This half-day plan covers areas near Cusco that display Inca farming methods. Visitors see how ancient people adapted to the land for growing food. The spots connect to daily practices from long ago. Such visits fit into larger trips around the region.
Travelers often pair this with journeys to other parts of Peru. The short length suits those with packed schedules. It provides a look at local ways without taking too much time. Guides point out features tied to Andean life.
The path includes stops at places with water systems and soil tests. Each one shows planning in agriculture. Experts explain the setup based on old records. This adds depth to what you observe.
Conditions in the Andes affect how the day goes. Heights bring cooler air at times. Picking a start fits your arrival. People here follow routines shaped by the mountains.
The area blends past builds with current use. Moving through it reveals layers of change. The format keeps things straightforward for all.
Studies show these sites helped in crop trials. Their design allowed different growing zones. Now, they attract those studying history in South America.
Someone I know remarked on the salt collection process. It involves careful timing with evaporation. Details like that make the stop memorable.
Chinchero, Moray, Maras & Salt Mines Tour
Your excursion begins with pickup from your Cusco hotel at either 8:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. A Peceros Expeditions representative stays informed about your location throughout the tour for seamless coordination.
The first destination is Moray, located at 3,450 meters above sea level. This site features circular depressions carved into the earth, with water channels running through the terraces.
You’ll travel in private vehicles from the Peceros Expeditions fleet, driven by professionals experienced in these Andean routes.
Guides—fluent in assisting travelers from many countries—explain how the Incas used the terraced rings to test crops. The different levels create distinct variations in temperature and humidity.
Your next stop is the Maras Salt Mines, where around 3,000 small salt pools spread across the hillside, each roughly 5 square meters.
During the dry season, workers pour mineral-rich water from a nearby spring into the pans every few days. As the water evaporates, a salt layer of about 10 centimeters forms over a month.
The harvested salt is crushed, combined with iodine, and packaged for sale locally. Your guide walks you through each stage of the process.
You then continue to Chinchero, home to a 17th-century church built atop original Inca foundations. The interior is decorated with striking painted motifs.
Nearby, archaeological remains include agricultural terraces linked to an Inca ruler, which likely served as resting or observation areas.
After completing the circuit, private transport returns you to your hotel in Cusco.
The tour highlights significant Inca sites, enriched by detailed explanations from experienced staff.
For groups of 1 to 6 persons: $175 USD total for the group, including the complete guided service.
For groups of 7 to 12 persons: $195 USD total for the group, accommodating larger parties while preserving standards.
Private service option: For dedicated arrangements outside group norms, inquire with Peceros Expeditions for specific rates tailored to your requirements.
How to Book Your Tour with Peceros Expeditions
Step 1 — Complete the Booking Form
To reserve your private transportation from Cusco to Puno, first fill out the BOOK NOW form on our homepage or booking page. For each participant, please provide:
We cannot purchase your transportation without this information.
Step 2 — Deposit
A deposit of $53.00 USD per person is required to Buy your Machu Picchu entrance and train ticket. Payments can be made using VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our homepage or booking page.
Payment of the Balance
To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay the remaining balance in cash at our Cusco office (US dollars or Peruvian soles). There are multiple ATMs available in the historical center. Online payments via VISA or PAYPAL are possible but include a 5.5% service fee.To pay via PAYPAL, log into your account and use the email samtravelperu@gmail.com.
Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket)
You can purchase either a 1-Day or 10-Day Boleto Turístico.
1-Day Ticket
10-Day Ticket
Sites Included in the Boleto Turístico
Note: Entry to the main sites above cannot be purchased individually; the Boleto Turístico is required. Tickets can be obtained on Avenida el Sol near our office or at the first site you Visit. Payment must be in soles — no credit cards or US dollars are accepted.
Entrances not included in the Boleto Turístico:
Briefing
The briefing takes place the night before the trek at 06:00 pm (p.m.) in our office
Tipping
Tipping is optional but appreciated when you feel the service is excellent. While it may not be customary in all countries, tips provide significant support for local staff and encourage continued high-quality service. Tip amounts are at your discretion and should reflect the length and quality of your experience.
Climate Around Cusco and Sacred Valley
The zone sees dry months from May to October with clear skies and low temperatures at night. Wet season from November to April includes afternoon rains that pass. Averages stay between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius. Once, a quick shower hit during a walk but stopped soon, leaving fresh air.
Dressing Adequately Throughout the Year
Layer clothes year-round. Start with light tops, add jackets for wind. Waterproof layers for rain periods. Closed shoes for mud or dust. Scarves or hats for sun or cold. Focus on ease over style.
