Explore the ancient artisanal salt pans of Maras (3,200 m / 10,498 ft) 🧂 and the circular agricultural terraces of Moray (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) 🏛️ on a scenic half-day trip. Situated at 3,500 m (11,483 ft), these Sacred Valley highlights offer the perfect gentle acclimatization before your trek to Machu Picchu.
The Maras and Moray half-day tour covers two historical and geographical sites in Cusco’s Sacred Valley. The Maras Salt Mines consist of over three thousand evaporation ponds, which have been hand-harvested by local families since pre-Inca times. Nearby, the Moray archaeological site features concentric circular terraces used as an Inca agricultural research center. The design of these terraces created distinct microclimates at each level, allowing the adaptation of crops from various Andean regions. This tour provides direct insight into ancient agricultural and hydraulic engineering.
| Feature | Group Maras Moray Tour | Private Maras Moray Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Group Size | Average 14 people (small group) | Exclusive for your family or group |
| Duration & Schedule | 5 hours (morning: 08:00 – 13:00) | Flexible (tailored to your schedule) |
| Pace & Guiding | Standard with group guided stops | Personalized, perfect for taking photos |
| Sites Visited | Maras (salt mines) and Moray (terraces) | Same sites with flexible stop duration |
| Comfort & Flexibility | Shared tourist transportation | 100% private vehicle and guide |
Duration: 5 hours
Maximum Altitude: 3,500 m (11,483 ft)
Difficulty: Very easy (Cultural)
Visited Sites: Maras, Moray, and Chinchero (Panoramic view)
Meals: Not included
The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel around 8:00 a.m. We will head northwest from Cusco, driving past picturesque villages surrounded by beautiful Andean landscapes. Along the way, you can admire the majestic peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range, especially the imposing snow-capped mountains of El Chicon and La Veronica.
Our first stop is in the town of Maras, a historic place with breathtaking views. From here, we continue to the Moray Archaeological Complex, where you will be amazed by its circular amphitheater-like terraces carved deep into the ground, creating different microclimates. It is believed that the Incas used this site as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with different crops and climates, showing their advanced farming knowledge.
Our next stop is the Salt Mines of Maras (Salineras), a unique natural and cultural spectacle. This complex consists of over 2,000 salt ponds, each about 5 square meters, which have been farmed since Inca times and are still managed by local families. You can see how they extract salt using traditional methods, a process passed down through generations that remains a vital source of income for the community.
Finally, we head back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 2:00 p.m., after a memorable day experiencing the historical, agricultural, and cultural wealth of this fascinating region.
Below are the details and characteristics of the Maras Moray tour:
Cusco
8:00 am
