SACRED VALLEY- MARAS SALT MINES-MORAY-CHINCHERO & ALPACA WALK
Tour Overview
Discover the fascinating legacy of the Inca civilization on this Maras & Moray Tour, a journey that blends history, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion. Explore the circular terraces of Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory where the Incas mastered microclimates to cultivate crops. Visit the Maras Salt Mines, a stunning network of thousands of salt evaporation pools still harvested using ancestral techniques.
What sets this Maras & Moray Tour apart is the unique combination of history and local experiences. Enjoy an exclusive alpaca walk through the picturesque highlands of Machuqolqa, where you can connect with these gentle animals and take in panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. Enhance your cultural experience with a visit to an authentic Andean chichería, where you’ll taste chicha de jora, the traditional corn beer of the Incas. Finally, witness the artistry of Andean weaving at a textile workshop, where local artisans demonstrate their ancestral techniques of natural dyeing and handwoven textiles
Itinerary
Day 1: Mara, Moray Tour & Alpaca walk
Duration: 8 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recommended Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
DETAILED ITINERARY
08:00 a.m. | Pick-up and Departure
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
- Meet your expert guide and receive a brief introduction to the day’s itinerary.
- Private transportation with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.
9:00 a.m. | Alpaca Trekking in Machuqolqa
- Transfer to Sky Dome Peru.
- Meet our friendly alpacas and learn about their cultural significance and traditional breeding practices.
- Begin a scenic trek (approx. 1.5 hours) along picturesque trails with stunning views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding snow-capped peaks.
- Interact with the alpacas, feed them, and take unique photos in this natural setting.
11:00 a.m. | Moray Archaeological Site – The Inca Agricultural Laboratory
- Arrival at Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural research center consisting of concentric circular terraces.
- Explanation of how the Incas used microclimates to experiment with different crops.
- Free time to explore, take stunning photographs, and immerse yourself in Andean history.
12:30 p.m. lunch
- Enjoy a peruvian lunch
⛏️ 1:30 p.m. | Maras Salt Mines – The Ancient Andean Salt Pans
- Visit the Maras Salt Mines, a spectacular array of over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountainside.
- Learn about the traditional salt extraction process that dates back to the Inca period.
- Free time to capture amazing photos, and purchase artisanal salt products such as pink salt, chocolates, and local handicrafts.
2:30 p.m. | Andean Chichería – Traditional Corn Beer Tasting
- Visit a local chichería, where Andean communities have been brewing chicha de jora (fermented corn beer) for centuries.
- Explanation of the fermentation process and the cultural importance of chicha in Inca rituals and daily life.
- Tasting of different types of chicha, frutillada (strawberry chicha), and Andean liquors.
- Enjoy the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Andean gathering spot.
3:30 p.m. | Traditional Andean Textile Workshop
- Visit a textile community to experience Andean weaving techniques passed down for generations.
- Demonstration of natural dyeing processes using plants, minerals, and cochineal insects.
- Hands-on interaction with local weavers and the opportunity to purchase unique, handmade textiles directly from the artisans, supporting local communities.
5:00 p.m. | Return to Cusco or the Sacred Valley
- Private transportation back to your hotel.
- Estimated arrival at 5:450 p.m
Inclusions
Included
- Transportations
- local expert guide
- Walk whit alpacas
Not Included
- Tips
- Food & Drinks
- Entrance Tickets
FAQs
What does the alpaca walk to Machuqolqa involve?
It is a 2-hour cultural hiking experience in the Sacred Valley. You will interact with and feed alpacas and llamas at the dome base, followed by a scenic walk alongside them along ancient trails to the Machuqolqa Inca site, led by a local guide.
2. How much does the tour cost and what is included?
Pricing starts at $30.00 USD per person. The fee includes:
A local guide fluent in Quechua, Spanish, and English.
The visit to the farm and alpaca interaction.
A guided visit to the Machuqolqa archaeological site.
How much does the tour cost and what is included?
Pricing starts at $30.00 USD per person. The fee includes:
A local guide fluent in Quechua, Spanish, and English.
The visit to the farm and alpaca interaction.
A guided visit to the Machuqolqa archaeological site.
Is round-trip transportation from Cusco included?
No, transportation between Cusco and the Sky Dome Peru glass domes is not included in the standard price. However, the host can arrange transportation for an affordable additional fee. Drinks and tips are also excluded.
What are the age requirements and group size limits?
The minimum age to participate is 7 years old, and the maximum group size is capped at 12 guests to keep the experience intimate and safe.
What languages are supported by the guide?
Guiding services are provided in three languages: Quechua, Spanish, and English.
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