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Experience an immersive journey into traditional Andean culture with the Textile Tour through Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines. This half-day tour has been designed to enjoy some of the most impressive destinations in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you can delve into the ancient Andean textile tradition and closely discover its natural dyeing process, in an unforgettable cultural journey.
Chinchero Textile Route, Moray and Maras Salt Mines tour overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups and guaranteed departures: Travel in groups of up to 18 people for a more authentic experience throughout the tour. Departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, so you can plan your visit with complete confidence.
- A traditional Andean experience: Get to know the culture of the most traditional villages of the Sacred Valley up close and watch a demonstration of natural dyeing and their age-old textile tradition.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup at your hotel to the end of the experience, our guide will answer your questions and provide information and safety along the way.
- Enjoy every destination without rushing: An itinerary designed to explore each highlight of the route calmly, taking in the natural landscapes and the cultural richness of the destination.
Programme summary
Cusco – Chinchero – Textile centre – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Cusco
A half-day programme ideal for anyone looking for a relaxed day out. It combines Andean landscapes, archaeological sites and living culture: the ancestral textile tradition of Chinchero, the agricultural laboratory of Moray and the famous Maras Salt Mines.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half day, approx. 6 hours |
| Schedule | Pickup 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. / return approx. 2:30 p.m. |
| Maximum altitude | Chinchero: 3,762 m / 12,343 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Maras Salt Mines: 3,380 m / 11,089 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperature | Minimum 2 °C / 36 °F, maximum 25 °C / 77 °F |
Highlights
- Chinchero (3,762 m / 12,343 ft): an important Inca agricultural and cultural centre, known for its terraces, its colonial church and views of the snow-capped peaks surrounding the Sacred Valley.
- Chinchero textile centre: a place where Andean women keep alive the ancient techniques of weaving and natural dyeing, passed down from generation to generation.
- Moray (3,500 m / 11,483 ft): huge circular terraces forming an impressive natural amphitheatre. In Inca times it was an agricultural research centre, where different microclimates were used to adapt a variety of crops.
- Maras Salt Mines (3,380 m / 11,089 ft): at first sight they look like a vast white blanket over the mountain, but they are more than 3,000 salt pans fed by a natural spring, worked since pre-Inca times.
Chinchero Textile Route, Moray and Maras Salt Mines tour itinerary
Cusco – Chinchero – Textile centre – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Cusco
Textiles, terraces and salt: a morning devoted to the traditions that are still alive in the Sacred Valley.
- The adventure begins with the pickup from your hotel between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. In about 40 minutes we reach the Chinchero archaeological complex.
- Chinchero is an ancient Andean village with Inca terraces and buildings in excellent condition. We also visit its beautiful colonial church, built on Inca foundations, with murals of great artistic value. The guided visit lasts about 30 minutes.
- Also in Chinchero we visit a textile interpretation centre, where local artisans demonstrate the ancestral process of obtaining natural dyes from plants, minerals and insects, traditional Andean weaving techniques and how to recognise genuine baby alpaca garments.
- In 25 minutes we reach Moray, whose huge circular terraces descend like an amphitheatre. In Inca times it is believed to have been an important agricultural research centre, where different microclimates were studied to adapt crops that were then distributed throughout the empire. The guided visit lasts about 30 minutes.
- A few minutes away, passing through the village of Maras, we reach the Maras Salt Mines: more than 3,000 salt pans fed by a natural saltwater spring, worked since pre-Inca times. In the Inca era salt was a highly valued commodity, used for barter and to preserve food, and today it still supports many families in Maras, who harvest it by hand. The visit lasts about 45 minutes, with free time to explore and buy salt and related products.
- We head back to Cusco through the landscapes of the Sacred Valley, arriving at around 2:30 p.m. near the Plaza de Armas.
What the Chinchero Textile Route, Moray and Maras Salt Mines tour includes
Support and safety
- Virtual assistance before the tour. Before departure, our team answers all your questions about the programme so you can enjoy the trip without worries.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English). A team of guides highly trained in history, culture and tourist information accompanies you throughout the tour.
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank. Our guides receive ongoing first-aid training, which ensures timely assistance along the route.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Transport
- Pickup in tourist transport from your hotel in Cusco's historic centre. For hotels outside that area, a nearby meeting point is arranged.
- Tourist transport throughout the tour, with drop-off near the Plaza de Armas.
Not included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket, required to enter Chinchero and Moray. It is paid in soles and can be the Partial Ticket (BTP), approx. 70 soles / 21 USD, or the General Ticket (BTG), approx. 130 soles / 40 USD, which also covers the City Tour, the South Valley and some museums in Cusco.
- Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines, which is not part of the Tourist Ticket and is paid at the entrance: approx. 20 soles / 6 USD.
- Meals.
- Tips (optional).
Chinchero Textile Route, Moray and Maras Salt Mines tour price
Rates by group size
| Your group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | 24 USD |
| 3 people | To be confirmed |
| 4 people | To be confirmed |
| 5 people | To be confirmed |
| 6 or more people | To be confirmed |
Plan your visit
We recommend booking early to secure your date. Travelling soon? Ask us about availability: depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private service at your own pace | On request | A more comfortable and personalised experience, with flexible timings, more time for photographs and the freedom to explore each site without the limits of a shared group. |
| Ancestral walk with llamas, offering to Mother Earth and pachamanca in Chinchero | On request | A private service to experience the traditions of the Chinchero community: a walk with their llamas, taking part in an offering to the Pachamama and a traditional pachamanca meal, with ancestral music and dance. Available before or after the tour. |
Entrance tickets are not included
For Chinchero and Moray you will need the Partial Ticket (70 soles / 21 USD) or the General Ticket (130 soles / 40 USD). The Maras Salt Mines have a separate entrance fee of 20 soles / 6 USD. You can buy them on the day of the tour; we recommend bringing cash in soles.