Local People and Culture
Residents blend Quechua heritage with modern ways. Many use traditional clothes daily. They greet warmly; say “hola” to connect. Markets buzz with trades, where sellers explain crafts. A local shared how weaving patterns tell family stories.
Typical Food
Dishes use quinoa, potatoes, corn grown nearby. Meats like trout or chicken in stews. Vegetables fresh from fields. For variety, rice or noodles show up. Organic focus in many meals.
Where to Eat Cheaply
Small shops sell tamales or soups for 5-10 soles. Family spots offer daily plates at 12-15 soles with multiple courses. Skip fancy areas; locals point to reliable ones. I tried a corner eatery with great rocoto relleno for little cost.
Free Places to Visit
Sacred Valley paths for walks. River banks near Cusco. Local plazas in towns like Chinchero for people watching.
| Free Spot | Description | Best Time |
| Sacred Valley Trails | Open paths with views | Mornings for light |
| Cusco Riversides | Spots along water | Afternoons for calm |
| Town Plazas | Benches and activity | Evenings for gatherings |
Physical Effort and Health Requirements
Light strolls, around 500 meters per site on flat or mild slopes. No intense work. For wellness, basic fitness suffices, but consult a doctor for breathing or heart matters at elevation. Data indicates 25-35% feel temporary dizziness, easing with rest.
Personal Anecdote on Effort
At Moray, the steps felt noticeable first due to thin air. I went slow, took breaks. Guides encouraged pauses, and soon it became easy. Everyone in the group managed without strain.
You can pick 8:00 a.m. for an early start or 1:00 p.m. for a later departure. Morning departures usually offer cooler temperatures, softer light for photography, and fewer visitors at the first sites, creating a more peaceful atmosphere for learning and exploring. Afternoon departures work well for travelers arriving late the night before, those adjusting to altitude, or anyone preferring a slower morning. Both schedules include the same itinerary, guiding quality, and site visits. When choosing, consider your overall acclimatization plan—especially if you are combining this tour with Machu Picchu or other high-altitude experiences—since taking things slowly on the first days in Cusco helps most visitors adapt more comfortably.
Purchase the Boleto Turístico directly at the first archaeological site you visit. The cost is 70 soles (about $20 USD) for the partial ticket required for this itinerary. The Maras Salt Mines require a separate entrance fee of 20 soles, also paid on-site. It is strongly recommended to carry cash in Peruvian soles because card machines often fail due to weak network coverage. While the partial ticket works for this half-day tour, travelers staying several days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco may benefit from the full ticket, which gives access to a wider list of sites. If you are uncertain which pass suits your travel plans, Peceros Expeditions can guide you based on your itinerary.
Yes—this experience is rated easy and designed to accommodate visitors of varying ages and mobility levels. Walking distances are short, terrain is mostly flat, and guides are attentive to each participant’s pace. They schedule frequent stops for rest, hydration, and photos. At an elevation of around 3500 meters, some visitors may experience shortness of breath, so informing the staff of any health concerns helps them provide additional support. Private transportation between sites also minimizes physical exertion and ensures a comfortable day for older adults.
English is provided by default, with Spanish always available as well. Additional languages may be requested in advance, depending on guide availability. The tour leaders have extensive experience working with international groups, adjusting explanations and historical details to different cultural backgrounds and learning styles. Their strong familiarity with the Sacred Valley ensures that the information presented is accurate, engaging, and easy to follow.
Walking is minimal and gentle, with less than one kilometer total across the entire itinerary. The paths are generally clear and even, without steep inclines. Visitors new to high-altitude travel are encouraged to walk slowly and drink water regularly, but no special fitness level is required. This tour is suitable for families, seniors, and travelers adjusting to Cusco’s elevation.
The tour operates in light rain and shifting mountain weather, which is common in the region. Guides carry a flexible plan and recommend that travelers bring rain jackets, ponchos, and plastic covers for cameras or phones. Some locations, such as textiles centers and parts of Chinchero, offer sheltered areas that allow the tour to continue comfortably. In the case of strong rain or unusual conditions, the order of stops may be adjusted to maintain safety and comfort while still covering all planned sites.
The traditional route is structured to maximize travel efficiency and ensure enough time at each location. However, private groups often have room for small adjustments depending on personal interests, preferred pacing, or photography goals. By contacting Peceros Expeditions before the tour, you can request modifications, such as spending more time at Chinchero or adjusting the order for better lighting.
