It’s a fantastic, half-day tour that exploring the amazing salt mines in Maras and agriculture laboratory in Moray. You’ll see amazing views of the Sacred Valley and Andean mountain ranges, the Veronica mountain and the green sacred valley farming areas. On this half day trip, you’ll be able to learn about agriculture, textiles. This is a best way to begin your Inka history lessons.
We will pick you up from your hotel around 8 a.m. and head to the inkan agriculture laboratory in Moray. This beautiful drive is about 1 hour and 25 minutes. On your drive, you’ll see the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, lush yellow fields of wheat, and some villages. Finally, you will arrive at the fascinating display of terraces of Moray, its boasts three amphitheater-like terraces, made by the Inkas. Those terraces, which are carved deep into the earth, in the shape of a bowl, were thought to be used to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops.
When you are done exploring Moray, you will head about 2 miles away, to the salt mines of Maras. The village is known as a former salt-producing center in Cuzco and is thought to date back all the way to pre-inkan time. There are over 3,000 salt pools carved within the mountain side, that are filled daily by a stream of water. This beautiful area is perfect for you if you wish to visit something different than the ruins.
Chinchero is a small Andean village located at 3,762 m. high, on the windswept plains of Anta area, about 30 km from Cuzco. There are amazing views overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, with the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon. Chinchero is believe to be one of the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. Its major claim to travelers is its colorful Sunday market, which is much less tourist-orientated than the market at Pisac. This market is held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday but if your trip isn’t on one of these days, they have a smaller textile center open daily. There, you can watch a beautiful demonstration on how to make, natural sweaters from Alpaca wool. Finally, you will get to visit the famous catholic roman church, which is build over the Inka palace.
Once you are done with your visit, you will head back to Cuzco city in time to enjoy some lunch or dinner on your own.
This tour is only done privately. You’ll travel in a private transport. If your group is larger than six, please ask the True Mountain Tourist representative for specific pricing.
Professional Guide: All of guides studied English and tourism at Cusco University. They all grew up in the region and have a true passion to teach about our heritage. They are fun yet professional, and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Transportation: You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred from site to site by a private True Mountain Tourist vehicle.
Entrance Fees: You need to have the tourist ticket to enter Moray. The tourist ticket is currently 70 soles for a 1 day ticket or 130 soles for a 10 day ticket. This one ticket will give you access to many other locations in the Sacred Valley, also for some museums and places of interest in Cusco. Maras is a separate entrance ticket of 10 soles.
Meals: There are no meals served during this tour. You should be back in Cusco in time to enjoy lunch on your own.
Our day tours are done privately and the cost is base don your
* Not included entrance tickets.