Summary
Duration
Tour Type
Difficulty
Altitude
Accommodation
Group Size
During this fascinating tour, we will explore the Vilcanota mountain range and its impressive snow-capped peaks in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will start in the picturesque town of Maras, where you can still admire the colonial facades of its houses. Next, we will head to the Archaeological Complex of Moray, an intriguing site composed of several circular platforms believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory during the Inca era. Here, the Incas experimented with different crops thanks to an ingenious irrigation system and a unique microclimate that allowed varying growing conditions on each terrace.
We will conclude our tour at the Salineras de Maras, an impressive series of over 3,000 salt pools fed by a hypersaline spring dating back to the formation of the Andes 110 million years ago. This place is not only a visual spectacle but also remains a center for salt production, where local residents keep alive the tradition of trading this valuable resource, just as the Incas did centuries ago.
Throughout the tour, we will observe traditional communities surrounded by beautiful landscapes and learn about the history and culture of this unique region. At the end of the tour, transportation will drop us off 2 or 3 blocks from the main square of Cusco.
- Discover the fascinating importance of salt in Maras, used not only in cooking but also in medicine and as exquisite pink salt. Immerse yourself in the ancestral process of its extraction while marveling at the impressive salt terraces.
- Along the way, you will see llamas and alpacas, emblematic animals of the region, and connect with the rich Inca history, learning about their culture and advancements in agriculture and social organization.
- Additionally, you will visit local shops where you can sample unique products, such as chocolates made with Maras salt, a delicious blend of tradition and flavor.
- Learn how the people of Maras organize themselves for work, keeping their traditional methods alive in a community that lives in harmony with its environment.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Maras Moray - Cusco
We will pick you up at your hotel at 8:20 AM and leave Cusco behind to enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Our first stop will be the artisan market in Chinchero, where we will spend a maximum of 15 to 20 minutes. Next, we will head to Maras, a picturesque village surrounded by beautiful landscapes that gives its name to the surrounding salt mines. We will visit a viewpoint to admire these impressive salt quarries and learn about their history for about an hour. These mines date back to the Inca era and have transformed the local landscape!
After this experience, we will proceed to the archaeological site of Moray. The transfer from the Salt Mines of Maras to Moray takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. At an altitude of 3,500 meters, we will encounter its iconic amphitheater of circular terraces. Do you know the purpose that the Inca civilization assigned to it? We will spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour in Moray, strolling through what was once their experimental agricultural center. Optionally, you can descend the rings with prior coordination with the guide.
Finally, we will make our way back to Cusco. At 2:30 PM, the transportation will drop us off near the central Plaza de Armas to conclude the excursion.
Inclusions
Incluye
- Hotel pickup. Pickups from the hotel start at 8 AM for group tours. For private tours to Maras and Moray, the pickup time can be agreed upon.
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English). In group tours, the tour is conducted in Spanish and English, one after the other. In private tours, you can choose to have the tour in Spanish, English, or Portuguese.
- Transportation. Includes tourist transportation to the attractions.
Not Included
This tour requires a General Tourist Ticket or a Partial Tourist Ticket. For more information about Tourist Tickets, please see the ‘Recommended to Bring’ tab.
- Partial Tourist Ticket
- ( S/. 70.00 Soles – Foreigners | S/. 40.00 Soles – Peruvians)
- Entrance to the Salinas de Maras
- ( S/. 20.00 Soles – Foreigners | S/. 10.00 Soles – Peruvians)
What to bring
- Tourist Ticket. To visit various cultural attractions in Cusco, you require either a Partial Tourist Ticket or a General Tourist Ticket.
If you plan to visit most of the major tourist sites in Cusco during your stay, we recommend purchasing the General Tourist Ticket to save on entry costs and simplify your trip.
-
- General Tourist Ticket: S/. 130.00 Soles – Foreigners | S/. 70.00 Soles – Peruvians. This includes entry to 16 tourist sites in Cusco, which are the Regional Historical Museum, Puca Pucara, Contemporary Art Museum, Tambomachay, Folk Art Museum, Pisac, Qorikancha Site Museum, Ollantaytambo, Qosqo Native Art Center, Chinchero, Monument to Inca Pachacutec, Moray, Sacsayhuaman, Tipón, Q’enqo, and Piquillacta.
- Partial Tourist Ticket: S/. 70.00 Soles – Foreigners | S/. 40.00 Soles – Peruvians. This includes entry for one day to one circuit of attractions. There are three circuits: Circuit I (Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara), Circuit II (Regional Historical Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, Folk Art Museum, Qorikancha Site Museum, Qosqo Native Art Center, Monument to Inca Pachacutec, Archaeological Park of Tipón, Archaeological Park of Pikillacta), Circuit III (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray).
- Camera
- Sunblock
- Water bottle
- Peruvian soles in cash
-
To purchase your Tourist Ticket, as well as the entrance to the Salt Mines of Maras, you must bring Peruvian soles.
