Light Walking | 4 Hours | Private Guide | Andes & Inca Labs | Top Rated
Tour To Chinchero, Moray And Salt Mines Half Day
Chinchero, Moray and Salt Mines – Half Day
See three worlds of the Sacred Valley in one morning: living weaving culture, Inca science, and salt that predates the Empire.
This is not a bus tour. It is a private half day into the high Andes where the Incas tested crops, the Spanish built churches on palaces, and families still harvest salt by hand the same way their great-grandparents did. You leave Cusco at 3,400 meters, climb to Chinchero at 3,762 meters for the views, drop into the amphitheater of Moray at 3,500 meters, and finish at the white cascade of Salineras at 3,380 meters. All in four hours with no backtracking.
This is a private half day tour, available at 8:00 am or 1:00 pm. Your guide meets you at your hotel and you travel by private van with stops timed for light and fewer crowds. It is a perfect acclimatization day before a trek.
From 175 USD total for your private group of 1 to 6 people, 195 USD for 7 to 12. This is not a per person price. Entrance fees are paid in cash on the day.
- Duration: Half day, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm or 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- Start and End: Cusco hotel pick up and drop off.
- Max Altitude: 3,762 meters at Chinchero, most of tour at 3,400 to 3,500 meters.
- Group Size: Private only, you and your party up to 12.
- Difficulty: Easy, short walks on uneven ground.
- Transportation: Private van.
- Note: This tour is only offered to clients booking a two day or longer tour or trek to Machu Picchu with us.
Highlights for Chinchero, Moray and Salt Mines
- Chinchero – The Weaving Town on an Inca Palace
Walk the plaza where Tupac Yupanqui built his royal estate. The Spanish built a 17th century adobe church on Inca foundations with painted ceilings. See the Inca terraces and the weaving market where Quechua weavers show natural dyes. Requires Boleto Turistico. - Maras – The Stone Village
A quick stop in the colonial town of Maras, built from thin cut stone with carved doorways. This was the center of the salt trade long before the Incas. - Salineras de Maras – The 3,000 Salt Pools
More than 3,000 small pools cascade down the hillside like steps. A hot spring feeds salt water into the pools. Families fill them by hand and harvest the salt after evaporation using tools unchanged for centuries. Entrance is 20 soles, cash only. - Moray – The Greenhouses of the Incas
Explore circular terraces carved into a basin. Each level has its own microclimate. The Incas used it to test crops at high altitude. Pre-Inca peoples started it. The Incas improved it. Requires Boleto Turistico. - Andean Scenery
The route links three valleys with views of snow peaks and villages. Your driver stops for photos when the light is best. - Local Expert Guides
Your guide is Cusco born, licensed, and fluent in English. Private service gives you time for questions and photos. - Perfect Acclimatization Day
Light walking at altitude with no steep climbs. Take it on arrival day or before your trek. - All Logistics Handled
Private van waits at each site. Your guide helps you buy the Boleto Turistico at the first stop, 70 soles for one day or 130 soles for ten days, soles only.
Our Approach
Designed for Culture, Not Crowds
Some agencies run the Sacred Valley in a 40 person bus with three stops in eight hours. We do it private and half day. You and your guide leave Cusco at 8:00 am or 1:00 pm, reach Chinchero before the big groups, and see the weaving demonstration without a crowd. You get time for photos at Moray and you can watch the salt harvest at Salineras without being rushed.
We built this as the perfect acclimatization day. You are at 3,400 to 3,762 meters, so we keep walking short and drive between sites. You see Chinchero, Maras, Salineras, and Moray in four hours without exhaustion. By the time you finish you understand the valley and you are ready for a longer trek the next day.
Guides Who Are Actually From Cusco
We do not use freelance students from Lima. Our guides were born in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, studied tourism at San Antonio Abad University, and are licensed by the Ministry of Culture. They grew up speaking Quechua at home. Groups are private only, so you get conversation, not a memorized script. They know the weavers in Chinchero by name, the best light at Moray, and which salt pools are being harvested that day.
No Wasted Time
Our driver waits at each site with the van. No parking hunts, no walking back to a bus lot. We go in order to avoid backtracking: Cusco to Chinchero, down to Maras village, to Salineras, then to Moray, then straight back to Cusco. You finish at your hotel in time for lunch or dinner. It is efficient and comfortable.
At A Glance
The only private half day tour that covers Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines in four hours with a local guide.
- Duration:Half day, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm or 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- Distance:90 km total driving, less than 1.5 km walking..
- Surface:Paved road to sites, short dirt and stone paths at ruins and salt pools.
- Max altitude:3,762 m at Chinchero, most walking at 3,400 to 3,500 m.
- Walking:Easy, short walks on uneven ground.
- Transport:Private van with driver for entire route.
- Start and end:Hotel pick up and drop off in Cusco.
- Best for:First day acclimatization, photographers, families, culture lovers.
- Minimum age:None, carrier recommended for toddlers at Salineras.
