Chinchero, Maras & Moray (optional hike)
Lose yourself in a fascinating private guided tour to the local village of Chinchero renowned for its archaeological site and colorful market (best on Sunday), the Inca terraces of Moray and the astounding salt pans of Maras.
Area
Cuzco Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Type
History
Who
Adults
Difficulty
Leisurely
Firstly, you will be driven to the town of Chinchero, small in scale but big on charm! Explore the well-preserved Incan terraces that can be found here along with the town's colonial era adobe church. In addition to the magnificent terraces, there are several megalithic carved rocks, and a 17th century church built on top of an Inca palace. Chinchero is also known for its colorful market and the use of traditional weaving techniques that are used to produce textiles for sale.
The next stop is Moray, where well preserved circular terraces are built in descending layers down into natural valleys, which are thought to have been an Inca agricultural site for experimental farming. Here you can walk along the very terraces where the Incans once flourished before heading to Maras.
Lastly you will arrive at the salt pans of Maras, situated in a gorge that leads to the Sacred Valley. Centuries ago, Incan people discovered salt water naturally seeping from the mountain side near Maras, and began to create man-made salt pans, allowing the water to evaporate and the salt to be harvested. Enjoy the panormaic views of this facinating site.
During dry season (May-September) the salt pans turn bright white and glitter with layers of salt accumulating in the pans - it is truly stunning! You will then enjoy lunch at Iskay Maras Home located in Maras town.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationSonesta Posadas del Inca Sacred Valley
The Sonesta Posadas del Inca is a charming historic hotel in Yucay in Peru’s Sacred Valley. A converted eighteenth-century monastery, the Posadas del Inca offers plenty of atmosphere and comfortable, inexpensive rooms in a peaceful garden setting.
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View AccommodationEl Retablo
El Retablo by Mountain Lodges of Peru is a new 17-room boutique hotel located in a beautifully renovated colonial building, three blocks from the main square in Cusco, and is a great base for visiting the city's highlights.
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View AccommodationCasa Andina Premium Cusco
The Casa Andina Premium Cuzco is housed in a renovated mansion in historic Cuzco in Peru, originally dating back to the 18th century, combining simple old world charm with pleasant communal areas and modern amenities.
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View AccommodationInkaterra La Casona
Exclusive eleven-suite boutique hotel set in an exquisite 16th-century mansion in the heart of Cusco. La Casona offers complete luxury in this historic town and the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding landscape.
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View Accommodation
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba — a refined 5-star hacienda in Peru’s Sacred Valley — offers 36 stylish rooms and casitas, an organic estate kitchen, spa sanctuary, and sweeping mountain views for a serene, soul-soothing Andean escape.
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View AccommodationPalacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel
Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel is a stunning former palace and convent and has emerged from years of restoration to become one of Cuzco's finest hotels. Owned and run by the exclusive Belmond group of hotels and has the only outdoor pool in Cuzco.
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View AccommodationSol Y Luna
Set amidst the Sacred Valley’s rolling hills, Hotel Sol y Luna blends Andean heritage with contemporary luxury, offering a serene retreat.
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View AccommodationRio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel
Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel is a charming, luxurious property set in lush gardens on the banks of the Rio Urubamba in the Sacred Valley, perfect for exploring the many cultural & natural attractions nearby & relaxing before or after Machu Picchu.
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View AccommodationMonasterio, A Belmond Hotel
Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, is a beautiful 16th century converted monastery, located in the colonial city of Cusco. This award-winning property takes full advantage of its unique history and is one of Cuzco (and Peru’s) most luxurious hotels.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceCooking Lesson Palacio Nazarenas
Soak up all there is to learn to create delicious local specialities with the hotel's head chef. You will get the exclusive opportunity to visit the hotel’s secret garden to gather fresh produce and master the art of cooking with these seasonal items.
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View ExperienceFull Day Highlights of the Sacred Valley with Wayra Lunch
Wonderful full day private excursion to the village of Pisac home to its colorful Indian market and Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Lunch in Urubamba, followed by a visit to the impressive Inca town and fortress of Ollantaytambo.
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View ExperienceHalf Day Andean Textiles Tour
Peru's brightly colored textiles are iconic and can be seen throughout the country, each region boasting its own distinctive style. Pay a visit to the Sulca family Textile Gallery and admire the skills of this generations old art form.
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View ExperienceCusco Walking Tour - Half Day
Explore the magical city of Cusco on foot with a local guide taking in the rich ambience and key highlights of this fascinating city. The half day tour will take you to the Bohemian quarter, the main square and cathedral along to Mercado de San Pedro.
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View ExperienceHike Huayna Picchu
With a second day entry to Machu Picchu you can climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu (Wayna Picchu) for the classic bird's eye view over Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas.
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View ExperienceSacred Valley Horse Riding & Pisac
Enjoy an unforgettable horse ride in the Sacred Valley (all abilities welcome) combined with a visit to the local market, Inca Ruins of Pisac and lunch. The Sol y Luna horses are Peruvian Paso horses, which are unique to Peru and truly wonderful to ride.
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View ExperienceUrubamba White-Water Rafting
An exhilarating and unique way to soak up the breath-taking landscapes and bountiful river of the Sacred Valley, with a dose of adrenaline to get things going.
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View ExperienceKm 104 trek to Machu Picchu
Plunge into an unforgettable 2 day journey to reach the iconic ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, combining the best of train travel with the KM104 hike taking in the fascinating archaeological site of Wiñaywayna to get a glimpse of the famous Machu Picchu.
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View ExperiencePrivate Tour of Machu Picchu with lunch
On arrival at Aguas Calientes train station you will be assisted with boarding the 30 minute bus journey to the ruins.
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