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Maras Moray tour: circular terraces and the Maras Salt Mines
The Maras Moray tour is a morning trip to two distinctive sites outside Cusco. The route begins at the Moray archaeological complex, known for its circular terraces built at different levels, and continues to the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt ponds cover a mountainside.
At Moray, your guide will explain how the arrangement of the terraces creates temperature differences between the levels and why the site is associated with Inca agricultural practices. The Maras and Moray tour then continues to the salt mines, where a natural saline spring feeds the ponds through a network of small channels.
This experience includes hotel pickup, tourist transport, a professional English- and Spanish-speaking guide, and admission to the listed attractions. The return to Cusco is scheduled for around 2:00 p.m., depending on traffic and the pace of the group.
Day 1
Our team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between approximately 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. The exact time will be confirmed before the tour according to the location of your accommodation and the service booked.
You will leave Cusco in tourist transportation and travel toward Moray. Along the way, you can see farmland, local communities and the surrounding Andean landscape.
Moray archaeological site
The first visit is the Moray archaeological site, located about 38 kilometers from Cusco. The site is known for a series of concentric terraces built within natural depressions in the terrain.
Your guide will explain the layout of the terraces, the temperature differences between their levels and the interpretations that connect Moray with the testing and adaptation of crops during the Inca period.
The visit follows the designated paths and viewpoints. There will be time to observe the complex, take photographs and ask questions without leaving the authorized visitor areas.
Transfer toward Maras
After Moray, the maras tour Cusco route continues toward the district of Maras, historically associated with salt production and trade. The drive passes farmland and offers views of the mountains surrounding the Sacred Valley.
Maras Salt Mines
At the salt mines, thousands of small ponds extend across the slope. Saline water from a natural spring is directed through narrow channels and distributed among the ponds, where evaporation allows salt crystals to form.
Visitors follow the viewpoints and authorized areas, as direct access to the production ponds may be restricted to protect local work and hygiene conditions. Your guide will explain the process and the role of Maras families in maintaining this activity.
Before leaving, you may find locally made salt products at the authorized sales points. Purchases are optional and do not alter the scheduled visit.
Return to Cusco
After visiting the Maras Salt Mines, you will board the transport for the return journey. Arrival in Cusco is expected at around 2:00 p.m., although timing may vary because of road conditions, traffic and the pace of the group.
included
not included
Recommendations
We took the tour to Maras and the Salt Mines from Cusco with CuscoPeru.com, and it was an experience that exceeded our expectations. From the beginning, everything was very well organized, and the team was attentive to every detail so we could enjoy the tour at ease. We visited the impressive salt mines and the landscapes of Maras, enjoying a different and very special experience during our visit to Cusco.
We would especially like to thank the team for their attention and kindness, and particularly Eduardo, our coordinator, who was always attentive to ensure that everything went according to plan. The punctuality, good organization, and support made us enjoy the tour even more. It is wonderful to travel with the peace of mind of knowing that there is a team taking care of every detail. Without a doubt, we recommend this experience and would definitely choose their services again. Thank you very much!
To confirm your reservation, a 40% deposit of the total amount is required. The remaining 60% can be paid upon arrival in Cusco, according to the current terms and conditions.
For groups of more than four people, a special rate may be available upon request.
Discover some of the landscapes, attractions, and experiences that make up this journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Maras, and Moray.
The one-day Maras and Moray tour combines some of the most fascinating destinations in the region. In this section, you’ll find clear answers about the itinerary, transportation, and other important details to help you plan your vacation with ease.
You do not need to purchase it separately for this service. The published tour price includes admission to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines as listed in the itinerary. This distinction matters because admission to the salt mines is generally managed separately from the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
When comparing tours, check whether both admissions are expressly included, as conditions may differ between operators.
This is not a long hike, but it takes place at altitude and involves paths, steps and uneven ground. Walk at a comfortable pace, stay hydrated and tell the guide if you experience headache, dizziness or shortness of breath.
Travelers who have just arrived in Cusco should avoid intense exertion and consider allowing some time to acclimatize before the excursion.
The visit follows designated viewpoints, paths and authorized visitor areas. Direct entry into the production ponds may be restricted for safety, conservation and hygiene reasons.
These restrictions still allow travelers to see the salt ponds from several perspectives, take photographs and learn how water reaches the ponds and salt is produced.
Rain can change the color and appearance of the ponds and make some paths wet or slippery. The tour generally operates when road conditions and attraction rules allow it.
Between November and March, bring a waterproof layer and shoes with good grip. Minor route adjustments may be made for safety.
The return to Cusco is scheduled for around 2:00 p.m., so part of the afternoon is normally available. However, avoid booking a flight, a long-distance transfer or another activity with a strict start time immediately afterward.
Leave extra time for traffic, road conditions and small variations in the length of each visit.
The group service shares transportation and a guide with other travelers and follows the general pace of the group. The private service allows more personalized coordination and greater flexibility within the operating hours and access rules of each site.
Both options follow the same main route and include the listed admissions. The best choice depends on your budget, group size and preferred level of flexibility.
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