CHINCHERO, MORAY, MARAS SALT MINES & OLLANTAYTAMBO
A Journey Through Inca Engineering, Andean Culture & Sacred Landscapes
One Day. Ancient Wonders. Living Culture. Extraordinary Landscapes. An Experience That Stays with You.
Discover four extraordinary destinations in the heart of the Andes with Peru Hikers: the traditional village of Chinchero, the fascinating agricultural terraces of Moray, the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, and the magnificent Inca town of Ollantaytambo.
This journey takes you beyond the typical sightseeing experience and into a landscape where Inca engineering, agriculture, spirituality, traditional craftsmanship, and living Andean culture continue to shape everyday life.
Travel with an experienced local guide who will help you understand not only what you are seeing, but also why these places were important to the Incas and why their traditions remain relevant today.
From the colorful textiles of Chinchero and the mysterious circular terraces of Moray to the thousands of salt pools at Maras and the monumental stonework of Ollantaytambo, each destination reveals another chapter of the extraordinary Andean story.
TOUR DETAILS
- Start / Finish – Cusco – Cusco
- Tour Type- Cultural, Historical & Scenic
- Physical- Level 2 – Light
- Maximum Altitude – Up to approximately 3,550 m / 11,646 ft
- Departure- Daily
- Group Size- Small Group / Private
- Transportation- Comfortable private vehicle
- Guide- Professional local guide
- Best For- Couples, families, friends & first-time visitors
HIGHLIGHTS
- 🧶 Discover Chinchero — Explore a traditional Andean community famous for its weaving traditions, colonial church, Inca foundations, and beautiful mountain scenery.
- 🎨 Experience Traditional Andean Weaving — Learn how local artisans transform alpaca and sheep wool into colorful textiles using ancestral techniques.
- 🏛️ Explore Chinchero’s Inca Heritage — Discover ancient terraces, stone walls, ceremonial spaces, and the fascinating relationship between Inca and colonial history.
- 🌾 Discover Moray — Marvel at the enormous circular agricultural terraces created by the Incas in a natural depression in the mountains.
- 🔬 Learn About Inca Agricultural Engineering — Discover theories about how Moray may have been used to experiment with crops and understand different growing conditions.
- 🧶 Explore the Maras Salt Mines — Walk among thousands of salt evaporation pools cascading down the mountainside.
- 💧 Discover Traditional Salt Production — Learn how mineral-rich spring water is directed into individual pools and transformed into salt through natural evaporation.
- 🏰 Explore Ollantaytambo — Visit one of the most impressive Inca archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley.
- 🧶 Admire Incredible Inca Stonework — Discover massive stone terraces, ceremonial structures, temples, and remarkable examples of Inca engineering.
- 🏘️ Walk Through a Living Inca Town — Explore original Inca streets, foundations, water channels, and traditional architecture that remain part of everyday life.
- 🌄 Spectacular Andean Landscapes — Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, farmland, terraces, and traditional communities throughout the journey.
- 👥 Small Groups, Big Experiences — Enjoy personalized attention and meaningful interaction with your local Peru Hikers guide.
� WHY DISCOVER CHINCHERO, MORAY, MARAS & OLLANTAYTAMBO WITH PERU HIKERS?
LOCAL PEOPLE. REAL KNOWLEDGE. JOURNEYS THAT MATTER.
The Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Ollantaytambo experience is more than a tour of famous archaeological attractions.
It is a journey through a living Andean landscape where Inca engineering, agriculture, craftsmanship, spirituality, history, and local traditions continue to come together.
With Peru Hikers, we invite you to experience these destinations beyond the usual tourist route—connecting with the people, history, traditions, and landscapes that make the Cusco region so extraordinary.
� Local Experts Who Know the Andes
Our guides don’t simply describe monuments. They share the stories, traditions, legends, history, and cultural meaning behind the places you visit.
At Chinchero, discover the importance of Andean textiles and agriculture. At Moray, understand the ingenuity of Inca agricultural engineering. At Maras, learn how traditional salt production continues today. And at Ollantaytambo, discover one of the most remarkable examples of Inca urban planning and architecture.
Living Andean Culture in Chinchero
Chinchero is famous for its strong connection to traditional Andean weaving. Meet local artisans and discover how traditional textiles are created using techniques passed
down through generations.
Learn about natural fibers, traditional colors, weaving patterns, and the cultural significance of Andean textiles.