Mapa:Maras and Moray Tour (Half a Day)
Summary
Duration
Tour Type
Difficulty
Altitude
Accommodation
Group Size
During this fascinating tour, we will explore the Vilcanota mountain range and its impressive snow-capped peaks in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will start in the picturesque town of Maras, where you can still admire the colonial facades of its houses. Next, we will head to the Archaeological Complex of Moray, an intriguing site composed of several circular platforms believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory during the Inca era. Here, the Incas experimented with different crops thanks to an ingenious irrigation system and a unique microclimate that allowed varying growing conditions on each terrace.
We will conclude our tour at the Salineras de Maras, an impressive series of over 3,000 salt pools fed by a hypersaline spring dating back to the formation of the Andes 110 million years ago. This place is not only a visual spectacle but also remains a center for salt production, where local residents keep alive the tradition of trading this valuable resource, just as the Incas did centuries ago.
Throughout the tour, we will observe traditional communities surrounded by beautiful landscapes and learn about the history and culture of this unique region. At the end of the tour, transportation will drop us off 2 or 3 blocks from the main square of Cusco.
- Discover the fascinating importance of salt in Maras, used not only in cooking but also in medicine and as exquisite pink salt. Immerse yourself in the ancestral process of its extraction while marveling at the impressive salt terraces.
- Along the way, you will see llamas and alpacas, emblematic animals of the region, and connect with the rich Inca history, learning about their culture and advancements in agriculture and social organization.
- Additionally, you will visit local shops where you can sample unique products, such as chocolates made with Maras salt, a delicious blend of tradition and flavor.
- Learn how the people of Maras organize themselves for work, keeping their traditional methods alive in a community that lives in harmony with its environment.
Day 1: Cusco - Maras Moray - Cusco
We will pick you up at your hotel at 8:20 AM and leave Cusco behind to enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Our first stop will be the artisan market in Chinchero, where we will spend a maximum of 15 to 20 minutes. Next, we will head to Maras, a picturesque village surrounded by beautiful landscapes that gives its name to the surrounding salt mines. We will visit a viewpoint to admire these impressive salt quarries and learn about their history for about an hour. These mines date back to the Inca era and have transformed the local landscape!
After this experience, we will proceed to the archaeological site of Moray. The transfer from the Salt Mines of Maras to Moray takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. At an altitude of 3,500 meters, we will encounter its iconic amphitheater of circular terraces. Do you know the purpose that the Inca civilization assigned to it? We will spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour in Moray, strolling through what was once their experimental agricultural center. Optionally, you can descend the rings with prior coordination with the guide.
Finally, we will make our way back to Cusco. At 2:30 PM, the transportation will drop us off near the central Plaza de Armas to conclude the excursion.
Incluye
- Hotel pickup. Pickups from the hotel start at 8 AM for group tours. For private tours to Maras and Moray, the pickup time can be agreed upon.
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English). In group tours, the tour is conducted in Spanish and English, one after the other. In private tours, you can choose to have the tour in Spanish, English, or Portuguese.
- Transportation. Includes tourist transportation to the attractions.
No Incluye
This tour requires a General Tourist Ticket or a Partial Tourist Ticket. For more information about Tourist Tickets, please see the ‘Recommended to Bring’ tab.
- Partial Tourist Ticket
- ( S/. 70.00 Soles – Foreigners | S/. 40.00 Soles – Peruvians)
- Entrance to the Salinas de Maras
- ( S/. 20.00 Soles – Foreigners | S/. 10.00 Soles – Peruvians)
- Tourist Ticket. To visit various cultural attractions in Cusco, you require either a Partial Tourist Ticket or a General Tourist Ticket.
If you plan to visit most of the major tourist sites in Cusco during your stay, we recommend purchasing the General Tourist Ticket to save on entry costs and simplify your trip.
-
- General Tourist Ticket: S/. 130.00 Soles – Foreigners | S/. 70.00 Soles – Peruvians. This includes entry to 16 tourist sites in Cusco, which are the Regional Historical Museum, Puca Pucara, Contemporary Art Museum, Tambomachay, Folk Art Museum, Pisac, Qorikancha Site Museum, Ollantaytambo, Qosqo Native Art Center, Chinchero, Monument to Inca Pachacutec, Moray, Sacsayhuaman, Tipón, Q’enqo, and Piquillacta.
- Partial Tourist Ticket: S/. 70.00 Soles – Foreigners | S/. 40.00 Soles – Peruvians. This includes entry for one day to one circuit of attractions. There are three circuits: Circuit I (Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara), Circuit II (Regional Historical Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, Folk Art Museum, Qorikancha Site Museum, Qosqo Native Art Center, Monument to Inca Pachacutec, Archaeological Park of Tipón, Archaeological Park of Pikillacta), Circuit III (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray).
- Camera
- Sunblock
- Water bottle
- Peruvian soles in cash
-
To purchase your Tourist Ticket, as well as the entrance to the Salt Mines of Maras, you must bring Peruvian soles.
