🎫 Is the Tourist Ticket included in this tour?

No, the Cusco Tourist Ticket is not included. You must purchase the Partial Tourist Ticket to enter Moray. The entry ticket to the Maras Salt Mines is also not included and is paid directly at the site.

🏔️ What is the maximum altitude of the route?

The maximum altitude is reached in Chinchero at 3,762 m (12,342 ft). As this is a cultural day tour with private transport and very short, easy walks, it is ideal for acclimatization during your first days in Cusco.

🍽️ Is lunch included in this experience?

No, lunch is not included in the base price. However, since this is a highly flexible private service, your guide can suggest the best restaurant options in the Sacred Valley based on your preferences.

What is the physical difficulty of the Chimoma Trek?

The Chimoma Trek is of moderate to demanding physical difficulty. The hike covers 12 km (7.5 miles) along Andean trails at 3,800 m.a.s.l., so a good physical condition and proper acclimatization are required.

Which archaeological sites are visited during this trek?

During the Chimoma circuit, you will visit the ancient Inca terraces of Chinchero, the concentric agricultural circles of Moray (which served as an Inca agricultural laboratory), and the thousand-year-old salt mines of Maras.

Is prior acclimatization required for this trekking?

Yes, it is highly recommended to have at least 1 to 2 days of acclimatization in the city of Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting this trek to prevent altitude sickness (soroche).

What basic gear should I bring?

You should bring comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, warm and windproof clothing, a sun hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, a rain poncho (especially in the wet season), and a refillable water bottle.

Are entrance tickets to the tourist sites included?

The tour includes professional transfers and guiding. You are required to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket (to enter Chinchero and Moray) and pay a direct entrance fee at the Maras salt mines.

Private Chimoma Tour (Chinchero-Moray) - Inka Jungle Tour - Tailor-made tours in Peru to Machu Picchu

Name: Chimoma Trek (Chinchero-Moray)
Brand: Inka Jungle Tour
Price: 50 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (42 reviews)

Description

Looking to disconnect from mass tourism and experience Andean culture authentically? The Private Chimoma Tour (Chinchero-Moray) is an immersive 1-day experience designed for travelers who prefer to explore without rushing. In a comfortable private transport, we will travel through the picturesque landscapes of the Sacred Valley at 3,800 m.a.s.l. (12,467 ft), sharing time, stories, and textile traditions with local families, to later discover the Inca laboratory of Moray and the Maras salt mines. 🚐🏺

Far from superficial and rushed day trips, our exclusive service redefines the journey to the Sacred Valley under an experiential philosophy. There are no strict timers or crowds here. From the ancestral town of Chinchero, you will delve into the heart of the weaving communities, where guides, artisans, and locals will welcome you not as a tourist, but as a guest. You will share genuine conversations and learn firsthand the natural dyeing techniques that have survived centuries.

The journey continues to the majestic concentric terraces of Moray and culminates at the famous Maras salt mines. At each stop, we prioritize human connection and the enjoyment of the natural environment. Whether enjoying local gastronomy or admiring the imposing snow-capped mountains, every moment is carefully orchestrated to give you the most authentic memory of your time in Cusco.

💡 Important Note: This service is private and experiential. A minimum of 2 participants per booking is required.

Do you prefer to complement your adventure with a classic and traditional circuit? We suggest exploring our complete itinerary of the Complete Sacred Valley, ideal for enjoying Inca architecture in Pisac and Ollantaytambo with maximum comfort.

Technical Sheet
Duration	Half Day / ~5 hours
Difficulty	Very Easy (Cultural tour)
Max Altitude	3,762 m.a.s.l. / 12,342 ft (Moray)
Departures	Daily (Morning and Afternoon)

Safety & Service Value
Private Transport	Modern and safe vehicle for the entire journey.
Professional Guide	Licensed tour guide specialized in Inca history and archaeology.
Safety	First aid kit and emergency oxygen tank on board.

