Review: Cusco, Moray, Maras & Chinchero – Is it Worth it?

Okay, so you are thinking about seeing Cusco, Moray, the Salinas de Maras, and Chinchero? I get that. Loads of people hit those spots when they’re planning a trip to Peru, and too, that’s for a very good reason. These places? They are not only packed with history but have striking views and really showcase the local culture. I was there myself quite recently, so I can tell you what the trip’s actually like, some things that stood out to me, and I can also give you tips if you want to plan your trip. Was the trip one I’d do all over again? Keep reading and then, just maybe, you’ll find out.

Cusco: More than Just a Starting Point

You hear about Cusco, and a lot of times, what you hear? It’s just that it’s that jumping-off point to get to Machu Picchu, but Cusco itself? It’s a destination that really demands that you spend time there to enjoy it. That city? It sits way up high, its altitude kind of hitting you the second you step off whatever way you got there, and also, its gorgeous blend of indigenous and Spanish colonial architecture that’s all over the place. I really think walking around Plaza de Armas? It’s the best way to start. The big, open square, too it’s ringed with cathedrals and the colonial buildings, yet, that really tells you a lot about Cusco’s past.

The Cusco Cathedral? A structure that is absolutely stunning, its very, very elaborate facade and its rather impressive interior. Too its packed with artwork. Make sure to actually seek out the painting of the Last Supper that is unique and local, featuring a guinea pig as the main course. That building? Is absolutely just teeming with stories, not just about religion, but about how local artists sort of worked their culture and touches into pieces for those coming later.

Then, there’s Coricancha and Santo Domingo Convent. Used to be the most important temple to the sun, the Inca temple Coricancha. The Spanish? Built Santo Domingo Convent right on top of its ruins. Is that one wild combo showing the clash of civilizations! You’ll see the gold walls that are just Inca next to the Spanish colonial building techniques. The contrast that stands out and really drives home how cultures were upended, adapted, and how, sometimes, that all happened side-by-side.

Moray: An Inca Agricultural Lab?

Moray, now this place? It’s so different from what you might expect. Close to an hour and a half from Cusco by vehicle, these enormous, terraced circles sort of sink into the ground. Are those not just pretty, they were believed to have been an agricultural lab for the Incas, too it’s here, they tested different conditions to grow crops.

These terraces? They create many microclimates, in a way, enabling the Incas to understand just how different temperatures, as well as sun exposure, affected crops. Guides around here really love telling about how that design, a design so advanced for its time, is almost like a natural greenhouse. Can you believe that temperatures can vary a whole bunch from the top to the bottom? Pretty brilliant stuff, right?

Walking around Moray? Makes you think about what, that sort of innovation means to people and history. Not just the amazing view that hits you, and also, it kind of leaves you wondering just what ideas humans could be developing today that might change our future, for example? Think about it.

Salinas de Maras: Ancient Salt Mines Still in Use

Just a little drive from Moray, the Salinas de Maras, they offer one very different type of sight. Think about thousands of salt pans that step down a valley side. Pretty much an operation that dates way back before the Incas. Hasn’t really changed all that much, either, by the way. So too it’s almost magical in its historical feeling when you’re there.

Salt water from an underground spring? It’s diverted into these pans. What happens then, too it’s almost amazing, is that the water evaporates, which leaves behind this salt that’s ready to be harvested. That system? Is run by local families who own the pans, in some respects passing them down for who knows how many generations now. They follow those ancient traditions and really keep the economy running. How fascinating?

Walking among the pans? Is a visual treat; all of those different shades of white, and brown, and ochre. Is it ever so stunning, particularly with the sun hitting everything just right? You get to see them, just too, working as people still collect salt manually. Gives you real insight into the culture as well as the ancient traditions of Peru.

Chinchero: Weaving and History Combined

On the way back to Cusco, too it’s usually the last stop, sits Chinchero. It’s one of the small villages located in the Sacred Valley, and Chinchero? Is known for its weaving traditions and Inca ruins. This place offers, too, a calmer experience. So it is more relaxed and, just maybe, provides a more direct connection with locals and their cultures.

One of the high points of this stop? Getting demonstrations on traditional weaving. Women of Chinchero really show how they clean and spin wool and also, just how they dye fabrics using things that are local like plants and minerals. What you see then are the methods of creating intricate textiles. Pretty beautiful pieces are created right in front of you. Do you even have an idea of what goes into these beautiful items? Not just that the women are keeping alive very, very old traditions; yet, it helps to ensure these arts don’t fade away and stay viable. You even can buy things right from the artisans, and the support? Is very, very direct.

Is that an unforgettable ruin located right there too at Chinchero. See some Inca walls. Those, too, blend right into the Spanish colonial church. More history lessons? Why not. Take a closer look and appreciate not only Inca engineering; still, also those changes that have reshaped this whole region.

Is the Tour Worth Your Time and Money?

Okay, so after all this talk about these spots: Moray, Maras, as well as Chinchero near Cusco, the big question really is if you should actually go see them yourself? In my own experience? That answer is really a very solid “yes”—depending on a few factors, anyway. You kind of have to consider what you want to see and your ability to deal with some pretty high altitudes. I’ll put it this way: This trio provides lots to look at and think over.

First? You need to really plan for that elevation. Cusco sits very, very high, and these places you might visit in the Sacred Valley? Also, they are high up in the Andes. Take it slow. Should you go booking activities just the second you step off a plane? Not at all. Just let yourself adjust for a bit and, really, drink loads of water.

Secondly, that history, culture, as well as just mind-blowing landscapes combine to make a really great and diverse day trip, more or less all from Cusco. Did that really blow my mind? How much these destinations had to offer? Yes. The Incas’ experiments, how salt extraction happens as it did centuries back, also that chance to meet the weavers. Those little experiences all kind of combined to be meaningful and engaging.

Third? Keep in mind your travel approach and what’s key to your trip when deciding between a group or your own personalized experience. You can certainly book a day tour that takes you to the highlights without the logistical effort and probably at the cheaper rates; even so, these can sometimes feel rushed and generic.

Also? See if a personal tour could be better if that’s more what you like. Could a guide just explain things in ways that truly grab you? Absolutely, but they’ll go slower so that you don’t feel pressured or stuck to a timeline that others control, as well. A personal tour does really mean you get what you want out of the day, in fact. More of that is what most want. Cost might be more; very still, the control may be worthwhile for people wanting an adventure more suited to their own styles or speeds.

Are you game for a really good, jam-packed trip loaded with sights and sounds that all share more regarding Peru and its cultures and old stories? Make certain those places are written on that “must-see” list, for example. As far as something memorable goes when getting some of the Sacred Valley under your belt, those places near Cusco won’t really let you down, arguably. What did I think? That area is spectacular!