Maras & Moray Tour
Duration
Half Day
Difficulty
Easy
Recom. Age
All ages
Recom. date
All year
This half-day tour takes you through two of the Sacred Valley’s most fascinating and photogenic sites: the agricultural terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras. Explore how the Incas used advanced agricultural techniques to adapt crops to different altitudes, and visit a site where salt has been harvested for centuries from naturally occurring springs.
Ideal for travelers with limited time or as a cultural addition to your Sacred Valley itinerary, this tour offers stunning scenery, Inca innovation, and a glimpse into traditional Andean life.
Places to Visit:
- Moray – A remarkable circular system of Inca agricultural terraces used for experimentation and crop adaptation.
- Maras Salt Mines – Thousands of white salt pools cascading down the hillside, still harvested by hand using ancient methods.
- Optional stop: Maras Village – A charming Andean town known for its colonial doorways and scenic views.
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Maras & Moray Tour
Half Day
- Itinerary
8:00 AM: Hotel Pickup in Cusco
Your guide will meet you at your hotel for a comfortable drive through the mountains toward the Sacred Valley. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and traditional farming villages.
9:30 AM: Arrival at Moray Archaeological Site
Discover one of the most unique sites in the Inca Empire: a series of circular terraces built into a natural depression. These terraces are believed to have been used as an open-air agricultural laboratory, with each level simulating a different microclimate. Your guide will explain their significance and the Incas’ deep understanding of ecology and altitude farming.
10:30 AM: Visit to Maras Salt Mines (Salineras)
Next, explore the salt mines of Maras, a marvel of pre-Inca engineering. Watch how saltwater from a natural spring is channeled into thousands of small evaporation pools and collected by hand, a technique that has remained unchanged for centuries. The striking contrast of white salt against the red mountain makes for incredible photos.
11:30 AM: Optional visit to Maras Village
Time permitting, stop briefly in the quaint village of Maras, known for its colonial architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
12:30 PM: Return to Cusco
Enjoy a scenic drive back to Cusco through the valley and Andean plains.
2:00 PM: Arrival in Cusco
Drop-off at your hotel. End of the tour.
- Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (within Cusco)
- Private or group tourist transport
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- All assistance during the tour
- Does Include
- Entrance tickets (Partial Tourist Ticket for Moray, approx. S/70)
- Entrance to Salineras (approx. S/10)
- Meals or snacks
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal expenses
- Recommendations
- Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring a jacket (weather can change quickly)
- Don’t forget your camera – both sites are incredibly photogenic
- Carry cash for entrance fees or local purchases
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