This cultural experience allows you to see how ancient knowledge continues to be preserved by local communities.
� Discover the Genius of Inca Agriculture
The Incas developed sophisticated agricultural systems that allowed communities to produce food in challenging mountain environments.
At Moray, you will see one of the most fascinating examples of this relationship between people, agriculture, and nature.
Your guide will explain the different theories surrounding the circular terraces and how the Incas may have used variations in temperature and altitude to understand crop cultivation.
⭐ Trusted & Highly Rated by Travelers
Our commitment to knowledgeable local guides, personalized service, authentic experiences, and memorable journeys has earned Peru Hikers strong ratings and positive reviews from travelers on TripAdvisor and Google.
Every review motivates our team to continue creating meaningful journeys throughout Peru.
� Ancient Salt-Making Traditions
The Maras Salt Mines offer another remarkable example of traditional Andean
knowledge.
Thousands of small pools cover the mountainside, supplied by mineral-rich spring water.
Learn how local families have traditionally harvested salt from these pools and how this
practice remains connected to the community today.
🏰 The Living Inca Town of Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is one of the most extraordinary places in the Sacred Valley.
Here, impressive Inca architecture exists alongside modern daily life.
Walk through ancient streets, admire original foundations, discover traditional water
channels, and explore the monumental archaeological complex surrounded by spectacular
mountains.
�️ More Than Sightseeing
We combine archaeology, culture, agriculture, traditional craftsmanship, history, and
spectacular landscapes to create a deeper experience of the Andes.
You won’t simply take photographs of ancient ruins.
You will understand the people, knowledge, environment, and traditions behind them.
� Small Groups, Personalized Experiences
Small groups allow you to ask more questions, interact more closely with your guide, enjoy
a more relaxed pace, and experience each destination without feeling rushed.
For travelers looking for an even more personalized experience, our private service
️ 100% Locally Owned
Peru Hikers is a 100% locally owned Cusco tour operator.
Our connection to the Andes is personal.
We work with local guides, drivers, artisans, and communities to create experiences that
allow travelers to discover Peru through genuine local knowledge.
⭐ Trusted by Travelers
Our commitment to knowledgeable guides, personalized service, authentic cultural
experiences, and memorable journeys has earned Peru Hikers positive feedback and strong
ratings from travelers on TripAdvisor and Google.
Every journey is an opportunity for us to share our home with you.
🌱 Travel with Purpose
We believe responsible travel should create meaningful connections while respecting the
people, culture, communities, traditions, and landscapes of the Andes.
By including cultural experiences and supporting local communities, we aim to make your
journey both memorable and meaningful.
✨ A Journey That Stays with You
With Peru Hikers, you don’t simply visit Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo.
You discover how the Incas transformed their environment, how Andean communities
preserve ancestral traditions, and how ancient knowledge continues to influence life in the
Andes today.
Because the best journeys aren’t measured only by the places you visit, but by what you
learn, what you experience, and what you take home with you.
DAY 1 — CUSCO • CHINCHERO • MORAY • MARAS SALT MINES • OLLANTAYTAMBO • CUSCO
A Day of Inca Engineering, Living Culture, Ancient Agriculture & Spectacular Landscapes
Your Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Ollantaytambo adventure begins at approximately 7:30 AM, with convenient pick-up directly from your hotel in Cusco. Meet your professional Peru Hikers local guide and board our comfortable private transportation.
As we leave Cusco, the landscape gradually changes from the historic city to open Andean countryside, surrounded by mountains, farmland, traditional communities, and snowcapped peaks. Your guide will introduce you to the region and explain how the Incas transformed the challenging Andean environment into one of the most productive agricultural regions of their empire.
🧭 CHINCHERO — LIVING ANDEAN CULTURE & INCA HERITAGE
Our first destination is Chinchero, a traditional Andean town located high above the Sacred Valley.
Chinchero is known for its strong connection to traditional weaving, agriculture, and Inca history.
During our visit, discover ancient Inca foundations, terraces, stonework, and the fascinating layers of Andean and colonial history that characterize the town.
🎨 TRADITIONAL WEAVING EXPERIENCE
We will also have the opportunity to learn about traditional Andean textile production. Local artisans demonstrate how wool is prepared, dyed using natural materials, spun, and woven into colorful textiles.
Discover the meaning behind traditional patterns and learn how textile knowledge has been passed from one generation to another.
