Moray & Maras Tour: Sacred Valley Salt Mines & Inca Terraces

Your journey begins with a personalized pickup from your hotel At 8,00am by your professional chauffeur and Senior Archaeological Guide. As you leave the city, you will ascend toward the high-altitude plains of the Sacred Valley, enjoying sweeping views of the snow-capped Vilcanota mountain range while your guide introduces the day’s themes of Incan engineering and agronomy.

After approximately one hour of driving, we will arrive at the Chinchero Inca site and weaving center.

Chinchero is a culturally significant Andean town in the Sacred Valley, recognized for its Inca terraces, traditional weaving centers, and a historic colonial church built on Inca foundations. Formerly a royal estate, it features notable stonework and agricultural engineering. Local artisans continue to practice ancestral textile techniques with natural dyes. The blend of Inca heritage and colonial architecture makes Chinchero a key cultural destination near Cusco.

Exploration: The Incan Laboratory at Moray

Arrive at the enigmatic agricultural terraces of Moray. These deep, amphitheater-like stone circles were designed as a sophisticated research station where the Incas simulated over 20 different microclimates. You will walk the perimeter of these massive depressions, learning how a 15°C temperature variance allowed the Incas to master crop adaptation across their vast empire.

Discovery: Ancient Industry at the Salt Mines of Maras

Continue to the shimmering Salineras de Maras, a breathtaking mosaic of over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds clinging to the canyon walls. Fed by a subterranean saltwater spring, these mines have been harvested by hand since pre-Incan times. Your private access allows you to observe local families practicing traditional white gold extraction while capturing iconic photographs of this ancient industrial marvel.

Midday: Gourmet Farm-to-Table Lunch

Retreat to a secluded organic estate in the heart of Urubamba for a multi-course culinary experience. This lunch features fresh ingredients sourced directly from the valley’s fertile soil, highlighting the region’s renowned gastronomy. You will enjoy a private dining setting surrounded by lush gardens, providing a peaceful moment of relaxation before the afternoon’s military exploration.

Afternoon: The Living Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo

Descend to the monumental site of Ollantaytambo, the only town in Peru that still maintains its original 15th-century Inca urban layout. You will scale the megalithic stone terraces to reach the Temple of the Sun, examining 50-ton pink rhyolite monoliths and the precision of the ancient masonry. Afterward, wander through Ollantaytambo below, where original water channels still flow through the historic stone streets.

Evening: Return Journey or Train Connection

Your private expedition concludes with a comfortable return to your hotel in Cusco around 7pm. Alternatively, we can coordinate a seamless drop-off at the Ollantaytambo Hotel or train station for those continuing their journey to Inca Trail or Machu Picchu, ensuring your transition is perfectly timed with your rail departure.

• Accommodation: No Include
• Tickets: Included
• Meals. Only Lunch