- Fitness level:Easy, you do not need to be fit.
Guides and Safety
- The guides
Licensed English speaking professionals from Cusco. All carry first aid certification and Ministry of Culture ID. They explain Inca agriculture, colonial history, and modern weaving and salt traditions in clear terms. - What we provide
Private licensed guide for four hours
Private driver and comfortable van
Hotel pick up and drop off
24/7 Orange Nation office support - Safety on the tour
We drive, you do not hike between sites. Van carries first aid kit and emergency oxygen. We walk slowly for altitude. We time the visit to avoid the busiest hours at Chinchero. - What to wear
Closed shoes with good grip for the salt pools and Moray steps. Layers for sun and wind at Chinchero. Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun is strong at 3,700 meters even when it is cold. - Not comfortable with steps
We adapt the route. Chinchero plaza and Maras are flat. At Moray we use the upper viewpoint. At Salineras we stay on the main trail above the pools. You still see everything. - Our groups
We do not run large groups on this tour. Private service only, maximum 12 people in your party.
From
$175
/per person
Trip Details
Overview
Day 1: Cusco → Chinchero → Maras → Salineras → Moray → Cusco
8:00 am or 1:00 pm hotel pick up in Cusco. Drive 45 minutes to Chinchero for a guided tour of the colonial church built on Inca palace foundations, the agricultural terraces, and the textile center for a weaving demonstration. Continue 20 minutes to the village of Maras for a short stop among colonial stone buildings. Drive 10 minutes down to Salineras de Maras to walk the viewpoint above more than 3,000 salt pools and watch the traditional harvest. Finish with a 15 minute drive to Moray to explore the circular agricultural terraces and learn how the Incas created microclimates. Return to your Cusco hotel by 1:00 pm for the morning tour or 6:00 pm for the afternoon tour.
∼4 to 5 hours total / 3,762 m max at Chinchero / short walks on dirt and stone paths / Return to Cusco same day
Chinchero, Moray and Salt Mines Comparison
All options visit the same three main sites. Choose based on group size and service level.
Private Half Day Tour – Our Recommendation
- Duration: 1 half day, morning or afternoon.
- Activity: Private guided tour at each site with time for photos and weaving demo.
- Transport: Private van and driver all day.
- Sites: Chinchero, Maras village, Salineras salt mines, Moray.
- Best for: First time visitors, families, couples, photographers, travelers acclimatizeng, anyone who wants personal attention and flexible timing.
- Price: 175 USD total for 1 to 6 people, 195 USD total for 7 to 12 people.
Private Full Day Sacred Valley
- Duration: 1 full day, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Activity: Adds Pisac market and ruins or Ollantaytambo fortress to the half day route, with lunch break in Urubamba.
- Transport: Private van and guide.
- Sites: Chinchero, Maras, Salineras, Moray, plus Pisac or Ollantaytambo.
- Best for: Travelers with a full day who want the complete valley in one trip.
Full Itinerary
What Is Included
- Private Transport
Hotel pick up and drop off in Cusco. Private van for entire route. - Expert Guide
Licensed English speaking guide from Cusco for 4 to 5 hours. - All Sites Covered
Chinchero, Maras village, Salineras salt mines, Moray. - Safety
First aid kit and emergency oxygen in van. 24/7 Orange Nation office support. - Taxes
All Peruvian taxes included. - Private Only
Just you and your party. No shared groups.
What Is Not Included
- Entrance Fees
Boleto Turistico 70 soles for 1 day or 130 soles for 10 days. Covers Chinchero and Moray. Salineras salt mines 20 soles. All paid in cash, soles only. - Meals
Food and drinks not included. - Hotels
Accommodation not included. - Insurance
Travel insurance not included. - Gratuities
Tips for guide and driver are optional. - What is the Boleto Turistico?
- The Boleto Turistico is the official tourist ticket required to enter archaeological sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. You cannot buy individual tickets for Chinchero or Moray.
- You have two options:
- 1 Day Partial Ticket:70 soles per person. Valid for one day. Choose Circuit III to cover Chinchero and Moray.
- 10 Day General Ticket:130 soles per person. Valid for ten consecutive days. Includes 16 sites across Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the South Valley.
Your guide will help you purchase the correct ticket at the first site. You must pay in Peruvian soles in cash. Dollars and credit cards are not accepted. You can also buy it in advance at the COSITUC office on Avenida El Sol in Cusco.
Pricing
Private departures operate daily year-round at 8:00 am or 1:00 pm.
1 to 6 people | 175 USD for the total group (not per person)
This price includes private hotel pick up in Cusco, private van for the full circuit, and a licensed English speaking guide for 4 to 5 hours at Chinchero, Maras, Salineras, and Moray. Morning tour 8:00 am to 1:00 pm or afternoon tour 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Drop off at your hotel.
We recommend morning departures in the dry season May to September for the best light at the salt pools.
7 to 12 people | 195 USD for the total group (not per person)
Same private service with a larger van. Perfect for families or groups traveling together.
