Maras by car 1 day tour from Cusco
The most complete Maras tour from Cusco by car, featuring a visit to the Maras Salt Mines, stunning Sacred Valley landscapes, and plenty of time to enjoy each stop along the way.
From:
$20USD
per person
- Immediate confirmation
- International cards accepted
Secure your spot with only 50%
Confirmation
Immediate
Duration
6 Hours
Difficulty
Easy
Daily departures
365 days a year
Trip type
Group or private
Save your spot with only 50%
- Safe and secure payment
- Immediate confirmation
- International cards accepted
Maras by car 1 day tour from Cusco
Group Tour
- Best price
- Independent traveler
- Fixed departures
Private Tour
- Flexible schedule
- Personalized service
- Private vehicle
Day 1: Maras by car 1 day tour from Cusco
Your Experience at a Glance:
8:30 AM
Hotel pickup in Cusco
9:30 AM
Arrival at the Chinchero Textile Center
11:00 AM
Exploration of the Moray Archaeological Complex
12:30 PM
Continue the tour with a visit
to the Maras Salt Mines
01:30 PM
Return to Cusco
3:00 PM
End of the tour, one block
from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas
- Transportation
- 1 km
- Guide
- Tickets
- 6 Hours
8:30 a.m.– Hotel Pickup in Cusco
We begin our 1 Day Maras Tour by Car from Cusco at approximately 8:30 AM, picking you up from your hotel or accommodation to start this cultural and scenic experience through some of the most representative sites of the Sacred Valley.
09:30 a.m. – Visit to the Chinchero Textile Center
Our first stop will be the picturesque town of Chinchero, known for keeping its ancestral textile traditions alive.
We’ll visit a textile center, where you’ll learn about the traditional process of preparing and dyeing llama and alpaca wool using natural products such as plants, flowers, and insects.
Local families will demonstrate techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.
11:00 a.m. – Exploration of the Moray Archaeological Complex
We’ll continue to the impressive Moray Archaeological Complex, famous for its large circular agricultural terraces.
These terraces are believed to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural experimentation center, taking advantage of different microclimates to adapt and cultivate Andean crops such as potatoes and corn.
During the visit, you’ll also be able to admire the surrounding mountains and snow capped peaks, considered apus, or sacred mountains, in the Andean worldview.
12:30 p.m. – Visit to the Maras Salt Mines
Our next stop will be the famous Maras Salt Mines, located at more than 3,000 m (9,843 ft) above sea level.
Here, we’ll see more than 3,000 salt pools, fed by a natural saltwater spring. These pools have traditionally been worked by local families and form one of the most distinctive landscapes in the Sacred Valley.
You’ll have time to explore the site, take photos, and admire the numerous salt pools spread across the mountainside.
1:30 p.m. – Return to Cusco
After completing our visit to the Maras Salt Mines, we’ll board our transportation and begin the return journey to the city of Cusco.
3:00 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco
After this enriching experience, we’ll return to the city of Cusco, concluding the tour one block from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
Arrival is expected between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM, depending on the group’s pace and traffic conditions.
Area Information
Maximum Altitude
3,550 m.a.s.l. / 11,647 ft
Minimum Altitude
3,000 m.a.s.l. / 9,842 ft
Maximum Temperature
19°C / 66°F
Minimum Temperature
7°C / 44°F
Distance
1 km / 0.62 mi
Expert Travel Tips
Why Explore Maras by Car Instead of Hiking?
Exploring Maras by car from Cusco allows you to travel comfortably between the different attractions and spend more time at each site.
It’s a practical alternative for travelers who want to discover this part of the Sacred Valley without taking long or physically demanding hikes.
What Kind of Landscapes Will I See During the Maras Tour from Cusco?
During the journey, you’ll see agricultural landscapes, mountains, Andean communities, and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.
One of the highlights of traveling by car is watching the scenery gradually change as you leave Cusco and approach the Maras area.
Is It a Good Idea to Take the Maras Tour by Car During the Rainy Season?
