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Maras, Moray and Chinchero: The Sacred Valley's Hidden Gems
While Machu Picchu and the Classic Inca Trail dominate most Peru itineraries, the Sacred Valley holds some of the most fascinating and photogenic sites in the entire country. The combination of Maras, Moray and Chinchero offers an extraordinary window into Inca engineering, agriculture, culture and living Andean traditions — and it can all be explored in a single half-day tour from Cusco.
Here's your complete guide to these three remarkable Sacred Valley destinations in 2026.
Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras)
High on the slopes above the Sacred Valley, the Salineras de Maras are one of the most visually striking sites in all of Peru. More than 3,000 individual salt evaporation pools cascade down a steep hillside in a patchwork of whites, pinks and creams — each pool no larger than a family dining table, each one owned and harvested by a local family from the village of Maras.
History of the Maras Salt Mines
The salt pools at Maras have been in continuous use since before the Inca Empire — the Chanapata culture, who preceded the Incas in this region, are believed to have first developed the site. The Incas then incorporated the salt production into their extensive tribute and redistribution system, making Maras salt an important resource across the empire.
Today, approximately 250 local families continue to harvest salt using the same techniques used for centuries. A natural saline spring flows through a single channel at the top of the hillside and is directed into each pool. As the water evaporates under the intense high-altitude sun, a thick crust of pink-tinged salt forms and is scraped off by hand. Each family harvests around 200-400 kg of salt per month.
Visiting Maras
The best time to photograph Maras is in the morning when the light is soft and the pools reflect the sky. The site is accessible year-round, though the pools are most active and colorful during the dry season (May–October). You can purchase bags of Maras salt directly from producers at the site — it makes an excellent and authentic souvenir.
Entrance fee: ~10 soles | Best time: 9am–11am for light and fewer crowds
Moray Archaeological Site
Just 9 km from Maras, the Moray archaeological site is one of the most enigmatic and visually unusual Inca monuments in the world. A series of concentric circular terraces descend into natural depressions in the earth — the largest reaching 30 meters deep — creating what looks like a giant natural amphitheater or labyrinth carved into the Andean plateau.
What Was Moray Used For?
Archaeological evidence suggests that Moray was an Inca agricultural research station. Due to the depth and orientation of the terraces, the site creates multiple distinct microclimates — the temperature difference between the top and bottom terrace can be as much as 15°C. Researchers believe the Incas used these varied conditions to experiment with growing different crops at simulated altitudes, effectively creating a vast open-air laboratory for agricultural innovation.
Traces of over 250 different plant species have been found at Moray. The complex irrigation system, with channels bringing water from distant springs, further supports the agricultural laboratory theory.
Visiting Moray
Moray is best seen at midday when the sun illuminates the circular patterns from above. Unlike many Inca sites, you can walk down into the terraces and sit in the center — the acoustic properties of the circular design are remarkable, making even a quiet conversation audible from a distance.
Entrance: Boleto Turístico (partial) | Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Chinchero: The Living Inca Village
Perched at 3,762 meters above sea level, Chinchero is one of the highest inhabited villages in the Sacred Valley — and one of the most authentic. Unlike many tourist destinations in the Cusco region, Chinchero is a real, living community where Quechua is still the primary language and traditional dress is worn daily, not for tourists.
The Chinchero Market
Chinchero has been a market town since Inca times, and its Sunday market is still one of the most authentic in the region. Locals arrive early from surrounding villages to trade produce, animals and handmade goods. While there is now also a tourist artisan section, the traditional section remains genuinely local.
Traditional Weaving
Chinchero is famous throughout Peru for its textiles. The local weaving cooperative (several operate in the village) offers demonstrations of the complete natural dyeing and weaving process — from washing and spinning raw alpaca wool, to boiling with natural dyes made from plants and minerals, to the intricate backstrap loom weaving that produces the vivid geometric patterns of Andean textiles.
These demonstrations are genuine educational experiences, not tourist performances. You can purchase directly from the weavers at fair prices that support local families.
Chinchero Church and Inca Ruins
The colonial church in Chinchero's main plaza was built in the 17th century directly on top of an Inca palace — a common colonial strategy of asserting religious authority over sacred Inca structures. Inside the church, remarkable frescoes depict scenes blending Catholic iconography with Andean motifs, a visual record of the cultural fusion that defines much of Cusco's artistic heritage. The Inca walls and platforms around the plaza remain largely intact and are some of the finest examples of Inca stonework in the Sacred Valley.
Entrance: Boleto Turístico | Market day: Sunday
Maras Moray Chinchero Half Day Tour: Practical Information
- Duration: 4-5 hours from Cusco
- Departure: Usually 8am or 2pm from Cusco
- What's included: Transport, guide, entrance fees (varies by operator)
- Best time to visit: May–October (dry season) for the best weather and photos
- What to bring: Sunscreen, layers (it can be cold at 3,700m+), cash for salt and textiles
- Combined tours: This route is easily combined with a full Sacred Valley day tour to add Pisac and Ollantaytambo
Book Your Maras Moray Chinchero Tour with Quinoa Expeditions
Quinoa Expeditions offers private and shared Maras Moray Chinchero half day tours year-round. Our certified local guides bring context, history and insider knowledge to each site — turning a standard sightseeing trip into a genuinely enriching cultural experience. Contact us to book your tour or to combine these sites with other Sacred Valley destinations.