Tour To Chinchero, Moray And Salt Mines Half Day

1 Days

From

175

/ Per Person

This half day tour visits Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines. We will enjoy the stunning scenery of the Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley. Visit the picturesque town of Chinchero and its colonial church, the agricultural terraces in Moray and the impressive pre-Inca salt mine – Salineras. The entire town of Chinchero is a protected and you need the Boleto Turistico to enter.

Please note: The Chinchero, Moray, Maras & Salt Mines Tour is only offered to our clients doing at least a 2-day tour or trek to Machu Picchu.

Service Level:

Modern vehicles with private driver, pick up and drop off at hotel.

Difficulty:

Easy with relaxed walking whilst exploring the archeological sites and highlights of this tour

Travel Style:

Cultural immersion, private van

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Full Itinerary

We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00am or 1:00pm (your choice) in our private van and begin our trip to the small town of Chinchero. Here we will see an colonial church made from adobe, dating from the early seventeenth century.

This church 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.

Our next stop is the small town of Maras, where we will see buildings made of thin stone with carvings on them. We then move on to Salineras, the salt mines that made this town famous.

The Salineras 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 long 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 the pools are 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 different temperatures on each level to grow different types of crops.

These levels of terraces were carved before the Incas took control of the Sacred Valley and then subsequently used by the Incas.

These terraces served as a natural greenhouse to grow an extraordinary variety of crops (over 250 types) at an altitude not normally conducive for the crops. The Incas were very advanced in the knowledge of creating specific sub-climates.

At the conclusion of your tour, we return to your hotel in Cusco.

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 (20 soles)
  • Tips

What is the Boleto Turistico?  

The boleto turistico is a tourist ticket needed to enter historical and/or archeological sites in Cusco and the  Sacred  Valley. A day pass is 70 soles and has 3  different circuits. Your guide will help you purchase the correct ticket and circuit. You can also purchase  the 10-day pass if you wish. This ticket offers more value for your money. It´s valid for 10 conversative days ,includes 16 sites and costs 130 soles.

You have to purchase the ticket in Soles, they do not  accept dollars or credit  cards.  You can purchase them in their office in Av de Sol or at the entrance of the first site you visit.

 

Please note: The tour to Chinchero & Salt mines is 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)

WHAT TO BRING

  • Warm jacket
  • Hat
  • Water
  • Sun protection
  • Money for souvenirs and tips
  • Money in soles to purchase the Boleto Turistico and an entrance ticket to salt mine
  • Original passport
Tour To Chinchero, Moray And Salt Mines Half Day
From

175

/ Per Person
  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • Worry Free Travel
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Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

EXPERT GUIDES

Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS

Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE

With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Design Your Ideal Adventure

Forget generic tours. With Orange Nation, you can create a tailor-made itinerary with the level of adventure, culture, or relaxation you choose.

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Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

Written July 8, 2025

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