Compare Cusco Day Tour: Maras, Moray and Chinchero (full day) by G Adventures vs Humantay Lake Trek by Best Andes Travel

Day 1 Cusco

Duration: 6 hours Meeting Point: Your Hotel in the Historic Centre Finish Point: Your Hotel in the Historic Centre Itinerary: Take part in this three-stop day tour from Cusco. Your guide will be a fountain of knowledge on the tour's sites; the archaeological site of Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and the town of Chinchero. Drive from Cusco to the archaeological complex of Moray also known as the Inca greenhouse. This tour will take you through the magnificent series of circles or Inca terraces that were believed to be used by the Incas to experiment on their crops and to research growing conditions for different types of crops. Spend around half an hour listening to your guide and wandering around to explore this incredible Inca ruin. Continue with the tour to visit the Maras Salt Mines that were created by the evaporation of saltwater (provided by a nearby subterranean undercurrent) in the sun. The mines are made up of more than 3,000 natural salt pools in the hillside and are quite spectacular to see in person. Next up is a tour of Chinchero, a beautiful town of weavers and home to a cultural centre that helps keep the textile traditions of Peru alive. Chinchero is a typical high-altitude Andean village and is known to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. This town also has some of the best architectonic Inca remains left in Peru. After you've explored the town in depth return to Cusco where you can say thank you to your wonderful guide and the tour will end. Note that this Day Tour is operated by one of G Adventures' preferred suppliers and will be a shared service with other non-G Adventures travellers. Packing essentials: Water bottle, Rain jacket, Sunblock, Sunglasses, Camera, cash to buy souvenirs. Cusco tourist ticket (required for entrance to Moray and Chinchero) is not included. Entrance ticket to Salt Mines (not included) is 10 soles.

Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Cusco

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00am and drive 3 hours to the trailhead of Soraypampa located in the lush valley of the Apurimac River. Here we will enjoy hot breakfast made by our professional chef.

We hike along a path called the “Camino Real,” as we gain altitude. After reaching the tiny village, where few amenities exist, we continue for another hour and a half, ascending 1,200 feet in just 2 miles up a steep path. After conquering the last hill, we will gaze down on a turquoise lake below, which is surrounded by steep peaks and an impressive glacier.

On the trek you are surrounded by the Salkantay Mountains, one of Peru’s most sacred mountains, towering 20,600 feet with a sheer and snowy face. The equally impressive Humantay Peak, rising 19,412 feet, is also within view. Shamans and other natives will often give blessing when reaching the crystal-clear waters of Humantay Lake. Once we reach the lakeshore, we relax, enjoy a snack, go for a swim (if you are brave!) or give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth). When you are ready to hike back down, we will descend to Soraypampa and have a hot lunch while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of the snowy peaks. We drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.