Yes, the tour can still be done, but keep in mind that rainfall is more frequent in the Cusco region between November and March and may affect travel conditions.
Bring a waterproof jacket and protection for your belongings, and keep some flexibility in case weather conditions require changes to the itinerary.
Why Is This Tour Different?
- Hotel pickup included
- Visit to the Chinchero Textile Center
- Exploration of Moray
- Visit to the Maras Salt Mines
- Book with just a 50% deposit
Book with confidence
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- Over 6 years creating unforgettable experiences
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- Specialized local tour operator
- Guaranteed departures
Included
- 24/7 support and assistance after your booking.
- Professional tour guide.
- Modern transportation with all required licenses up to date.
Not Included
- Personal medications.
- A clear photo of your passport.
- Small daypack (with a rain cover, if possible).
- Water (we recommend bringing 1 liter per day).
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket.
- Extra snacks.
- Hiking shoes and pants.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Lip balm.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, long-sleeved shirts, etc.).
- Cash in Peruvian soles.
What to bring!
- Medicamentos personales.
- Una foto legible de su pasaporte.
- Mochila de aventura pequeña (con cobertor de lluvia si fuere posible).
- Agua (te recomendamos llevar 1L por día).
- Poncho o casaca de lluvia.
- Snacks extra.
- Zapato y pantalones de caminata.
- Bloqueador solar, lentes de sol, sombrero.
- Humectante de labios.
- Repelente de mosquitos.
- Ropa abrigadora (casaca, chompa, chamarra, polos manga larga, etc.).
- Dinero en efectivo SOLES.
Payment
AVOID SCAMS!
GET IN PERU will only require a 50% deposit to reserve your seats and tickets.
The remaining balance must be paid 3 days before your departure.
Contact your travel advisor for more details or review our Terms of Service Agreement.
Travel Your Way
$ Price per person
Our tour packages are available in both group and private formats. Consult with one of our travel experts to tailor your journey and enjoy a personalized experience led by our specialized local guides.
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$20USD
per person
- Best Price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$125USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Better Photo Opportunities
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
- Specialized Local Guides
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$125USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- Exclusive Guide for Your Group
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$20USD
per person
- Best price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Secure your spot with only 50%
Pay the rest later
- Secure Payment Processing
- Instant Booking Confirmation
- All Major International Cards Accepted
- Pay in Your Preferred Currency
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Everything You Need to Know
Before You Travel
What Does the Maras Tour by Car from Cusco Include?
The Maras Tour by Car from Cusco visits some of the main cultural and scenic attractions near the Sacred Valley. The itinerary begins with hotel pickup in Cusco and continues to the Chinchero Textile Center, the Moray Archaeological Complex, and the Maras Salt Mines before returning to Cusco.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: It’s a great option if you want to visit several attractions in a single tour without taking long hikes.
📍 Did You Know? Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines allow you to discover three different aspects of the region in just a few hours: textile traditions, Inca agricultural engineering, and ancestral salt production.
How Long Does the 1 Day Maras Tour by Car from Cusco Take?
The 1 Day Maras Tour by Car from Cusco begins at approximately 8:30 AM with pickup from your hotel and ends at around 3:00 PM, one block from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
During the tour, you’ll visit Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines on an organized itinerary lasting approximately six and a half hours.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Keep your morning and early afternoon free so you can enjoy the tour without having to rush to another activity afterward.
📍 Did You Know? The schedule for this itinerary is similar to other Maras and Moray tours from Cusco, which typically return at around 3:00 PM.
What Places Are Visited on the Maras Tour by Car?
During the Maras Tour by Car, you’ll visit three main attractions: the Chinchero Textile Center, the Moray Archaeological Complex, and the famous Maras Salt Mines.
The tour begins in Cusco at 8:30 AM, arrives in Chinchero at approximately 9:30 AM, continues to Moray at 11:00 AM, and visits the Maras Salt Mines at around 12:30 PM.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Keep your camera or phone ready during the journey; this area offers excellent views of the Andean landscape.