Estimated Schedule
08:00 AM / 13:00 PM	Hotel pick-up in Cusco.
09:15 AM / 14:15 PM	Guided visit to Chinchero and traditional weaving demonstration.
10:45 AM / 15:45 PM	Guided exploration of Moray agricultural terraces.
11:45 AM / 16:45 PM	Tour of Maras salt pans and their thousands of pools.
01:30 PM / 18:30 PM	Return to Cusco city center.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco - Chinchero - Moray - Maras (Salt Mines)

🚐 Transport: Private tourist transport at your disposal
⏱️ Estimated time: 1 Day (Immersive Full Day excursion)
⛰️ Maximum altitude: 3,800 m.a.s.l. (12,467 ft) – Chinchero area
🍽️ Meals Included: Not Included (Time to share local options)

We will begin our journey by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco in our private transport, heading towards the heights of the Sacred Valley. Our first stop will be Chinchero, a town that keeps the Inca essence alive. We won’t make a quick visit here; we will sit with the local weaving families and masters, sharing time, anecdotes, and learning their millennial secrets of spinning and natural dyeing. If our trip coincides with a Sunday, we will get lost in the colors and aromas of its traditional market, a true cultural immersion.

With an enriched soul, we will continue our journey to the enigmatic archaeological center of Moray. We will have the necessary time to explore its amazing concentric circular terraces, understanding how the Incas created different microclimates to revolutionize agriculture. After this fascinating visit, you will enjoy a light and comforting lunch in a unique setting. Finally, we will head to the Maras Salt Mines, a spectacular natural setting where thousands of salt pools shine under the Andean sun. After a day of deep immersion, real human connections, and unforgettable postcards, we will quietly return to the city of Cusco.

Tour Details

Below are the details and characteristics of the Chimoma Tour:

Start & Return

Cusco (Hotel pickup and return included)

Start Time

6:00 a.m.

Included

Hotel pickup
Private round-trip transport
Bicycles and safety gear
Official English/Spanish speaking guide
Lunchbox (Box Lunch)
Tourist Ticket (entrance to archaeological sites)
Entrance ticket to the Maras Salt Mines

Not Included

Extra meals and snacks
Any other services not mentioned

What to Bring

Light clothing and a jacket for the cold
Trekking shoes and rain poncho
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent
Flashlight, spare batteries, and chargers
ID documents and personal medication

Frequently Asked Questions

🥾 What is the actual physical difficulty of the Chimoma Tour and how should I prepare?

The Chimoma Tour is classified as a light cultural and sightseeing experience with easy difficulty. Most of the journey is done in our comfortable private transport, with short and easy walks to explore the terraces of Chinchero, the concentric circles of Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines. The most important factor to consider is the altitude of 3,800 m.a.s.l. (12,467 ft) in Chinchero, so we recommend spending at least 1 day of acclimatization in Cusco before the tour to fully enjoy the experience without rush.

🏛️ Which archaeological and geographical attractions do we visit during this exclusive circuit?

This journey offers one of the most complete historical experiences in Cusco. We will explore the ancient agricultural terraces of Chinchero and its beautiful colonial temple. Next, we travel to the stunning concentric circles of Moray, a unique agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with crops in different microclimates. Finally, we hike down to the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, comprised of over 5,000 active saltwater pools that have been hand-harvested since pre-Inca times by the local community.

🚴‍♂️ What level of experience is required for the optional mountain biking section?

For the optional mountain biking ride toward Moray and Maras, extreme biking expertise is not required, but you must have basic experience riding multi-gear bikes on unpaved or dirt roads. We provide top-of-the-line full-suspension or front-suspension mountain bikes and high-security helmets. If the weather is poor or you prefer not to ride, our private support vehicle will accompany you comfortably throughout the journey at no extra cost.

🎒 What gear and clothing should I pack in my daypack for this full-day tour?

Since this is a full-day excursion experiencing drastic microclimate changes (windy and cold in Chinchero, dry and hot in Maras), a lightweight 20 to 30-liter daypack is essential. You must pack a windproof jacket or thermal layer, sturdy trekking shoes with non-slip soles, a sun hat, high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and a waterproof rain poncho. A refillable water bottle is also highly recommended to keep you hydrated.

💵 Are entrance tickets included, and what extra expenses should I prepare for?

The tour includes elite private transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and a nutritious Box Lunch. However, for entrance fees you should consider: 1) You must have a valid Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), which grants access to Chinchero and Moray ruins. 2) Bring cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN) to pay the direct community entrance fee at the Maras Salt Mines, as it is not covered by the tourist ticket.