Please Note: The Chinchero, Moray and Salt Mines tour is only offered to clients booking at least a two day tour or trek to Machu Picchu with Orange Nation Peru.
Included in the Price
- All Transport– Hotel pick up and drop off in Cusco, private van to Chinchero, Maras, Salineras, and Moray.
- Professional Guide– Licensed English speaking guide from Cusco for the full tour.
- Private Service– Tour is for your party only, no other travelers.
- Support– First aid kit, emergency oxygen, 24/7 Cusco office support.
- Taxes– All applicable Peruvian taxes included.
Not Included in the Price
Entrance fees paid in cash on the day: Boleto Turistico 70 soles for one day partial or 130 soles for ten day general covering Chinchero and Moray. Salineras salt mines 20 soles separate. All must be paid in Peruvian soles. Meals, snacks, water, travel insurance, and gratuities.
Packing List for Chinchero, Moray and Salt Mines Half Day
The tour starts in Cusco at 3,400 m and reaches 3,762 m at Chinchero. Mornings are 5 to 12°C with strong sun, afternoons are 18 to 22°C. You walk short dirt and stone paths at four sites for less than 1.5 km total. Bring a small daypack only.
Essentials, Carry in Your Daypack
Documents
- Original passport, required for Boleto Turistico.
- Student ID card if under 25, only valid for the 10 day Boleto Turistico discount.
Cash in Peruvian soles
- 90 to 150 soles per person for entrances. Boleto Turistico 70 soles for one day or 130 soles for ten days, Salineras salt mines 20 soles. Plus extra for souvenirs and tips. Cash only, soles only.
Water
- Reusable bottle, 1 liter minimum.
Clothing
- 1 t-shirt.
- 1 long sleeve shirt or light fleece for wind at Chinchero and Moray.
- 1 pair long pants or comfortable trousers.
- Warm hat for start, sun hat for day.
Rain Protection
- Light waterproof jacket with hood, recommended November to March.
Sun Protection
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- SPF 30+ sunscreen and lip balm. Sun is very strong at 3,700 meters.
Footwear
- Closed shoes with good grip, trainers or walking shoes. Paths at Salineras and Moray can be dusty and uneven. No flip flops.
Extras
- Small daypack.
- Camera or phone.
- Personal medications.
What NOT to Bring
- Large backpacks or suitcases, no storage on the van for big luggage.
- Sandals or high heels, stone steps are slippery.
- Drones, prohibited at archaeological sites.
Top 10 FAQs for the Chinchero, Moray and Salt Mines Half Day
- Do I need to buy entrance tickets in advance?
No. You pay in cash at the sites. Bring Peruvian soles. The Boleto Turistico is 70 soles for one day or 130 soles for ten days and covers Chinchero and Moray. Salineras salt mines is separate at 20 soles. We stop at the ticket office first. No cards or dollars accepted.
- Is this tour too hard with the altitude?
No, it is designed for your first or second day. We keep walking short and drive between all sites. You are at 3,762 m at Chinchero for about 45 minutes and 3,500 m at Moray. We walk slowly, take breaks, and carry emergency oxygen. Most people feel fine.
- What is the difference between morning and afternoon?
Morning tour is 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Afternoon tour is 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Both visit the same four sites. Morning has fewer crowds at Chinchero and better light for photos at the salt pools. Afternoon is warmer and good if you arrive on a morning flight.
- Do you visit Ollantaytambo or Pisac on this tour?
Not on the half day. This tour focuses on Chinchero, Maras, Salineras, and Moray. If you want Ollantaytambo or Pisac, book our Private Full Day Sacred Valley tour.
- How much walking is involved?
Less than 1.5 km total. All sites have short walks on dirt and uneven stone. Chinchero plaza is flat. At Moray we stay on the upper rim if you prefer no steps. At Salineras we view from the main trail above the pools. You can see everything without a hike.
- Is the tour really private?
Yes. Only you and your party with your own guide and driver. We do not mix groups. The price is per group, not per person.
- Why do you require a 2 day tour booking?
The Chinchero, Moray and Salt Mines tour is offered only to clients booking at least a two day tour or trek to Machu Picchu with Orange Nation Peru. It is our acclimatization tour, not a standalone product.
- Can children or seniors do this tour?
Yes. There is no minimum age. The van drives to each site entrance. Strollers work at Chinchero. For Salineras and Moray we recommend a baby carrier. Seniors do well because we drive everywhere and walk at your pace.
- What should I wear and bring?
Closed shoes with grip for the salt pools. Layers, sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun is very strong at 3,700 m even when cold. Bring water, your passport for the Boleto, and cash in soles for entrances. We provide nothing to wear.
- Why choose a private tour over the big bus?
Big buses have 30 to 40 people and you get 20 minutes at each site. With us you start at Chinchero before the crowds, you watch the full weaving demonstration, you have time at Moray for photos, and you can talk to salt workers at Salineras. In four hours you actually understand the culture instead of just checking boxes.