📍 Did You Know? This combination of Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines is also commonly featured in tour itineraries throughout the area.
What Will You Learn at the Chinchero Textile Center?
At the Chinchero Textile Center, you’ll get a closer look at Andean textile traditions and learn about traditional techniques used to create and dye textiles.
Chinchero preserves an important artisan tradition, and its textile centers demonstrate processes related to working with natural fibers and using natural dyes.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Pay close attention to the natural dye demonstration; it’s one of the best ways to understand the craftsmanship behind Andean textiles.
📍 Did You Know? These textile techniques are part of ancestral knowledge that continues to be practiced by local communities.
What Is Moray and Why Is It Visited During the Tour?
Moray is an archaeological complex known for its impressive circular terraces. A widely accepted interpretation suggests that the Incas used this site to experiment with crops under different conditions and microclimates.
On the Maras Tour by Car, the visit to Moray is scheduled for approximately 11:00 AM, after visiting Chinchero.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: View Moray from different angles before taking photos; the concentric shape of the terraces is especially impressive from the upper viewpoints.
📍 Did You Know? Moray is one of the most striking examples of how the Incas adapted agricultural terraces to the Andean landscape.
What Are the Maras Salt Mines?
The Maras Salt Mines are a collection of thousands of salt pools built into the mountainside and fed by naturally salty water. The pools remain closely connected to local families and traditional salt-production techniques.
On our itinerary, the visit begins at approximately 12:30 PM, after exploring Moray.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, especially on clear days, as you’ll be exposed to the sun during part of the visit.
📍 Did You Know? The thousands of salt pools create one of the most distinctive landscapes in Maras and continue to be associated with traditional salt production.
Does the Maras Tour by Car Require a Lot of Walking?
No. The Maras Tour by Car is mainly done by vehicle between Cusco, Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines, combined with short walks during the visits.
For this reason, it’s a suitable option for travelers who want to explore these attractions without doing a long trek. Comparable tours along the same route classify the difficulty level as easy and involve only short walks.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Although this is not a trekking tour, wear comfortable shoes with good traction so you can move around the attractions more safely.
📍 Did You Know? Much of the journey between the different attractions is done by road, allowing you to visit several sites in just a few hours.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Take the Maras Tour by Car?
The Maras Tour by Car can be enjoyed at different times of the year, although the scenery changes depending on the season. The dry season generally offers more stable conditions for visiting the attractions, while during the rainy season, the surrounding landscapes can be much greener.
Some tour operators offering the same route indicate that the excursion is available year-round.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Regardless of the month, check the weather before your tour and bring a lightweight waterproof layer if there is a chance of rain.
📍 Did You Know? Visiting the same area during the dry season and the rainy season can offer completely different landscapes.
What Should I Bring for the Maras Tour by Car from Cusco?
For the Maras Tour by Car from Cusco, we recommend bringing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat or cap, sunglasses, water, a lightweight jacket, and a small backpack.
It’s also a good idea to carry some cash for personal expenses or purchasing local handicrafts. These recommendations are similar to those suggested for comparable tours through Maras, Moray, and Chinchero.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Dress in layers. Weather conditions can change during the hours you’ll spend exploring this part of Cusco.
📍 Did You Know? Chinchero is located at a higher altitude than the city of Cusco, so temperatures may feel noticeably different during the tour.
Is the Maras Tour by Car Worth It if I Have Limited Time in Cusco?
Yes. The Maras Tour by Car is especially convenient for travelers with limited time because it allows you to visit Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines in a single excursion, departing at approximately 8:30 AM and returning to Cusco at around 3:00 PM.
This allows you to spend the morning and part of the afternoon exploring these attractions while still having the rest of the day available in Cusco.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: If your Cusco itinerary is tight, this route allows you to combine archaeology, Andean culture, and beautiful landscapes without taking up your entire day.
📍 Did You Know? Different tour operators offer this same route as an approximately 5- to 7-hour excursion, making it a convenient and compact tour from Cusco.
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