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Maras, Moray
If you have limited time to explore Cusco, the Maras, Moray & Chinchero Tour is the perfect option for your itinerary. This half-day experience allows you to discover part of the Sacred Valley. Explore the magnificent Maras Salt Mines, where salt is still produced using traditional methods. Then, visit the innovative circular terraces of Moray, an ancient agricultural experimental center of the Incas. At both sites, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking views that combine natural beauty, mythology, culture, tradition, and the ingenuity of the ancient Inca Empire. Book now and join us on this unique adventure to discover the essence of Cusco!
After being picked up from your hotel in Cusco between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., we will drive for 40 minutes to Chinchero (3,762 m/12,343 ft), where you can observe traditional textile production, offering visitors the opportunity to purchase and support local artisans.
Next, we will visit Moray, located at an altitude of 3,450 meters (11,318 ft), where you will see four impressive Inca ruins with beautiful circular terraces in depressions, used as agricultural laboratories by the Incas.
Afterward, we will head to Maras, where you will discover over 3,000 salt ponds. The inhabitants of Maras have been collecting salt in these ponds for centuries, even before Inca times.
After exploring some of the main attractions in the Sacred Valley, we will return to Cusco, arriving at Plaza Regocijo at approximately 2:00 p.m.
Moray is an archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas at an altitude of 3,385 meters (11,105 feet). It is known for its impressive circular terraces, built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century.
These terraces are arranged in a series of concentric circles that decrease in size as they descend. It is believed that the Incas used them to conduct agricultural experiments, taking advantage of the differences in depth and temperature to create various microclimates. This allowed them to assess the growth of different crops under varying conditions.
In addition, the site includes a complex of structures and irrigation channels designed to control the flow of water to the terraces and store agricultural products. The buildings at Moray likely had ceremonial and administrative purposes.
The Maras Salt Mines, also known as the Salt Ponds of Maras, are a series of evaporation ponds located in the Sacred Valley at an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,498 feet). These ponds have been used since pre-Columbian times and continue to function with traditional techniques.
Situated on a sloped hillside near Maras, the salt pans cover several hectares and consist of thousands of small terraced pools. These pools are filled with saltwater from a natural underground spring. As the water evaporates in the sun, it leaves behind salt crystals, which local families harvest by hand.
The salt extracted from the Maras Salt Mines is highly valued for its purity and distinctive flavor. It is used for cooking, food preservation, and also has medicinal and ceremonial applications. Additionally, salt production is a vital source of income for local families, who work together to maintain the ponds and harvest the salt.
Known as the “City of the Doorways,” Maras earns this title due to its numerous and distinctive colonial-era doorways and arches. These elements are a hallmark of the village's architecture, appreciated for their significant historical and cultural value.
The doorways in Maras, crafted from carved stone, feature intricate and decorative designs. They were built by Spanish colonizers in the 16th and 17th centuries, marking the entrances to important buildings and residences.
These doorways are an essential part of Maras' cultural heritage, and the local community takes pride in their preservation. Local authorities have implemented efforts to protect and restore these structures. Visitors have the opportunity to take guided tours to explore the history and significance of these remarkable architectural features.
Tour in shared service.
This group service means that you will take the tour with other people, this standard service is done with a group between 12 to 18 people, we have confirmed departures for every day, so if it is only one or two people, don't worry, they can join to one of our groups.
From: $ 60 USD
Tour in private service.
This service is an exclusive way to make this trip where the service is much more personalized, prices vary according to the number of people in your group. Please consult: WhatsApp +51 914201334
The Maras, Moray Tour is a popular half-day excursion from Cusco, Peru. It takes tourists to the ancient Inca agricultural terraces at Moray and the salt mines of Maras. It's an opportunity to explore historical sites and experience local culture in a single tour.
The tour generally lasts for half a day.
Food is not included in the Maras, Moray tour.
Yes, the Maras, Moray tour is suitable for children.
The best time of year to visit Maras and Moray is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, the weather is more stable, with less rain and clear skies. However, it can be visited year-round.
For the Maras, Moray tour, bring comfortable layered clothing, suitable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snacks, a camera, cash, ID, and a small backpack. Be prepared for changes in weather and terrain.
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