Maras Moray Tour: Journey through the heart of the ancient Inca civilization on our captivating Maras Moray Tour. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Andes as we explore two hidden gems along the route to the Sacred Valley: the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray agricultural terraces.
Your Hotel in Cusco Centro Histórico (Google Map)
Regocijo Square (Google Map)
8:00 am
Half Day
Commence your day with a morning hotel pick-up and embark on a scenic 40-minute journey through the breathtaking Andean landscape until you arrive at Moray, an impressive Inca experimental farm. Here, a natural depression has been converted into vast terraces arranged in concentric circles, resembling a large coliseum, with height variances of up to 150 meters. While the purpose of these depressions remains uncertain, Moray is thought to have functioned as an experimental agricultural station for the Incas, complete with an advanced irrigation system. Delve deeper into this during your visit.
Proceed to explore the Maras Salt Mines, also known as Salinas de Maras, in operation since Inca times. Locals direct saltwater from a spring named Qoripujio into man-made wells. Through solar evaporation, the water dissipates, leaving behind salt deposits that are harvested and later taken to market for sale. The sight of the nearly 3000 wells in this complex is truly remarkable. Local inhabitants enthusiastically showcase ancient techniques to visitors, even offering them a chance to participate.
After a 6-hour excursion, it’s time to return to downtown Cusco via transportation.
The tour generally lasts half a day, about 4 to 5 hours. It is relatively close to Cusco, about 40 kilometers, which makes it an ideal excursion to combine with other visits in the Sacred Valley.
The best time is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is more stable. During these months, the clear skies and natural light highlight the landscapes and the geometry of the terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras.
Yes, the tour is accessible to most travelers, as it does not require long walks or great physical effort. The walking distances are short and the trails are well maintained, so it is suitable for people of all ages.
Yes, it is very common to combine the tour with visits to other sites in the Sacred Valley, such as Chinchero or Ollantaytambo. Many tours offer itineraries that include several points of interest in a single day, making the most of travelers’ time.
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