Day Tour to Maras, Moray and Salt Flats From Cusco

Exploring the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of Peru, the day tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Flats from Cusco offers an immersive experience. Visitors will sample traditional chicha, marvel at the Inca’s impressive farming terraces, and witness the historic salt pools – all within a small group setting guided by knowledgeable experts. With a 93% recommendation rate, this tour promises an enriching adventure that uncovers the fascinating history and natural wonders of the region.

Key Points

• This day tour from Cusco visits the Inca-era agricultural terraces of Moray, the salt pools of Salineras, and the cultural town of Maras.
• The tour includes roundtrip hotel transport, an English-speaking guide, and a small group size of 4-8 people.
• Highlights include sampling traditional Peruvian chicha, exploring the scenic Salineras salt pools, and experiencing the cultural richness of Maras.
• The tour has over 100 reviews with a 93% recommendation rate and has earned a Badge of Excellence in Cusco, Peru.
• The cost is 80 Peruvian Sol per person, with private tour upgrades available.

Tour Overview

This day tour from Cusco offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historic Maras, Moray, and Salineras (Salt Flats) sites.

With over 100 reviews and a 93% recommendation rate, the tour has earned a Badge of Excellence in Cusco, Peru.

A highly recommended tour with over 100 reviews and a 93% approval rate, earning it a Badge of Excellence in Cusco, Peru.

Guests enjoy roundtrip hotel transport, an English-speaking guide, and a small group size of 4-8 people.

The tour includes bottled water, lunch, and admission tickets, costing 80 Peruvian Sol per person.

Upgrades to a private tour are available.

Travelers can complete this tour after visiting the Sacred Valley to utilize the same entry ticket.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Although the tour covers several impressive sites, the itinerary’s highlights showcase the cultural and historical richness of the region.

Guests begin by sampling chicha, a traditional Peruvian corn beverage, and experiencing daily life in Maras.

Next, they explore the remarkable Inca-era agricultural terraces of Moray, designed for testing micro-climates and crops.

The tour culminates at the striking Salineras, or salt pools, which have been in use since the Inca period. Visitors can wander through the over 3,000 salt pools, marveling at this unique natural wonder.

• Maras: Sample traditional chicha and experience local life

• Moray: Explore Inca-era agricultural terraces

• Salineras: Visit the impressive salt pools in use since the Inca period

• Cultural and historical richness throughout the itinerary

Meeting and Pickup Details

The tour offers convenient pickup options from most Cusco hotels, including Airbnb accommodations.

The tour starts at 8:00 AM, with several pickup points available for selection. This allows flexibility for travelers staying in different parts of the city.

The small group size, ranging from 4 to 8 people, ensures a more personalized experience.

With the tour not being wheelchair accessible and infants required to sit on laps, guests should plan accordingly.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing peace of mind for last-minute changes in plans.

Maras: Experiencing Peruvian Culture

What makes the visit to Maras so immersive? The town offers a glimpse into Peruvian daily life, starting with the chance to sample chicha – a traditional corn-based beverage.

Visitors can explore the charming streets, observing locals going about their routines:

• Vendors hawking handcrafted goods and produce

• Women weaving vibrant textiles on looms

• Farmers tending to fields and livestock

• Children playing in the town square

This authentic experience allows travelers to better understand the cultural heritage and rhythms of Maras, providing a meaningful connection to the region beyond just sightseeing.

Moray: Exploring Inca Agricultural Terraces

Moving from the culture of Maras, the tour continues to Moray, where visitors can explore the Inca’s remarkable agricultural experiments.

The site features massive, circular terraces descending into the earth, designed to simulate different microclimates. This allowed the Incas to test crops and growing conditions across various altitudes and temperatures.

Visitors can wander the concentric rings, marveling at the Inca’s advanced understanding of agriculture and environmental adaptation.

The breathtaking views across the valley showcase the scale and precision of this ingenious Inca laboratory, providing insight into their sophisticated farming practices.

Salineras: Visiting the Salt Flats

After exploring the Inca agricultural terraces at Moray, the tour heads to the striking Salineras, or Salt Flats.

This unique site features:

• Over 3,000 small salt pools, carved into the mountainside

• Terraced ponds where salt is harvested from the salty spring water

• Bright white salt crystals contrasting with the vibrant red earth

• Locals working the salt pans, a practice dating back to the Inca empire

Visitors can wander the pathways, observing the salt production process and taking in the dramatic, otherworldly landscape.

Visitors can wander the pathways, observing the salt production process and taking in the dramatic, otherworldly landscape.

The Salineras offer a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and environmental heritage.

Utilizing the Sacred Valley Entry Ticket

The tour is designed to make the most of visitors’ time by suggesting they complete this excursion after visiting the Sacred Valley.

Doing so allows them to utilize the same entry ticket, which covers several Inca sites in the region. This saves both time and money, as the Sacred Valley ticket grants access to the Moray archaeological site included in this tour.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Positive reviews of the Day Tour to Maras, Moray and Salt Flats highlight the knowledgeable guides, beautiful sights, and accommodating service provided.

Specific guides praised include Fabrizio, Alexis, Efrain, and Flora for their expertise and friendliness.

Some negative experiences noted issues with specific guides, such as unprofessional behavior and lack of engagement.

Overall, many recommend the tour for its cultural richness and scenic views.

The tour includes:

• Sampling chicha a Peruvian corn beverage, and experiencing daily life in Maras

• Exploring Inca-era agricultural terraces in Moray

• Visiting the striking collection of over 3,000 salt pools in Salineras

• Utilizing the Sacred Valley entry ticket for a comprehensive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, there’s an optional private tour upgrade available which allows customers to customize the tour itinerary to their preferences and interests. This provides a more personalized experience beyond the standard group tour.

Will There Be Enough Time to Explore Each Site Thoroughly?

The tour provides ample time to explore each site thoroughly. Guests can expect to spend 1-2 hours at each location, allowing them to fully experience the highlights and enjoy the cultural and historical aspects of the tour.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price includes roundtrip hotel transport, guide, bottled water, lunch, and admission ticket. However, there may be additional costs for optional upgrades, such as a private tour, or personal purchases at the sites.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Special Needs?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions and special needs. Guests can notify the tour operator in advance, and the guide will work to accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, or other dietary requirements. The small group size allows for personalized attention.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Refunds are available for cancellations within this window, providing flexibility for travelers.

The Sum Up

The Day Tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Flats from Cusco offers an enriching exploration of Peru’s cultural and agricultural heritage. With a 93% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour provides a captivating experience, from sampling traditional chicha in Maras to visiting the historic salt pools of Salineras. Participants can expect a small group setting, convenient hotel pickups, and knowledgeable guides to ensure a personalized and memorable adventure.