CHINCHERO, MORAY, & SALT MINES TOUR
We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00am or 1:00pm in our private van and begin our trip to the small town of Chinchero, where you will see an adobe colonial church, dating from the early seventeenth century, which was built upon the foundations of an Inca temple or palace. Inca Ruler Tupac Yupanqui possibly used Chinchero as some sort of personal resort for vacations.
Next, we go to the small town of Maras, where we will see the buildings are made of thin stone with images carved into them. We then move on to Salineras, the salt mines, which consists of over 1,000 small ponds cascading down a hillside valley like uneven steps, the Salineras de Maras (as they are known locally) were first created before the Incas. While there is no transcribed record of the ponds’ creation, they seem to have been passed down and expanded by a small number of owners over hundreds of years. Salt is harvested from the patchwork of shallow pools via a process of evaporation. A natural spring feeds a salt-rich stream that flows down into the pools, which are then opened and closed individually as needed. Once one of the pools is filled, the water is allowed to evaporate, and then the salt crystals are gathered off the ground with traditional tools and ancient techniques.
Then, we are on our way to Moray, located at (3,450m/11,318ft), which was an experimental farming site built in the form of an amphitheater with a different temperature to grow different types of crops at each level. These levels of terraces were carved before the Incas took control of the Sacred Valley and then used by the Incas. These terraces served as a natural greenhouse to grow an extraordinary variety of crops (over 250 types) at an altitude normally not conducive for the crops. The Incas were very advanced in the knowledge of creating specific sub-climates. Then, we return to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 1:00pm.
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE TOUR TO CHINCHRERO & SALT MINES
- Private group
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Private comfortable transportation
- Taxes
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE TOUR TO CHINCHERO & SALT MINES
- Entrance tickets to archeological sites: 70 soles (1 day only) or approximately $20 USD per person, which can only be purchased in soles only at the first archeological site. (See important info for more information)
- Meals
- Salt Mines entrance (10 soles)
- Tips
Please note: The tour to Chinchero & Salt mines its available on any date that its best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 people.
No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
Group from 1 to 6 people | $ 150 USD for the total group (not per person) |
Group from 7 to 12 people | $ 175 USD for the total group (not per person) |
The Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket)
You have the option to purchase a 1 Day or a 10 Day Boleto Turistico.
The partial ticket, or 1-Day ticket costs 70 soles (about $20 USD) and is valid for 1 day. You can visit as many sites as you like in one day with no further charge. There are no discounts with this ticket.
Both tourist tickets, 1-day or 10-day, allows the access to different archeological sites in and around Cusco, the Sacred Valley, various museums in Cusco, the Main Cathedral, the Qoricancha and more. This is the best way to visit all the archeological sites of the region and the Sacred Valley. Most of the main archeological sites are not accessible for free.
The general ticket, or 10-Day Ticket is 130 soles (about $35 USD) and is valid for 10 days. This is the cheapest and most convenient way to plan to see different sites in a few days.
Here is a list of sites where you can use your Boleto Touristico:
- Sacsayhuaman
- Q’enqo
- Puca Pucara
- Tambomachay
- Pisac
- Ollantaytambo
- Chinchero
- Moray
- Tipon
- Piquillaqta
- Pachacutec Monument
- Cusco’s Native Art Center
- Museum of Popular Art
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Museum of Regional History
Note : The entrance ticket to the main archeological sites such as Sacsaywaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Tipón and Moray cannot be sold individually; you Must buy the Boleto turístico to visit them. You can get it in Avenida el Sol near our office or at the time you enter the first site that you are visiting. YOU MUST PAY IN SOLES, NO CREDIT CARDS OR US DOLLARS ARE ACCEPTED.
Important: These entrances are not included in the Boleto Touristico.
- The ticket for the Koricancha or Santo Domingo Convent (15 soles)
- The ticket for the Cathedral (40 soles)
- Maras Salt Mines (10 soles)
WHAT TO BRING
- Warm jacket
- Hat
- Water
- Sun protection
- Some money for souvenirs and tips
- Money in soles to purchase boleto touristico y entrance to salt mine
- Original passport
Christian B
10/10 Amazing experience
If you’re thinking about which agency to use, look no further- Ray and Jimmy went well above and beyond and made this a memorable, safe, fun, and professional experience.
Ray is the most knowledgeable guide I’ve ever had in any country for any excursion - during both the Short Inka Trail and the actual tour of Machu Picchu, Ray’s expertise shined through in his ability to give us a detailed background on every aspect of the history, climate, nature, flora, animals.. anything!
Likewise, Ray and Jimmy were truly the friendliest, kindest hosts that I could have imagined our group having.
Thank you both so much and I will definitely book with you again if (when) I come back!
Matt A
Awesome experience!!
Did the 2 day Inca trail with Ray and Jimmy they were great and knowledgeable. Ray not only guided us along trail to Machu Picchu but also was an excellent photographer and taught us the history. It was a group of 10 and we had a great time. Even everything going on in Peru, we always felt in good hands.
Rius
Short Inca Trial (2-Day)
This tour was the perfect experience for our (group of 10) short trip to Peru. The trail was sometimes challenging, but the views and history made it all worth it. Ray and Jimmy were our guides and imparted sooo much knowledge about the history of Peru, Inca, and beyond. I would definitely recommend!