Chinchero, Maras & Moray (optional hike)
Lose yourself in a fascinating private guided tour to the local village of Chinchero renowned for its archaeological site and colorful market (best on Sunday), the Inca terraces of Moray and the astounding salt pans of Maras.
Area
Cuzco Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Type
Community & Culture
History
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Firstly, you will be driven to the town of Chinchero, small in scale but big on charm! Explore the well-preserved Incan terraces that can be found here along with the town's colonial era adobe church. In addition to the magnificent terraces, there are several megalithic carved rocks, and a 17th century church built on top of an Inca palace. Chinchero is also known for its colorful market and the use of traditional weaving techniques that are used to produce textiles for sale.
The next stop is Moray, where well preserved circular terraces are built in descending layers down into natural valleys, which are thought to have been an Inca agricultural site for experimental farming. Here you can walk along the very terraces where the Incans once flourished before heading to Maras.
Lastly you will arrive at the salt pans of Maras, situated in a gorge that leads to the Sacred Valley. Centuries ago, Incan people discovered salt water naturally seeping from the mountain side near Maras, and began to create man-made salt pans, allowing the water to evaporate and the salt to be harvested. Enjoy the panoramic views of this fascinating site.
During dry season (May-September) the salt pans turn bright white and glitter with layers of salt accumulating in the pans - it is truly stunning! You will then enjoy lunch at Iskay Maras Home located in Maras town.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationTambo Del Inka Resort & Spa
A luxury retreat in Peru’s Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka offers elegant rooms, exceptional spa facilities and refined local cuisine, set beside the Urubamba River and perfectly placed for exploring Machu Picchu and the Andes.
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View AccommodationRio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel
Nestled along the Urubamba River in Peru’s Sacred Valley, Rio Sagrado offers contemporary luxury, serene riverfront views, and immersive Andean experiences.
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View AccommodationInkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba — a refined 5-star hacienda in Peru’s Sacred Valley — offers 36 stylish rooms and casitas, an organic estate kitchen, spa sanctuary, and sweeping mountain views for a serene, soul-soothing Andean escape.
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View AccommodationHotel Sol y Luna
Set amidst the Sacred Valley’s rolling hills, Hotel Sol y Luna blends Andean heritage with contemporary luxury, offering a serene retreat.
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View AccommodationPalacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel
A former Incan palace transformed into Cusco’s most exclusive sanctuary, Palacio Nazarenas blends timeless heritage with contemporary luxury—an intimate retreat curated to perfection.
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View AccommodationCasa Clara
A quietly restored 18th-century colonial mansion on the Plaza Nazarenas in Cusco — Casa Clara offers a curated blend of heritage architecture, boutique intimacy, refined comfort and effortless access to the city’s historic heart.
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View AccommodationExplora Valle Sagrado
Discover Explora Valle Sagrado, a luxury lodge set in Peru’s Sacred Valley, offering immersive excursions, contemporary comfort, and curated Andean experiences for discerning travelers seeking adventure and exclusivity.
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View AccommodationInkaterra La Casona
A 16th-century colonial manor turned 11-suite Relais & Châteaux hideaway. In the heart of historic Cusco, Inkaterra La Casona delivers old-world grandeur, heated marble-bath suites, intimate dining and soothing spa rituals.
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View AccommodationMonasterio, A Belmond Hotel
Belmond Monasterio — former 16th-century monastery turned refined hotel at the heart of Cusco — offers 117 historic rooms, a cloistered courtyard under a 300-year-old cedar, colonial-chapel splendour and effortless access to the city’s soul.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceUrubamba White-Water Rafting
An exhilarating and unique way to soak up the breath-taking landscapes and bountiful river of the Sacred Valley, with a dose of adrenaline to get things going.
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View ExperiencePachamanca Lunch at Piuray Lagoon
A traditional Pachamanca at Piuray lagoon, where food is cooked underground with hot stones. Take part in the ritual before enjoying a generous Andean feast with local produce, meats, desserts and drinks.
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View ExperienceKm 104 trek to Machu Picchu
Plunge into an unforgettable 2 day journey to reach the iconic ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, combining the best of train travel with the KM104 hike taking in the fascinating archaeological site of Wiñaywayna to get a glimpse of the famous Machu Picchu.
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View ExperienceVia Ferrata & Zip-Line Adventure
An award-winning via ferrata and zip-line experience high in Peru’s Sacred Valley, featuring a ladder-and-bridge ascent and a thrilling seven-line descent, with spectacular Andean views throughout.
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View ExperienceFarming experience in the community of Huayllafara
An immersive visit to Huayllafara in the Lamay Valley, where local farmers share ancestral agricultural knowledge, native crops and traditions, complemented by a seasonal lunch and insights into traditional textile artistry.
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View ExperienceMil Immersion Experience
Explore Moray’s landscapes, history, and ingredients through ruins, farms, and local traditions, culminating in tastings of unique spirits and an exquisite eight-course menu at MIL.
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View ExperienceGourmet Picnic Lunch in the Mountains
An outdoor gourmet dining experience in the Sacred Valley, combining refined Andean cuisine with spectacular natural surroundings of mountains, lakes and open landscapes for a relaxed yet exclusive experience.
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View ExperienceTribute to Mother Earth
A traditional Andean Offering honouring Pachamama, Mother Earth. Led by a pacco, this ritual reflects ancient spiritual beliefs rooted in gratitude, reciprocity and a deep connection to the natural world.
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View ExperienceMachu Picchu Guided Tour with Lunch
Experience a full-day tour of Machu Picchu, starting with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a guided two-hour tour of the ancient ruins, followed by lunch before returning. Discover the wonder of this iconic site with ease.
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