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Maras Moray - Circular terraces and Salt Mines

Maras Moray Tour Half Day

Discover the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray and the ancient Maras Salt Mines

Duration Half Day (5-6 hours)
Max. Altitude 3,500 m / 11,483 ft
Difficulty Easy
Group Size Max. 15 people

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Tour information

DESCRIPTION About the tour

Location: Pampa de Maras northeast of the Maras District, Urubamba Province, Cusco.

This is a fantastic half-day tour to explore part of the Sacred Valley. You will see stunning views of the Urubamba mountain ranges, Veronica mountain, and the green valleys of farms. On this half-day trip you will learn about agriculture, textiles, and the history of the Incas.

We will pick you up from your hotel around 8 a.m. and head to the agricultural laboratory in Moray. This beautiful trip lasts approximately one hour and 20 minutes. On your journey, you will see the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, lush yellow wheat fields, and some villages, finally arriving to see the fascinating terrace display at Moray.

Moray features three amphitheater-style terraces made by the Incas, these terraces carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape were thought to be used to determine optimal growing conditions.

When you finish exploring Moray, you will head about two miles away to the Maras salt mines. This town is known as an ancient salt production center and is believed to date back to pre-Inca times. There are more than 3,000 salt wells carved into the mountainside, which are filled daily by a stream of water. This spectacular area is perfect for you if you want to see something different from archaeological complexes.

PLACES TO VISIT Destinations included
  • Maras Village - Traditional Andean village
  • Moray Terraces - Inca agricultural laboratory with circular amphitheater-style terraces
  • Maras Salt Mines - More than 3,000 salt ponds in use since pre-Inca times
INFORMATION Important details
  • Departures: Daily
  • Schedule: Pickup 8:00 am - Return before lunch
  • Pickup: From your hotel
  • Consideration: Remember to bring comfortable shoes, water, and a camera
  • Highlights: Maras Salt Mines and Moray cultivation laboratory
INCLUDED Services included
  • Round-trip transportation (tourist bus)
  • Professional tour guide
  • Entrance tickets to all archaeological sites
NOT INCLUDED Services not included
  • Lunch
  • Tips / Gratuities (optional)
  • Personal extra expenses
  • Travel insurance (recommended to purchase)
RECOMMENDATIONS What to bring
  • Tourist ticket (included in the price)
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
  • Water
  • Camera and camcorder
PRICE Per person

$80.00 USD

* Price per person in shared group

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before visiting the Inca agricultural laboratory and the ancient salt mines

The Maras Moray tour lasts half a day (approximately 5-6 hours).

Typical schedule:

  • 8:00 am: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
  • 8:00 - 9:20 am: Journey to Moray (1 hour 20 minutes)
  • 9:20 - 10:30 am: Guided tour of the circular terraces of Moray
  • 10:30 - 10:45 am: Transfer to the Maras Salt Mines
  • 10:45 am - 12:00 pm: Guided tour of the Salt Mines
  • 12:00 - 1:00 pm: Return to Cusco
  • 1:00 - 1:30 pm: Arrival in Cusco (before lunch)

Note: Schedules may vary slightly depending on traffic and your hotel location.

Yes, tickets are included in the tour price.

Ticket details:

  • Moray: Included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) - partial or integral
  • Maras Salt Mines: Separate entrance (approx. 10 soles) - INCLUDED in the tour!

What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)?

  • It is a ticket that gives access to multiple archaeological sites in Cusco
  • We take care of managing the tickets for Moray
  • If you already have the BTC, no problem! The tour price already considers it

Important: The Maras Salt Mines have their own entrance (not included in the BTC) and we include it in the tour. You don't need to pay anything extra.

The Maras Moray tour has an EASY difficulty level, ideal for all types of travelers, including families, seniors and children.

Important information:

  • Walking: Light to moderate (you walk within the archaeological sites)
  • Terrain: Well-marked trails, some gentle ups and downs
  • Altitude: Between 3,300 and 3,500 masl (similar to Cusco)
  • Transportation: Tourist bus throughout the tour

Recommendations:

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking (the Salt Mines have uneven terrain)
  • Bring water to stay hydrated
  • Sunscreen and hat (the sun in the Sacred Valley is intense)

It's perfect for the first day of acclimatization in Cusco!

Recommendations for your visit:

  • Tourist Ticket (if you already have it, if not, we manage it)
  • Comfortable layered clothing (the weather changes quickly)
  • Comfortable shoes (you will walk on uneven terrain at the Salt Mines)
  • Hat or cap to protect from the sun
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+, the sun burns even on cloudy days)
  • Sunglasses
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (especially during rainy season - November to March)
  • Water (stay hydrated during the tour)
  • Camera (the views are spectacular)
  • Cash in soles (to buy artisanal salt, souvenirs, tips)

Don't forget: The Salt Mines are a perfect place to buy artisanal colored salt (pink, white, with herbs) as a souvenir. Bring cash!

Yes! Buying salt at the Salt Mines is one of the best experiences of the tour.

Types of salt available:

  • 🧂 Traditional white salt: The most common, perfect for cooking
  • 🌹 Pink salt: Rich in minerals, very popular
  • 🌿 Herb salt: Mixed with Andean herbs, ideal for meats
  • 🔥 Smoked salt: With a distinctive flavor

Approximate prices:

  • Small bag: 5 - 10 soles
  • Medium bag: 10 - 20 soles
  • Special presentations (gifts): 20 - 40 soles

Purchase recommendations:

  • Buy directly from local salt miners (you support the local economy)
  • Pink salt is the most popular among tourists
  • Herb salts are excellent to take as gifts
  • Bring cash in soles (they don't accept cards on site)

Fun fact: Maras salt has been extracted since pre-Inca times and is still produced in the same traditional way. Each pool belongs to a local family that inherits it from generation to generation.

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