Maras, Moray and Salt Mines
Our Maras Moray tour takes you to the agricultural laboratory of the Incas at Moray and the ancient salt pans of Maras on a half-day excursion through the high Andean landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Inca ingenuity and living tradition in one landscape
Summary
This Maras Moray tour takes you to two of the most surprising places in the Sacred Valley in just half a day. Moray is a set of concentric circular terraces that, according to researchers, served as an Inca agricultural experimentation center.
Nearby, the Maras Salt Mines amaze visitors with more than 3,000 salt pans cascading down the mountainside. Since pre-Inca times, local families have harvested salt by hand using a natural saltwater spring.
Along the way, you cross the Maras plateau, with farmland and views of the snow-capped peaks of the Urubamba range. Therefore, it is an ideal excursion for those with a free morning. Also, you can combine it with the City Tour in the afternoon, or choose the VIP Sacred Valley to visit these sites on a full day.
Highlights
Itinerary
08:00 - 08:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco before the drive.
Our team picks you up at your hotel in the historic center. Then we begin the journey to the Maras plateau by tourist transportation.
08:30 - 10:00
Drive across the Maras plateau
Andean landscapes, especially views of snow-capped peaks.
We travel across the Chinchero and Maras plateau, a farming area surrounded by mountains. Also, on clear days you can see the Chicón and Verónica peaks of the Urubamba range.
10:00 - 11:00
Moray archaeological complex
Circular terraces for agricultural experimentation.
You explore Moray, made up of concentric circular terraces. Meanwhile, your guide explains how the temperature differences between levels allowed the Incas to adapt crops to different climatic conditions.
11:15 - 12:15
Maras Salt Mines
Salt pans worked by hand.
Then you visit the Maras Salt Mines, where salt water from a spring flows through channels into thousands of pans. You learn about the traditional harvesting process and, if you wish, you can buy pink salt and local products.
12:15 - 13:45
Return to Cusco
Return by tourist transportation when the visit ends.
Finally, at the end of the visit we return to Cusco. The tour ends at the Main Square or near your hotel in the historic center.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in the historic center of Cusco
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Partial Tourist Ticket (Moray)
- Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Meals
- Drinks and snacks
- Purchases of local products
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Comfortable layered clothing
Windbreaker jacket
Shoes with good grip
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Water
Cash for purchases
Passport or identification document
Weather
The Maras plateau is a high, exposed area. The sun is intense during the day, while the wind can be cold, especially in the mornings and during the winter months.
Best season
The tour operates all year. From May to November the salt pans look whiter due to salt production, while in the rainy season the landscape is greener.
Recommendations
At the Salt Mines the paths are narrow and can be slippery, so walk carefully and follow your guide’s instructions. Also, for conservation reasons, entering the salt pans is not allowed.
Gallery
FAQ
Is there an afternoon departure?
Yes. In addition to the morning departure, the Maras Moray tour can operate in the afternoon depending on availability, so ask us when booking.
Can I walk among the salt pans?
The visit follows the paths set up for visitors. However, entering the pans is not allowed, because they are worked by local families.
How demanding is the tour?
The Maras Moray tour is easy. The walks are short, although Moray has steps and moderate slopes if you wish to go down to the lower levels.
Can I buy Maras salt?
Yes. At the entrance to the Salt Mines there are community stalls selling pink salt and flavored salts, as well as other local products.
Can I combine this tour with another one on the same day?
Yes. Since it is a half-day tour, you can combine it with the City Tour in the afternoon or book the VIP Sacred Valley, which includes these sites on a full day.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. It is a family-friendly tour. However, we recommend extra care with children on the Salt Mines paths.
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