If you expect to be delayed, contact the team immediately using the number provided in your confirmation. The on-duty representative can decide whether to wait a few minutes, pick you up at an intermediate point, or reschedule the start. Punctuality is important since delays can affect the entire group’s timing and the availability of entry windows at certain sites.
Most stops along the route offer basic restrooms, though cleanliness and maintenance vary. Because services can be limited, it is wise to use the facilities at your hotel before departing. Guides will point out restroom locations throughout the tour and advise when the next opportunity will be available.
Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 12 participants to ensure a more personalized experience. Smaller groups allow guides to answer more individual questions, adapt pacing, and create a more intimate learning environment. This contrasts with larger tours in the region where explanations are harder to follow and interaction is limited.
To feel your best, drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol the night before. It is ideal to spend at least one full day in Cusco to acclimatize before joining this tour. Guides are trained to recognize early signs of altitude discomfort and can offer advice or adjust pacing. Around 25% of travelers notice mild symptoms such as short breath or slight fatigue, which usually pass quickly with rest.
Photography is allowed at every site, giving visitors the chance to capture terraces, mountains, textiles, and local activities. Always be mindful of other travelers when taking photos and respect the space of local residents working or selling goods. Drones are not permitted in these areas due to local regulations designed to protect heritage and ensure visitor safety.
You can book by contacting Peceros Expeditions via their website or email. Provide your travel date, group size, preferred start time, and any special requirements such as dietary restrictions or language needs. The team will confirm availability, send detailed instructions, and offer planning tips for your day.
Peceros Expeditions stands out for its well-maintained private vehicles, professionally trained drivers, and guides with deep historical knowledge. Groups receive constant assistance, from answering questions to ensuring comfort and safety throughout the journey. This level of detail and personalized attention often exceeds what travelers experience on larger, more generic tours.
This half-day tour connects smoothly with multi-day Machu Picchu or Sacred Valley programs offered by the same company. Staff members coordinate departure times, transportation, and tickets so travelers can move from one experience to the next without logistical stress, making it ideal for building a complete and cohesive itinerary.
Sustainability
Peceros Expeditions is a locally sustainable and responsible tourism operator. Our practices protect the environment and support local communities while respecting Andean culture and traditions. All local staff are trained to understand and engage respectfully with the areas and people visited.
Carrying the right clothing, documents, and funds ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience with Peceros Expeditions.
No images in the gallery yet.
Important Info
Your personal expert will invest the time to grasp your preferences and craft them into a tailored itinerary that aligns with your budget. They will continue refining it until you're fully satisfied and prepared to confirm.
To check availability for any of our services, please contact us at info@pecerosagencytravel.com or via WhatsApp at +51 930 242 050 or +51 972 084 059
We’ll be happy to provide detailed information, rates, and booking conditions.
We offer special discounts for groups, and all our tours are fully guaranteed with daily departures.
Feel free to get in touch for more details about your preferred experience or to start creating a personalized travel itinerary based on your interests.
Wiñay Peru Adventure is a trusted travel agency based in Cusco, Peru, dedicated to offering authentic and memorable experiences throughout the region.
Whether you’re seeking a family adventure, a romantic escape, or a nature-filled journey, our professional team ensures comfort, quality, and a genuine connection with local culture and traditions.
NOTE: At Wiñay Peru Adventure, we specialize in custom-made travel experiences across Peru.
With access to exclusive deals and carefully selected partner hotels, we can help you design your perfect itinerary.
For assistance with your tailor-made package, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime.
Discover what travelers are saying about their experiences. Read genuine feedback, detailed impressions, and helpful insights shared by real visitors to help you plan your trip with confidence.
Explore more unforgettable adventures across Peru. Discover a variety of exciting tours—from cultural experiences to outdoor activities—that will help you make the most of your trip and uncover the country’s rich landscapes, history, and traditions.
This arrangement covers a two-day path through parts of the Andean region. It connects several historical and natural points in a sequence. The travel focuses on areas that held significance for
This package combines historical exploration with physical activity over three days. It covers areas central to Inca development and natural formations in the Andes. Travelers start in valleys known for their
This half-day plan covers areas near Cusco that display Inca farming methods. Visitors see how ancient people adapted to the land for growing food. The spots connect to daily practices
This experience provides a direct way to observe several locations in a valley that supported Inca communities. The area between certain settlements holds evidence of past practices in farming and
This schedule arranges a series of visits across different Andean settings over four days. It links valleys with historical value to paths used in ancient times and elevated natural areas. The
Cusco serves as a key location for examining Inca heritage in the Andes. The day focuses on major archaeological remains that highlight building techniques from that era. These spots offer
