Chinchero and Salinas Route from Cuzco (Route)

Operating Schedule: Departures every 30 minutes from 6:30 am to 9:00 am (final departure at 9:00 am)

1. Cusco
Begin the journey from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas – a truly remarkable area of Peru.

2. Chinchero
Chinchero, often referred to as the “cradle of the rainbow,” is a charming Andean village that cherishes its cultural legacy. Key attractions include the remnants of an ancient Inca palace, upon which a colonial church was built in the 17th century, showcasing the blend of pre-Hispanic and Spanish influences. Its cobblestone streets and artisan market offer a glimpse into the daily lives of locals, who continue the traditional techniques of weaving and working with alpaca and sheep wool. Local workshops host demonstrations of the natural spinning and dyeing process, passed down through generations. Visitors can learn how artisans create vibrant and enduring colors using regional plants, roots, flowers, and minerals. For instance, cochineal, an insect, produces a rich red when crushed, and by adding ingredients like lemon or salt, shades from purple to orange are achieved. Local grasses yield greens, yellows, and blues, forming a vibrant palette that transforms into traditional blankets, ponchos, and sashes.

3. Salt Mine of Maras
The journey proceeds to the remarkable Salineras de Maras, a network of over three thousand terraced pools used for salt extraction since pre-Inca times. Situated on a mountainside and supplied by a salt-rich underground spring, these terraces create a stunning landscape that glistens in the sun amidst the Andean scenery. The salt harvesting process remains traditional: saltwater is channeled to each pool, and after evaporation, a layer of crystallized salt is meticulously collected by local communities. This resource holds both economic and cultural significance, having supported generations of Sacred Valley families. Strolling among its white terraces provides one of the most breathtaking views in Peru, merging nature, history, and tradition in one location.

Points of Interest

• Sacred Valley of the Incas

• Complejo Arqueologico Chinchero

• Cusco Cathedral

• Private transportation from Cusco
• Visit to the Salineras de Maras with explanation of the salt collection process.
• Visit to Chinchero: Inca palace, colonial church, artisan market.

• Food and drinks during the tour.
• Tips to guides or artisans.

Embark on a distinctive journey in the heart of the Sacred Valley with this half-day private tour. Begin your adventure in Chinchero, a delightful Andean village where history and tradition thrive. Here, explore the remnants of an ancient Inca palace, now the foundation for a 17th-century colonial church. Stroll through its cobblestone streets and artisan market, and observe the traditional art of natural wool spinning and dyeing, using techniques handed down through generations.

The journey continues at the remarkable Salineras de Maras, a natural and historical site featuring over three thousand salt pools that glisten in the sunlight, utilized since pre-Inca times. Walking among its terraces and learning about the artisanal salt collection process will provide you with one of the most unforgettable memories of your trip to Peru.

This tour is ideal for those eager to experience the essence of Andean culture in just a few hours.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.