This is more than a demonstration—it is an opportunity to connect with local culture and understand how ancestral knowledge remains alive today.
Take time to appreciate the surrounding mountains, photograph the traditional landscapes, and learn about daily life in the high Andes.
🌾 MORAY — THE MYSTERY OF INCA AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
From Chinchero, we continue toward the remarkable archaeological site of Moray. As we approach the site, the landscape opens into spectacular highland scenery surrounded by mountains and agricultural fields.
Then, suddenly, enormous circular terraces appear in the natural depression of the landscape.
The scale and design of Moray make it one of the most fascinating Inca sites in the Cusco region.
🔬 AN ANCIENT AGRICULTURAL LABORATORY?
The terraces descend in a series of enormous concentric circles, creating different microclimates at different levels.
Although the exact purpose of Moray remains debated, one widely discussed theory is that the Incas used the terraces to experiment with crops and understand agricultural conditions.
Your guide will explain the different interpretations and help you understand the extraordinary knowledge of the Incas regarding agriculture, water management, climate, and mountain environments.
Take time to walk around the viewpoints, appreciate the engineering, and photograph this unique landscape.
🍽️ LUNCH IN THE SACRED VALLEY
After visiting Moray, we continue toward the Sacred Valley and take time to relax and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Taste traditional Peruvian and Andean flavors while surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the region.
Lunch is not included in the standard tour price, giving you the flexibility to choose what you would like to enjoy.
For travelers choosing our all-inclusive option, lunch is included.
🧭 MARAS SALT MINES — THOUSANDS OF ANCIENT SALT POOLS
After lunch, we continue to the extraordinary Maras Salt Mines.
The landscape changes dramatically as thousands of small salt pools appear across the mountainside.
The pools are supplied by mineral-rich water from a natural spring. The water i directed through a network of channels into individual ponds, where natural evaporation leaves behind salt.
💧 AN ANCIENT TRADITION THAT CONTINUES TODAY
Your guide will explain how local families traditionally manage the salt pools and harvest the salt.
Learn how environmental conditions, water, sunlight, and traditional knowledge work together to create this unique natural and cultural landscape.
Take time to admire the extraordinary patterns formed by the pools and capture photographs of one of the most distinctive landscapes in the Cusco region.
Maras is not simply a beautiful viewpoint—it is a living example of traditional Andean knowledge and community heritage.
🏰 OLLANTAYTAMBO — THE LIVING INCA TOWN
From Maras, we continue toward Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive destinations in the Sacred Valley.
Often described as a living Inca town, Ollantaytambo is remarkable because ancient Inca architecture continues to form part of the modern town.
🧭 THE OLLANTAYTAMBO ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX
Explore the impressive archaeological complex, where enormous terraces climb the mountainside.
Discover ceremonial structures, temples, agricultural terraces, and massive stone blocks that demonstrate the extraordinary engineering skills of the Incas.
Your guide will explain the site’s importance as a religious, agricultural, military, and strategic center.
Look closely at the enormous stones and the precision of the construction. The scale of the site offers an unforgettable perspective on the sophistication of Inca architecture.
🏘️ WALK THROUGH A LIVING INCA TOWN
After exploring the archaeological complex, take a walk through the historic streets of Ollantaytambo.
Discover:
- Original Inca foundations
- Narrow cobblestone streets
- Traditional houses
- Ancient water channels
- Inca urban planning
- Mountain views surrounding the town
Here, history is not simply preserved in a museum.
It continues to be part of everyday life.
Take time to explore, photograph the spectacular scenery, and enjoy the atmosphere before beginning our return journey to Cusco.
🚐 RETURN TO CUSCO
In the late afternoon, we board our comfortable private transportation and begin the journey back to Cusco.
After a full day of living Andean culture, Inca archaeology, ancient agricultural engineering, traditional salt production, spectacular landscapes, and historic architecture, we expect to arrive in Cusco at approximately 6:30–7:00 PM.
The exact arrival time may vary depending on traffic, road conditions, and the amount of time spent at each attraction.
You will be dropped off directly at your hotel, bringing your Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Ollantaytambo adventure to a close.
