt.
Are you hoping to get out of the city for the day and experience something different? Does ancient history fascinate you? How about unique, one-of-a-kind sights and learning customs and traditions from local communities? Then, this trip is for you. Join us by yourself, as a couple, or part of a larger group on this fun and interesting day out of Cusco.
In the small town of Chinchero, you’ll get to enjoy the traditional handmade weaving demonstration of textiles by local women. You’ll then go to the giant agricultural laboratory that is Moray—one of the most intriguing Inca archaeological complexes around. Finally, you’ll visit the Maras Salt Mines that’ll surely astound you with how they sit on the side of a mountain!
All the while, you’ll be in the middle of the Andean mountains, enjoying the stunning views, and observing locals going about their daily lives and working in the fields. We’ll also visit the Huaypo Lagoon, a beautiful body of crystalline water located at an elevation of 3,510 m / 11.515 ft.
Wait no more to organize this fun day out where you’ll learn a lot and enjoy incredible landscapes from the moment of your departure! What’s more, you don’t need to perry about a thing as we plan every last detail. All you need to do is enjoy yourself on this exciting trip.
Your fun day out of the city begins as we collect you from your accommodation at around 8:30 am. We’ll set off to the small town of Chinchero. The trip takes a little over an hour and is a beautiful ride through the mountains that provides you with the most spectacular views. You’ll discover immense snowy mountains, vast fields of corn, and beautiful villages.
When we arrive, you’ll be treated to a demonstration of textiles that local women hand-make. They are experts in the art, and it’s a tradition that’s been around for hundreds of years with all-natural dyes.
We’ll soon be on our way again and take our private transport to Moray. You’re sure to be blown away by the unique formation of the place that many liken to an amphitheater or even something extra-terrestrial. However, it was actually a gigantic Inca agricultural laboratory. Your guide will fill you in on the site’s history, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore and snap some photos.
Close by and often combined with a trip to Moray are the Maras Salt Mines. It’s only another 3 km away and will surprise you yet again with sights that you’ve likely never seen before. The place has produced salt since ancient times and there are more than 3,000 pools of salt that are filled daily with groundwater. You’ll have a surreal landscape at your disposal to make the most incredible photographs with the salt mines in the forefront.
It’s now time to start heading back toward Cusco but fear not. Our tour isn’t over quite yet. On the way, we’ll make a stop at the pretty Huaypo Lagoon. This serene place is another fantastic spot for photos. You’ll also get the chance to observe local wildlife and visit some of the small communities where many of the Inca Trail porters live.
Finally, we’ll arrive back in the city just in time for you to find somewhere to enjoy your dinner. You’ll have plenty to talk about as you enjoy a bite to eat and some rest after your day out.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about Maras, Moray Tour in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Has another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line, and we will get back to you asap!
All information meetings are held in your hotel at 6:00 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the (Peru Hike) offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there you will be given a small duffel bag, in which you’ll put all the belongings you intend to bring on the trek that won’t be in your day pack.
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 8% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Hike Company can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
We traveled to Cusco-Urubamba-Machu Picchu during the first 10 days in November. Although we had imagined traveling to MP for years, the actual ticketing to arrival came together in less than 5 days. This would not have been possible without the fantastic service of Peru Hike. Their combined efforts, helpful planning, advice and knowledge, made it possible to create the fantastic travel experience we dreamed of. They customized our 3 tours due to our physical limitations and scheduling changes. Thanks again for everything – Cintya, Oscar & Miguel – you are the best! Can’t wait to see you again when we return to your wonderful country.
