Maras, Moray, and Chinchero Cooking Class Full-Day Tour From Cusco

The Maras, Moray, and Chinchero Cooking Class Full-Day Tour from Cusco offers an immersive cultural experience in the Sacred Valley. Visitors can explore the historical temple of the rainbow in Chinchero, marvel at the fascinating circular terraces of Moray, and discover the ancient salt mines of Maras. The tour also includes a delicious quinoa soup lunch, allowing participants to engage with local traditions and culinary practices. Guided by a knowledgeable local expert, this tour promises a personalized and enriching adventure in this stunning region. What else might this tour reveal about the captivating heritage of the Sacred Valley?

Good To Know

• Explore the ancient Inca sites of Maras, Moray, and Chinchero, including a traditional weaving demonstration and insights into Inca agricultural practices.
• Discover the historical temple of the rainbow, a local church with Cusqueñan-style murals, and opportunities to purchase local handicrafts in Chinchero.
• Marvel at the captivating circular terraces of the Moray archeological site, which served as an experimental agricultural laboratory for the Incas.
• Observe the traditional salt harvesting methods at the Maras salt mines, gaining insight into the cultural significance of salt in the Inca economy.
• Enjoy a hearty quinoa soup lunch and private transportation throughout the day, with hotel pickup and drop-off included in the tour.

Tour Overview

Offering a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley, this full-day tour from Cusco takes travelers on a journey through the ancient Inca sites of Maras, Moray, and Chinchero.

With a 99% traveler recommendation, the tour provides a personalized experience for small groups of up to 15 people.

Highlights include visiting the Inca temple of the rainbow in Chinchero, exploring the circular terraces of Moray, and discovering the traditional salt harvesting methods at the Maras salt mines.

Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, a local guide, a quinoa soup lunch, and all necessary entrance fees.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not recommended for pregnant travelers, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

In Chinchero, guests visit the temple of the rainbow, an important Inca site, and explore a church featuring Cusqueñan-style murals. They participate in a traditional weaving demonstration at a women’s cooperative and have the opportunity to purchase local handicrafts.

At the archeological site of Moray, travelers learn about Inca engineering and agricultural practices.

The tour continues to Maras, where guests visit ancient salt mines and discover the traditional salt harvesting methods.

Throughout the day, visitors engage with the local culture and gain insights into the region’s history and traditions.

Chinchero Exploration

Visitors explore the historical temple of the rainbow, an important Inca site, in Chinchero. They wander through the Cusqueñan-style murals adorning the local church and witness a traditional weaving demonstration at a women’s cooperative.

This culture allows guests to gain insight into the region’s artisan traditions. The highlight of the Chinchero experience is the opportunity to purchase local handicrafts, from textiles to pottery.

With hands-on engagement and fascinating historical context, the Chinchero segment offers a well-rounded introduction to the Sacred Valley’s indigenous heritage and contemporary craft scene.

Moray Archeological Site

Travelers explore the archaeological marvels of Moray, an Inca site renowned for its captivating circular terraces.

Descending into the site, visitors are met with a breathtaking display of Inca engineering and agricultural ingenuity. The terraces, arranged in concentric circles, are believed to have served as an experimental agricultural laboratory, allowing the Incas to study the effects of different microclimates on crop cultivation.

Visitors can explore the site, learning about the Incas’ advanced understanding of astronomy, hydrology, and soil science. The immersive experience offers a glimpse into the Inca’s sophisticated approach to sustainable agriculture, inspiring wonder and appreciation for their remarkable accomplishments.

• Concentric circular terraces
• Experimental agricultural site
• Inca engineering and soil science
• Awe-inspiring display of Inca ingenuity

Maras Salt Mines

After exploring the captivating Inca terraces of Moray, the next stop on the tour is the ancient Maras salt mines.

Visitors will have the chance to discover the traditional salt harvesting methods that have been used in this region for centuries.

The salt mines are situated in an awe-inspiring natural setting, with salt pools cascading down the mountainside.

Guests can wander through the salt ponds and observe the local workers extracting the valuable mineral.

The tour provides an opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of salt production and its role in the Inca economy.

This unique experience offers a glimpse into Peru’s rich heritage and the resilience of its traditional practices.

Included in the Tour

The tour package includes several key inclusions to provide travelers with a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Visitors will enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transport by private vehicle throughout the day. A local guide will accompany the small group, sharing their expertise on the region’s history, culture, and traditions.

Lunch featuring a hearty quinoa soup is included, allowing travelers to savor the flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Plus, the tour covers all necessary entrance fees to the Salt Mines ($3.00) and Moray (130 Soles or 70 Soles with the Boleto Turistico).

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private vehicle transportation
• Local guide expertise
• Lunch with quinoa soup
• Entrance fees included

Additional Information

The tour departs at 8:30 am from the hotel, with pickup provided. A minimum of 2 people is required per booking, and wheelchair-accessible transportation is available.

Pregnant travelers aren’t recommended for this tour, as it involves activities that may be strenuous. Travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the experience without any fees.

The Moray archeological site requires the Boleto Turistico, which costs 130 Soles or 70 Soles, and the Salt Mines have a separate entrance fee of $3.00.

Pricing and Reviews

The tour is priced starting from $160.00. It has an overall rating of 5.0 based on 11 reviews, with 9 five-star and 2 four-star ratings.

Travelers have provided positive feedback, particularly on the engaging cooking class and opportunities to interact with the local community.

The tour includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport by private vehicle
• A local guide to provide insights
• A lunch featuring quinoa soup
• Entrance fees to the Salt Mines and Moray archaeological site

With a minimum of 2 people required per booking, this small-group tour offers a personalized experience for those interested in seeing the cultural and culinary traditions of the Cusco region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

Travelers can generally bring their own food on tours, but it’s best to check with the tour provider first. Some tours may include meals or have restrictions on outside food. The tour details should specify if any food is provided.

Do We Have Free Time to Explore on Our Own?

The tour provides some free time for independent exploration. Travelers can visit local markets, shops, or wander around the sites at their own pace during certain parts of the itinerary.

What Should I Wear for the Best Experience?

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Bring a light jacket or layers, as the weather can be cooler at the archaeological sites. Sun protection like a hat and sunscreen is also recommended.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There are no options to extend the tour duration. The tour is a full-day experience from Cusco to Maras, Moray, and Chinchero, with a set itinerary and schedule. The minimum number of participants required is two people per booking.

Can I Book Private Transportation Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can book private transportation for this tour instead of a group tour. This option provides a more personalized experience and allows you to have a flexible schedule.

The Sum Up

This immersive day tour provides travelers with a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley. From exploring the historical site of Chinchero to discovering the fascinating Moray archaeological site and the ancient salt mines of Maras, the tour culminates in a hands-on cooking class featuring local ingredients and traditions. Guided by a knowledgeable local expert, this is an enriching adventure that allows visitors to fully experience the wonders of this stunning Peruvian region.