What to bring on the Chinchero Textile Route, Moray and Maras Salt Mines tour
These are the most important items for this half-day tour.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
- Original, valid university student card, if you wish to use the student rate for the Tourist Ticket.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre backpack or day bag for the essentials.
- Water bottle and some snacks.
- Cash in soles for entrance tickets, purchases and souvenirs.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable shoes with good non-slip soles.
- Light, breathable clothing.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm clothing for the morning.
- Hat or cap and sunglasses.
- A special outfit for your photographs at Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Extra cash for drinks, souvenirs or tips.
Important considerations
- This is an ideal tour for acclimatising in Cusco before a longer tour.
- Avoid heavy luggage so you can enjoy the experience more.
- Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
Frequently asked questions about the Chinchero Textile Route, Moray and Maras Salt Mines
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 6 hours, including guided visits, time for photographs and transfers.
What time does the tour start?
Hotel pickup is between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m., and the return to Cusco is expected at around 2:30 p.m.
Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, from hotels in Cusco's historic centre. For hotels outside that area, a nearby meeting point is arranged. At the end, we drop you off near the Plaza de Armas.
What is the difference between this tour and the Sacred Valley VIP?
This tour is designed for anyone with half a day to spare or who prefers a more relaxed experience, and it focuses on the living culture of Chinchero, the agricultural laboratory of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. Unlike the Sacred Valley VIP, it does not include Pisac, Ollantaytambo or the buffet lunch, so it takes less time and has a gentler pace.
Do I need the Tourist Ticket for this tour?
Yes. It is required to enter Chinchero and Moray. You can buy the Partial (BTP) or the General (BTG) Tourist Ticket:
- Partial Ticket (foreign adult): approx. 70 soles / 21 USD.
- General Ticket (foreign adult): approx. 130 soles / 40 USD.
How much is the Tourist Ticket for students and children?
- Foreign student aged 10 to 16: approx. 70 soles / 21 USD, with original passport.
- Foreign student aged 17 to 22: approx. 70 soles / 21 USD.
An original physical university card (PVC) is required, showing a photograph, full name, university and an expiry date valid for the year of travel. Children aged 9 and under do not pay for the Tourist Ticket.
Is entrance to the Maras Salt Mines included?
No. It is paid directly at the entrance, at a general price of approx. 20 soles / 6 USD.
What if I do not want to enter the Maras Salt Mines?
You can wait comfortably in the vehicle while the rest of the group visits, and then we continue with the itinerary. Even so, we recommend visiting them: it is one of the most iconic and photographed landscapes in the region.
How are the entrance tickets paid? Can I pay by card or in dollars?
We recommend bringing cash in soles to speed up entry. Some points accept credit or debit cards, with a surcharge of around 5 % and subject to internet signal. US dollars are also accepted, although change is not always immediately available.
Should I buy the tickets in advance or on the day?
You can buy them on the day, before the visits begin. However, if you have time in Cusco, we recommend buying them in advance to keep the tour moving.
What are the maximum and minimum altitudes of the tour?
The highest point is Chinchero, at 3,762 m / 12,343 ft, and the lowest is the Maras Salt Mines, at 3,380 m / 11,089 ft.
Is it a good option for my first day in Cusco?
Yes. It is an excellent way to acclimatise, as it combines cultural visits and short walks with impressive Andean scenery.
How difficult is the tour?
It is easy: the walks are short and suitable for most travellers.
Can children and older travellers take part?
Yes. It is an ideal tour for families, couples and older travellers in good physical condition who can walk independently; we recommend it from age 5. As it is a shared service, the group keeps a general pace; if you would like more flexibility and breaks, you can choose the private service.
Do children aged 3 and over pay for a seat?
Yes. For safety reasons and in line with current transport regulations, passengers aged 3 and over must have their own seat.
What will I learn at the Chinchero textile centre?
You will discover the ancestral weaving and natural dyeing techniques that Andean women have preserved for generations, and learn how to identify genuine alpaca and baby alpaca garments.
Why is Moray considered unique in the world?
Because it was an important Inca agricultural research centre. Its circular terraces created different microclimates to study and adapt crops that were then distributed throughout the empire.
How many pans make up the Maras Salt Mines?
More than 3,000 salt pans fed by a natural spring, worked by local families since pre-Inca times.
How long do we spend at each site?
Times may vary slightly depending on the group's pace and conditions on the day:
- Chinchero: 30 minutes.
- Chinchero textile centre: 20 minutes.
- Moray: 30 minutes.
- Maras Salt Mines: 45 minutes.
At each site your guide gives detailed explanations and leaves plenty of time for photographs.
What clothing should I bring?
Comfortable shoes with good soles, a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, light clothing for the day and a warm layer for the morning, a cap or hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle.
Does the tour run in the rainy season?
Yes, it runs all year round. Between November and March we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
In which languages is the tour guided?
In Spanish and English. For other languages, such as German, French or Portuguese, a private guide is required and must be arranged in advance.
What happens if I am affected by the altitude?
Our guides carry a first-aid kit and oxygen tank to deal with anything that may arise during the tour.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your passport, your full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. A deposit per person is required to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
How is the outstanding balance paid?
The balance can be paid in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, in Cusco, one or two days before the tour, according to the conditions indicated by your sales executive.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change your booking date up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local, Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself.
