Name: Tour Maras and Moray 1 Day
Brand: CuscoPeru.com
Price: 65 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1600 reviews)

A MORNING AMONG INCA TERRACES AND ANDEAN SALT PONDS

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.

Highlights

Walk through the designated viewpoints and paths at Moray's circular terraces.
See the Maras Salt Mines from the visitor areas overlooking the mountainside.
Learn how saline water is distributed among the ponds and how local salt production continues.
Enjoy Andean scenery while traveling between Cusco, Moray and Maras.
Travel with admission tickets, tourist transport and a professional guide included.
Choose a group or private service according to your preferred travel style.

Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco, Moray and the Maras Salt Mines

Hotel pickup and departure from Cusco - Cusco · Moray · Maras · Maras Salt Mines · Cusco

Tourist photographing the Maras Salt Mines during a Maras and Moray tour.

Tourist admiring the circular Inca terraces during a Maras Moray tour.

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.

What's included?

Included

Admission: entrance to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines as listed in the itinerary.
Transfers: round-trip tourist transportation from Cusco.
Professional guide: guided service in English and Spanish.
Assistance: pre-tour coordination and support during the excursion.

Not included

Accommodation: hotel night in Cusco.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks.
Gratuities: optional tips for the guide and driver.
Additional services: anything not expressly listed as included.

Recommendations

Carry a light backpack, water and a personal snack.
Wear layers, a windbreaker and comfortable shoes with good grip.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
During the rainy season, carry a waterproof outer layer.
Bring a camera or a phone with sufficient battery.
Remain on the authorized paths and viewpoints, especially at the salt mines.

What's included?

What is included?

Admission: entrance to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines as listed in the itinerary.
Transfers: round-trip tourist transportation from Cusco.
Professional guide: guided service in English and Spanish.
Assistance: pre-tour coordination and support during the excursion.

What is not included?

Accommodation: hotel night in Cusco.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks.
Gratuities: optional tips for the guide and driver.
Additional services: anything not expressly listed as included.

Recommendations

Carry a light backpack, water and a personal snack.
Wear layers, a windbreaker and comfortable shoes with good grip.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
During the rainy season, carry a waterproof outer layer.
Bring a camera or a phone with sufficient battery.
Remain on the authorized paths and viewpoints, especially at the salt mines.

Route map

The route is referential and may include small variations.

Maras Moray Tour Prices & Booking

Choose the travel option that best suits you. Prices are shown per person and may vary depending on the service.

Maras Salt Mines and Moray Tour

Entrance tickets to all tourist attractions.

US$ 65

US$ 165

Note:

Prices are per person, based on a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 15 passengers (group service).
To confirm the reservation, an advance payment of 40% of the total amount is required. The remaining 60% may 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 requested.

Are you traveling with 4 or more people?

We can offer a special rate for your group.

Inquire About Group Rates

Experiences from our travelers in Maras and Moray

An adventure in Maras and the salt mines with Francisca

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!

Francisca

Sep. 2022 • Couple

More reviews from our passengers

    
 
 
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   Poonyaweera T 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing service, highly recommend!
Amazing service! Javier was very responsive to help with coordination and went above and beyond. Our Machu Picchu tour was amazing, we received a great guide and all transportation methods were very easy to get to.
  
 
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   Gabriela Z 
 
 
 
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Excellent experience with Cuscoperu.com. The hotels were very well located and had a good price/quality ratio. The service and organization were excellent.
  
 
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CuscoPeru Agency, everything was excellent from the transfers, hotels, and tours and excursions, highly recommended
  
 
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   Ada A 
 
 
 
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It was a sensational experience. Highly recommended for those who wish to visit Cusco; you will always have the assistance of the entire Cuscoperú team.
  
 
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It was an incredible experience
  
 
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   Efrain C 
 
 
 
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Pleasant experience, without any setbacks from the operator, I took 3 tours with them in Cusco and all 3 were very professional.
  
 
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   Darryl B 
 
 
 
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It was a great weekend. The Cusco tour and Machu Picchu tours were amazing. All the guides and drivers were very friendly. The schedule had enough time so we did not miss anything. Good communication from the company as well.
  
 
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   Bere F 
 
 
 
 Verified The best experience in Peru
Excellent service, attentive to our itineraries the whole time. Very trustworthy if you are planning a trip for women or by yourself!
  
 
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   Judith Z 
 
 
 
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It was a very nice experience; EFRAIN organized our entire tour, he cared about and organized every detail, always concerned from the moment they picked us up at the hotel until we arrived back. Very good service from the people who transported us and the guide at Machu Picchu was excellent. Recommended 1000%... thank you for making our anniversary an unforgettable day.
  
 
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   Tomás A 
 
 
 
 Verified Unbeatable service
Everything excellent. 100% recommended

Moments from the Maras and Moray Tour

Discover some of the landscapes, attractions, and experiences that make up this journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Maras, and Moray.

Tourist sitting at a viewpoint overlooking the circular Inca terraces of Moray.

Tourist learning about Maras salt production during a Maras and Moray tour.

Bags of Maras salt in different varieties displayed for sale.

Panoramic view of the salt evaporation ponds during a Maras Salt Mines and Moray tour.

Guide explaining the Maras Salt Mines to a tourist during a Maras and Moray tour.

Panoramic view of Moray's circular Inca terraces surrounded by mountains.

View of Moray's agricultural terraces from a scenic lookout.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Maras and Moray Tour

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.

Do I need to buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket for Moray and the salt mines?

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.

How physically demanding is the tour, and can the altitude affect me?

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.

Can visitors walk between the salt ponds at Maras?

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.

How does the rainy season affect a Maras salt mines and Moray tour?

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.

Can I plan another activity after the Maras Moray half day tour?

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.

What is the difference between the group and private services?

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.