GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 1 Day
Starting point: Cusco City (pick up your hotel).
Point of Arrival: Cusco City (Historic Downtown).
Travel style: Archaeological, Experiential, Natural and Cultural.
Level of difficulty: Easy.
Tour time: Around 8 hours
Tour dates: Every day
Altitudes of the Walk:
• Cusco City: 3400 meters above sea level. (Main Square).
• Salineras de Maras: 3600 m.s.n.m.
• Archaeological site of Moray: 3600 m.s.n.m.
• Chinchero: 3800 meters above sea level
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
Visiting the Moray Archaeological Site, the Maras Salt Mines and doing Experiential Tourism in the Peasant Community of Humasbamba in Chinchero, is the best combination for a Full Day Tour. You will have the great opportunity of knowing a native Andean community up close, where you can learn about the ancient traditions and living culture that still endure in this place despite time.
DESCRIPTION
Visit great destinations in Cusco. Admire the enormous rural meadows that characterize the amazing Sacred Valley and get to know the Maras Salt Mines that have been exploited since Inca times, their origins remaining a mystery today. With our tour, you will arrive without being surrounded by large tour groups that visit the site before or after. Next, we will head to the archaeological site of Moray, known as an agricultural research laboratory that allowed the Incas to test and plant different crops, at various elevation levels. You will spend approximately 20 minutes at each site to take as many photos as you want. Then we will go to Chincheros, for Experiential Tourism at the community of Humasbamba – Chincheros; we will have a unique and unmissable experience, enjoying the living culture and interaction with the local community. In addition, it will be really participatory and in their Quechua language, where our guide will translate everything.
Itinerary
DETAILED ITINERARY
Pick up from your hotel at 8:00 am to begin this tour. From there, you and the tour guide will head on our transportation towards north of Cusco City to reach the Archaeological site of Moray. This ride goes for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with absolutely beautiful views, passing through lush yellow wheat fields and some typical villages. Finally you will reach the fascinating terrace display at Moray. This place has three large amphitheater-shaped terraces, made by Inca masons.
These terraces, which are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape, are thought to be used to determine optimal growing conditions for crops. There you will have a great Tour with the interesting explanations of the Travel Guide.
After Moray, we will head on our transport for approximately 30 minutes until the Maras Salt Mines; this village is known as an ancient salt producing center, believed to date back to pre-Inca times, where you can see the sprouting of the Salt water source from the high altitude mountains and falling down the mountainside into individual evaporation chambers, which have been used by the local population for hundreds of years. There are more than 4,000 salt pools carved into the side of the mountain.
Then we will return to our transport, going for 1 hour until the Humasbamba community, in the district of Chinchero, where we will do experiential tourism, having a typical reception with music and dance, they will take us to their houses to share customs and experiences with their families, some of their daily chores such as agriculture, weaving and dyeing clothes with natural ingredients. Then we will enjoy an Andean lunch as a family.
At the end of the experiential tour, we will return to Cusco City, at 5 pm. approximately.
NOTES
- The schedules of this itinerary are for reference only, this may vary according to the physical condition of each person.
- Up to one day before, please call or inform us via email the name of your accommodations in Cusco City, where we will pick you up on the day of the excursion.
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Pick up from your hotel on the day of the Tour
- Private Tourist Transportation for the entire Tour.
- Professional Tourism Guide.
- All entrance tickets are included: Moray Archaeological Site + Maras Salt Mines.
- Experiential Tour in a Native Community: You will dress in the typical costumes of the village, practice weaving, take part in a spiritual ceremony and carry out other traditional activities with community people.
- Andean lunch prepared by the native community.
- Also, we can prepare vegetarian meals or special diets according to your requirements at no extra cost.
- Tourist transportation back to Cusco City and we will drop you off at the hotel.
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO TAKE TO THIS TOUR
Please check this list and remember that everything is very important to the success of your Tour.
Documents
- Passport.
- Printed or digital Tour voucher, issued by our company.
Essentials
- Small backpack.
- Bottle of water and some snacks such as: cookies, candies, chocolates, cereals, fruits, among others.
- Extra money, if you want to buy some souvenirs and handicrafts of the Tour.
Clothes and shoes
- Jacket for the cold.
- Waterproof clothing: rain jacket and/or rain poncho.
- Hat to cover from the Sun.
- Hiking boots or comfortable sneakers.
Pharmaceutical products
- Sunscreen.
- Lip cream.
Other articles
- Sunglasses.
- Rubber-tipped hiking sticks (optional).
We recommend prior acclimatization, at least arriving in Cusco City 1 day before this Tour, and good health in general…
* If you have any Questions or Queries about the Items you should bring to the Tour, please contact us at WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com
Frequent questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find the Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Customers. Before doing anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you obtain information in a simple, quick and practical way.
