Imagine a day away from the busy streets of Cusco, exploring some of the most distinctive sites in the region on a private tour that combines culture, history, and stunning scenery. For $172 per person, this 8-hour adventure takes you to Chinchero, Moray, and the Salineras, with the bonus of a scenic picnic with llamas and panoramic mountain views. This tour is perfect for those who want a personalized experience, away from the crowds, and eager to see authentic Inca sites and traditional crafts.

What we love about this experience are the opportunity to learn about ancient textile techniques in Chinchero—where local artisans still weave using methods passed down over thousands of years—and the chance to walk among the thousands of salt wells at Salineras, a truly mesmerizing sight. Plus, the picnic, with stunning scenery and a chance to interact with llamas, adds that perfect touch of relaxed, authentic fun.

One potential drawback is that the entrance fees aren’t included for Moray and the salt mines, which adds a little extra on top of your booking. Travelers who prefer a fully inclusive, worry-free experience might want to prepare for those small additional expenses.

This tour suits visitors who appreciate cultural authenticity, enjoy beautiful landscapes, and want a flexible, private guide—they’ll get more tailored attention and insights than in a large group. It’s especially good for those who want to combine natural beauty and ancient history in one day, with enough time to soak in each location without feeling rushed.

Key Points

Personalized Experience: Private tour with individualized attention and flexibility.
Cultural Insights: Learn about traditional textile weaving and Inca history firsthand.
Stunning Scenery: Panoramic views from the salt mines, Moray, and picnic spots.
Authentic Interactions: Enjoy llama encounters and local customs at Chinchero.
Additional Costs: Entrance fees for Moray and salt mines are extra—plan accordingly.
Ideal for: Travelers seeking a relaxed, informative, and scenic day outside Cusco.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Cusco’s Hidden Gems: Chinchero, Maras & Moray + Picnic with Llamas

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Why This Tour is Worth Your Time

This private tour offers a well-rounded taste of the highlands, blending Inca history, traditional crafts, and natural beauty. It’s designed for those wanting a manageable, personalized experience that avoids the noisiness of larger groups. At just about 8 hours, it’s a full day but not overwhelming, giving you enough time to savor each stop.

The tour begins in the morning with a hotel pickup in Cusco, so you won’t need to worry about navigating public transport or crowded tour buses. The guide, whose knowledge will make history come alive, helps create a warm, engaging atmosphere.

Chinchero: A Tapestry of Culture

Your first stop is Chinchero, a town famed for its textile complex where traditional weaving techniques are still practiced. Here, you’ll see artisans working on looms just as their ancestors did—using natural dyes, alpaca wool, and intricate patterns. We particularly appreciated how our guide explained the thousands of years of tradition behind each textile, offering a meaningful peek into local culture.

Many visitors, like one reviewer, noted how “the explanation of weaving and local customs really enriched the visit,” making it more than just a sightseeing stop. It’s a chance to connect with a living tradition and perhaps shop for handmade souvenirs directly from the artisans.

Moray: An Inca Agricultural Laboratory

Next is Moray, an awe-inspiring archeological site often described as an “Inca experiment station.” The circular terraces form concentric circles, with each level possibly used for cultivating different crops at various altitudes. Walking through Moray, you’ll appreciate the ingenious Inca engineering—and the way this site reveals their deep understanding of microclimates and agriculture.

Though some travelers mention that Moray’s entrance fee (S/70) is an extra cost, most agree it’s worth it for the stunning views and fascinating history. The site is compact but packed with detail, and your guide will help interpret what you’re seeing and why it’s significant.

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Salineras: A Salt-Mining Wonder

The last stop is the Salineras, a hillside of around 3,000 salt wells dug by hand—still utilizing the same Inca techniques. Standing amidst the pink-tinged salt pools, you’ll get a real sense of how ancient this practice is, and how it persists today.

The view from here is spectacular—imposing mountain backdrop, shimmering salt flats, and a sense of timeless tradition. Be aware that the entrance fee (S/20) is not included, so bring cash or prepare for an extra expense.

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The Picnic and Llama Encounters

After exploring these sites, the tour concludes at a scenic spot for your private picnic. You’ll enjoy a cheese board, nuts, bread, seasonal fruit, juice, hot drinks, water, coffee, and wine—a generous spread that allows you to relax and reflect on the day.

What makes this picnic special is the chance to sit with llamas and enjoy breathtaking views, creating a memorable, authentic experience. Many travelers loved how laid-back and scenic this part was, with one reviewer remarking, “The views from the picnic spot are simply incredible, and the llamas add a fun, charming touch.”

Practical Details and Tips

The tour is private, meaning it’s tailored for your group, and guides are available in Spanish and English. The total duration is about 8 hours, with pick-up around 8:30 a.m. and return to Cusco around 3:30 p.m..

While the price includes hotel pickup, guide, and the picnic, you’ll need to pay extra for the entrance tickets. We recommend bringing some cash for these, and perhaps a hat and sunscreen for the salt mines and open sites.

What We Think Could Be Better

The main consideration is the cost of entrance fees, which aren’t included in the initial price. If you’re on a tight budget, these additional charges might be a surprise, but they’re typical for most Peruvian sites. Also, since it’s a private tour, the pace can be slower, which is perfect for absorbing details but may not be ideal if you prefer a brisk visit.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience is ideal for culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those who appreciate personalized service. If you’re interested in seeing authentic local crafts, enjoying scenic landscapes, and learning about Inca innovations, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s particularly suitable if you want a flexible, intimate experience rather than a large-group tour.

The Sum Up

This private day tour to Chinchero, Moray, and Salineras offers an excellent balance of cultural insights, natural beauty, and unique experiences. We appreciated the knowledgeable guides, the stunning panoramic views, and the chance to interact with local traditions, especially during the textile explanation and llama picnic.

While the extra entrance fees are a minor inconvenience, they are typical for these sites and worth considering when planning your budget. The personalized nature of the tour means you can enjoy each stop at your own pace, making it a great choice for travelers seeking a relaxed yet enriching day outside Cusco.

It’s especially well suited for those who want to combine history, scenery, and authentic local encounters in a comfortable, private setting. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable experience, this tour makes for a meaningful addition to your Cusco adventure.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is generally suitable for children, especially if they enjoy outdoor sights and llama interactions. Just consider the walking involved at Moray and the salt mines.

What should I bring for the picnic?
The picnic includes food and drinks, so you don’t need to bring much—perhaps just a hat, sunscreen, and a camera. If you have dietary restrictions, check with the provider beforehand.

Are the entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fees for Moray and the salt mines are not included. You should plan to pay S/70 and S/20 respectively on the day.

How long do we spend at each site?
Expect roughly 1 to 1.5 hours at each major stop, enough time for exploration, photos, and explanation.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The sites involve some walking on uneven terrain, especially at Moray and the salt mines. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with light hiking.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides are available in both Spanish and English, ensuring clear explanations for most travelers.

Can the tour be customized?
Since it’s a private experience, you can discuss your preferences with your guide, such as spending more time at a particular site or skipping others.

What is the starting time?
Check the availability for your specific date; starting times typically begin around 8:30 a.m. for hotel pickups.

How do I pay for the tour?
You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning. Payment options usually include credit card or cash, but confirm with the provider.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

This tour offers a wonderful balance of culture, scenery, and personalized service—an ideal way to see some of the most striking sites near Cusco without feeling rushed. Whether it’s your first visit or a returning trip, the combination of authentic traditions and breathtaking landscapes makes this a memorable outing for curious travelers.