What's Included & Not Included
WHAT INCLUDED
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco
- Comfortable private transportation
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- Visit to Chinchero
- Traditional Andean weaving demonstration
- Visit to Moray archaeological site
- Visit to Maras Salt Mines
- Visit to Ollantaytambo archaeological site
- Small-group service
- Personalized attention from our local team
NOT INCLUDED
- Entrance tickets to archaeological sites
- Entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines
- Lunch, unless you select the all-inclusive option
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Personal expenses
- Souvenirs
- Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
� WHAT TO BRING
Essential Packing List
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Light jacket or warm layers
- Rain jacket or poncho, especially during the rainy season
- Camera or smartphone
- Some Peruvian soles for lunch, entrance fees, and souvenirs
- Original passport or valid identification
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Without Entrance Tickets & Lunch
GROUP SERVICE
Personalized Service for Your Group
PRIVATE EXPERIENCE
ALL-INCLUSIVE OPTION
All Entrance Tickets + Lunch Included
GROUP SERVICE
PRIVATE EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What time does the tour start?
Your adventure begins at approximately 7:30 AM, with pick-up directly from your hotel in
Cusco.
What time will we return to Cusco?
We expect to return to Cusco at approximately 6:30–7:00 PM. The exact arrival time may
vary depending on traffic, road conditions, and the time spent at each attraction.
What places will we visit?
The itinerary includes Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.
Is Chinchero included?
Yes. Chinchero is one of the main cultural and historical stops of the tour. You will
discover its Inca heritage and experience traditional Andean weaving.
What will we see at Moray?
Moray consists of enormous circular agricultural terraces built by the Incas. Your guide
will explain the different theories regarding their purpose and their relationship to Inca
agricultural knowledge.
Is Maras Salt Mines included?
Yes. The Maras Salt Mines are included in the itinerary. The entrance fee is not included
in the standard tour price, but it is included when you select our all-inclusive option.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included in the standard tour price.
You will have time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley.
If you select the all-inclusive option, lunch is included.
Are entrance tickets included?
Entrance fees are not included in the standard tour price.
The all-inclusive option includes the entrance tickets required for the itinerary.
How difficult is the tour?
The tour is rated Physical Level 2 – Light.
You will walk through archaeological sites, viewpoints, traditional streets, and the salt
mines. Some areas include stairs and uneven terrain.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes. The tour is suitable for families, couples, friends, and first-time visitors who are
comfortable with light to moderate walking.
Can I buy souvenirs?
Yes. Chinchero and Ollantaytambo offer opportunities to purchase traditional textiles,
handicrafts, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, and souvenirs.
Does the tour reach high altitude?
Yes. Parts of the itinerary reach approximately 3,550 m / 11,646 ft.
We recommend allowing time to acclimatize after arriving in Cusco.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat,
water, a light jacket, rain protection, a camera, some cash, and your original passport
or valid identification.
What happens if it rains?
The tour generally operates in rainy weather. We recommend bringing a rain jacket or
poncho. If severe weather or unexpected road conditions affect the itinerary, your safety
will always be our priority.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes. Travelers choosing private service may have greater flexibility to personalize the
experience according to their interests and available time.
Can I combine this tour with Machu Picchu?
Absolutely. The Sacred Valley is an excellent way to discover the history, culture, and
landscapes of the Cusco region before continuing to Machu Picchu.
Peru Hikers can also help you organize a Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu experience.
Why travel with Peru Hikers?
We are a 100% locally owned Cusco tour operator dedicated to creating meaningful
experiences through local knowledge, small groups, personalized service, and authentic
connections with the Andes.
We believe the best journeys are not only about visiting famous places, but about
understanding the people, culture, history, traditions, and landscapes behind them.
❤️ TRAVEL DEEPER WITH PERU HIKERS
Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo are more than archaeological attractions.
They are part of a living Andean landscape where ancient engineering, agriculture, craftsmanship, community traditions, and spectacular mountains continue to come together.
With Peru Hikers, you will not simply visit these destinations.
You will meet local artisans, discover ancient agricultural knowledge, explore remarkable Inca architecture, understand traditional salt production, and experience the landscapes that shaped one of the greatest civilizations of the Americas.
Small groups. Local experts. Authentic experiences. Journeys that change.
✨ READY TO DISCOVER THE ANDES?
Explore the colorful traditions of Chinchero, uncover the mystery of Moray, walk among the extraordinary salt pools of Maras, and step into the living Inca world of
Ollantaytambo.
Travel through the heart of the Andes with Peru Hikers.
Your journey begins here.
