Cusco: Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Chinchero Weavers Half-Day in Cusco – An Unforgettable Trip

Traveling to the beautiful city of Cusco, Peru, you might want to know what a typical day could bring. Among the many attractions around the area lies Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Chinchero Weavers, three impressive sites that make for a great visit during a half-day trip. Each with its own distinct features, and each offering a unique experience that you won’t forget.

Moray

Moray is an archaeological site located in the southwest of Cusco, Peru. It is formed of several terraced concentric circles which archaeologists believe is an astronomical observatory built by the Incas. The main feature of Moray is its incredible circular structures which have been carved out of the land in the form of deep depressions or amphitheatres. The largest and deepest of these depressions is known as the “Tambo de Moray” and it has been estimated to be more than 30 meters deep. The shapes of these depressions are very precise and regular, they decrease in size as they follow a spiral pattern downwards, with no visible divider between them. It is believed that the Incan people built this observatory in order to study the effects of different altitudes on farming techniques.

Maras Salt Mines

Just a few kilometers away from Moray is the Maras Salt Mines, one of the oldest and most interesting attractions in the region. The Maras salt mine has been in operation since Inca times, where it was harvested as a valuable commodity. Today, it is still an important salt source and is used by many local and international businesses.The Maras Salt Mines consist of multiple salt ponds which are fed by an underground stream. The salt ponds are divided into different blocks and each block is allocated to a specific family who owns it and harvests the salt. Each family has their own method to harvest their salt, though the most common way is to fill the pond with water and let it evaporate under the sun, crystallizing the salt on top of the mud below. Once a block has been properly harvested, it is then scraped off with wood scoops and raked into small mounds where it can continue drying. For visitors who want to learn more about the way salt is harvested from the salt mines, there are many small tour companies that offer walks around the site with knowledgeable bilingual guides. Additionally, there are several shops where visitors can purchase locally-made salt products such as salt bars, table salts, and even bath salts.

Chinchero Weavers

Chinchero Weavers are a local communities who specialize in producing handwoven textiles using natural dyes made from plants found in the area. It is believed that Chinchero Weavers have been weaving since as early as 200 B.C., making it one of the oldest industries in Peru. Today, Chinchero Weavers still use traditional techniques to produce beautiful handwoven textiles such as rugs, wall hangings, tablecloths and clothes using natural dyes made from plants such as Annatto seed and Cochineal insects. Each product made is one-of-a-kind and requires a lot of skill and time to create. As such, many visitors come to see these hard-working people create their unique craft or purchase some of their creations to take home with them.

Organized Tours to Cusco: Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Chinchero Weavers Half-Day Tour

For visitors who are short on time but still want to experience some of the wonderful attractions in Cusco, there are tours available that cover all three locations in just one day. These organized tours take you from the hustle and bustle of Cusco city to each destination while providing comprehensive explanations about each place’s history, culture, and customs; along with logistical support. Even if you’re on a tight schedule, this type of tour allows you to get an amazing overview of Cusco’s amazing heritage while discovering fascinating facts about two important areas of ancient Peru history in just a few hours.

Conclusion

If you want to make the most out of your trip to Cusco and explore all its attractions in one day then an organized tour to Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Chinchero Weavers will be well worth your time. You’ll get insights into ancient Peru history along with a chance to help local communities by buying unique handcrafted products from them. So if you’re looking for something memorable whilst visiting Cusco; this half-day tour should definitely be included in your itinerary. You can book this amazing tour through GetYourGuide’s selection of activities in Cusco, so start planning for your Peru adventure today!