1. WHAT MEALS WILL I HAVE DURING THE TOUR?
We understand how curious you are about the quality of the food you will have during the Tour. Don’t worry, all the reports and comments made by our customers guarantee and demonstrate that our meals are excellent.
All food is prepared with fresh ingredients, which are purchased very early in the local market in Cusco City on the same day of the trip. Everything is carried in our transport and then prepared by our cook. We do not use any canned or dehydrated foods. Everything is fresh, healthy and delicious!
Each of our cooks is professionally trained to prepare the best meals: breakfasts and lunches that will keep you full of energy for your hike. The meals start very early in the morning with a great breakfast and at noon you will have a good lunch. Below are some examples of what our Chefs can prepare and serve at meals:
Lunch: Rice with Chicken, Grilled Meat, Fried Rice, French fries, Boiled Vegetables, Salads, Omelets, etc.
In case you have special dietary needs, no problem! We are prepared to cater for vegetarians, vegans, celiacs and any type of food allergy at no additional cost, so you will be well fed throughout the tour.
2. HOW DO I BOOK MY TOUR?
Booking this Tour with us will really be very safe, easy and practical, you will also enjoy Payment Facilities such as Paying for your Excursion up to 1 day before the Trip.
⇒ To Book this Tour, just follow these 3 simple steps:
1. Fill out the Reservation Form: It is in the Reserve link.
2. Pay for the Tour: We accept all cards. You can use a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank and of any company: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, UNION PAY, ETC.
3. Print your Travel Coupon (Voucher): We will send it to you immediately after you have made the Payment.
⇒ OTHER PAYMENT METHODS: If you want to make the Payment by other means such as: PayPal, Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or some other form, let us know to send you all the necessary information to do so.
3. WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE ON THE TREK?
Weather is very unpredictable, it is impossible to say exactly what kind of weather you will encounter during the Tour. No matter what month you travel, be sure to have waterproof clothing on hand such as a rain jacket or a good rain poncho.
During dry season (April to November), early mornings are cloudy and can be cold. As the morning hours pass, the clouds clear and the sun comes out, so it can be quite hot. Sun protection, insect repellent and a good hat are essential. However, keep in mind that sometimes it can be rainy in June and sunny in December.
During rainy season (from mid-November to mid-April), there are pourings. However, don’t be surprised if some days are sunny this season. February is the month with the most rain, so during this month we don’t recommend doing this Tour
4. WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET ILL FROM ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Don’t worry!. All our Guides are trained in case you get sick with this condition. All our Guides carry an oxygen tank and a First Aid Kit, this ensures that you are very well evaluated and cared for, which will allow you to continue with the Trek. In addition, all our staff is prepared in case of Emergency. After being treated, if you still feel very bad and cannot continue with the hike, the Guide will take the best decision for you whether to continue or return. For us, your Safety and Health always come first.
5. IF I ALREADY PAID FOR MY TOUR AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REFUNDED?
We understand that unexpected things happen that are out of your control, therefore, we have designed a Refund Plan in case you want to Cancel the Trip.
Only for 1-day tours, as is the case, the Refunds that we will make will be subject to the date of the trip cancellation that you decide, and will be applied in relation to the date before the start of the tour, according to the box below:
CANCELLATION DATE OF THE TOUR BY THE CUSTOMER | PERCENTAGE TO BE RETURNED BY OUR COMPANY |
From 0 to 3 days before the Tour | 0% |
From 4 to 10 before the Tour | 25% |
From 11 or more days before the Tour | 50% |
In addition to this, and in our desire to always seek the best for you, consider that if you want to change the Date of the Excursion you can do so without any additional cost, up to 2 days before the Tour.
6. DO I NEED TO BRING ADDITIONAL MONEY TO THE TOUR?
Yes, if you want to buy snacks such as: cookies, dried fruit, chocolates, candies or an additional drink such as soda, beer or an energy beverage, for it is possible to purchase these products in small commercial stores in the area. Also, if you want to buy some souvenirs and handicrafts from the trip, you can buy them directly from local artisans.
7. WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO TOILET SERVICES ON THE ROUTE?
Yes, you will have access to Toilet Services. At the beginning and end of the Tour, at breakfast and lunch time. These facilities also exist in some areas during the trip.
8. WHAT TIME WILL WE RETURN TO CUSCO CITY?
Tour return time is scheduled for 5:00 pm. This time is only a reference, for there may be some unexpected delays that affect the arrival time, such as: traffic, a traveler may have suffered a setback, poor road conditions, among others; so there may be the possibility of arriving later.
9. IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, CAN I CONTACT INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You can do it whenever you want, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will be very happy to assist you, call us at Cell: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or send us an email to: info@incredibleperutours.com. Also check the Contact Us link on this website .
10. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
There are very good reasons to Book your Excursion with Us, let’s look at some:
- Very good location of Our Travel Office that allows better coordination at any time. We are located in Cusco City’s Historic Downtown, just 1 block from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas).
- Excursion organized by an Authorized Peruvian Tourism Agency. We are 100% local workers. We are very proud to be Peruvian and have the great opportunity to share our Culture with you, with more than 15 years of experience organizing the best tours to the most incredible tourist destinations in our region. We have all our documentation updated and in order, complying with all procedures and formalities before the Local Government, thus being a Travel Agency recognized as an Authorized Operator of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this provides you with support and safety. It also guarantees our seriousness and commitment to your satisfaction, which will be achieved with great responsibility and enormous pleasure.
- The Best Price for your trip and without hidden charges. Getting the best price is great and getting the best value is even better. We provide an All Inclusive Service trip at an affordable price, offering you the best Deals. We save you searching time with our Low Price Guarantee. How do we achieve this?… Simply because we are the Direct Tour Operator, managing the costs of the business at a local level and employing local people who will conduct your tour and without any intermediaries.
- Travel with Experts: The best Tour Guides, Cooks and Porters in the region. Our Support Staff, locally known as “The Steel Team” is highly trained to assist all types of groups, families, friends, couples and all those who love outdoor activities.
- High Quality Equipment for your Tour. From a simple trekking pillow to the most sophisticated walking stick, through the most comfortable sleeping tents and the best quality sleeping bags that guarantee a good rest. We buy new equipment every year, with a 2-year rotation, constantly looking for the best brands that are the most comfortable and safe for your trip.
- Excellent meals – All included. You don’t have to worry about food, because we include all meals during the entire Trek. Our chef will impress you with the quality of the food prepared in a small tent and small kitchen. All meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, we do not use canned or dehydrated foods. In addition, there is the possibility of preparing vegetarian or special diets according to your needs, free of extra charge.
- Safe and guaranteed departures. We are the only Tour Operator that guarantees all departures, since we operate 100% of our treks. Other agencies hope to have enough clients to start an Excursion. Even if we only have a single traveler for a Travel Date, this trip will be operated by us at the prices listed on this website and without surcharge. Normally our groups are small, and average 4 to 8 people.
- We treat our travel staff in the best way and are committed to social projects in our region. We practice good treatment for our workers. That is why we provide Inca Trail tickets, accommodation, transportation, uniforms and good food for all our staff. The cooks and porters have paid Health Insurance and all of them have reasonable salaries according to the work they do. We are also committed to social program projects that bring benefits for children in local communities in Health and Education, which helps to improve their living conditions.
- We practice Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. We are an eco-friendly company, committed to the environment and the sustainable use of ecological resources, which must have a minimal impact from Tourism activities. An important measure is that our kitchen staff uses biodegradable dishwasher detergents. We also constantly take part in Cleaning Campaigns for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Personalized Service and Support. When you ask a question, we will always respond. We are here to help provide personalized care and support. Call or email our contact center from anywhere, anytime.
Availability and prices
IMPORTANT:
- We recommend you book the Tour as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this great experience.
- If, there is no longer availability for your Tour Date, you can search for other similar Excursions.
- If you are interested in doing this route and want to book, or would like more information, please contact us: Cell phone: +51 984525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com
PRICES-2023/2024
We are committed to providing you with Safety and the Best Service at the Best Price, which is why throughout 2024 we are maintaining all of our 2023 rates.
To provide you with the best attention on this tour: EXPERIENTIAL TOURISM IN CHINCHEROS + MORAY + SALINERAS DE MARAS – 1 DAY, we have the following service:
PRIVATE SERVICE:
Traveling only with friends and/or family, according to the number of people that make up your group.
From 2 to 3 people: | USD $170 per person |
From 4 to 5 people: | USD $130 per person |
From 6 to 7 people: | USD$110 per person |
From 8 to 10 people: | USD $90 per person |
From 10 to more people: | USD $70 per person |
OPTIONAL SERVICES
If you want, for an additional cost you have the option of adding some extra services to your tour, such as:
- Pick up from Cusco City Airport and transfer to your hotel, USD$5.00 per person
- Pick up from your Hotel and transfer to Cusco City Airport, USD$5.00 per person
TO CONSIDER:
- Prices are shown in American dollars (USD$)
- Our company also has promotions and discounts for student groups. Please contact us to receive our offers.
- For your peace of mind and comfort, our tours do not have any hidden charges or expenses.
- If you are interested in doing this route and would like to reserve, or want more information, please contact us:
- Cell: +51 984 525 006
- WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047
- Email: info@incredibleperutours.com