Maras, Moray, Salineras Salt Mines Tour From Cusco

Tucked away in the Andean highlands, the Maras, Moray, and Salineras Salt Mines offer a captivating glimpse into Peru’s rich Inca heritage. This half-day tour from Cusco promises an enriching experience, taking travelers on a journey through ancient agricultural terraces and the centuries-old process of salt extraction. With expert guidance and round-trip transportation, this tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the breathtaking landscapes and uncover the fascinating history that shaped this region.

Key Points

• A half-day tour from Cusco that explores the Inca agricultural terraces at Moray and the ancient salt mines at Maras.
• The tour is provided by Minka Peru Expeditions, costs 80 soles per person, and includes pickup, transportation, and an English/Spanish-speaking guide.
• The tour involves moderate physical activity, with walking on uneven terrain and navigating stairs or steep inclines.
• Highlights include the unique circular terraces of Moray and the traditional salt extraction methods at the Maras salt mines.
• The tour starts at 8:30 am and is not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate, except those with serious medical conditions.

Tour Overview

This half-day tour from Cusco takes visitors to two remarkable sites in the Sacred Valley – Moray and Maras.

At Moray, you’ll explore the Inca’s pioneering agricultural terraces, while Maras showcases the ancient salt mines.

The tour is provided by Minka Peru Expeditions and costs 80 soles per person.

Pickup and round-trip transportation are included, along with an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 19 travelers.

Tour start time is 8:30 am, and the price is $35 per person.

Cancellations are non-refundable.

Inclusions and Transportation

The tour includes pickup from your hotel or the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, as well as round-trip tourist transportation to the sites.

An English and Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing insights along the way.

For your safety, a first aid kit and oxygen are available.

The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 19 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Tour Schedule and Pricing

The tour starts at 8:30 am and is priced from $35.00 per person.

It’s a non-refundable tour, so there are no cancellation refunds.

The tour takes guests to the Moray agricultural terraces and the Maras salt mines, with admission fees of 80 soles per person.

The tour is provided by Minka Peru Expeditions and has a maximum group size of 19 travelers.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate, except those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.

The tour has received positive reviews, highlighting the informative guide and the fascinating Inca history.

Accessibility and Health Requirements

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate, except for those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.

The tour involves walking on uneven terrain and navigating sites with stairs or steep inclines. Visitors should be reasonably fit and able to handle moderate physical activity.

The tour provider has a first aid kit and oxygen available, but it’s essential for participants to inform the guide of any pre-existing conditions or concerns.

Highlights of the Moray Site

Moray’s remarkable Inca agricultural terraces captivate visitors with their unique circular design and intriguing history. Carved into a natural bowl-shaped depression, these intricate terraces served as an experimental agricultural laboratory for the Incas.

Moray’s Inca agricultural terraces captivate visitors with their unique circular design and role as an experimental laboratory for the Incas.

The terraces exhibit:

1. Impressive engineering feats, with each level featuring a distinct microclimate for testing crops.

2. Diverse plant species, from potatoes and corn to exotic Andean flora, that the Incas cultivated for food, medicine, and textiles.

3. Stunning vistas, as the terraces cascade down the sloping landscape, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes mountains.

Exploring the Maras Salt Mines

After exploring the remarkable Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, the tour continues to the captivating Maras salt mines.

Nestled in a picturesque mountain valley, the Maras salt mines have been in operation since pre-Inca times. Visitors can witness the traditional method of salt extraction, where saltwater from nearby springs is channeled into hundreds of small terraced pools and allowed to evaporate, leaving behind the precious salt.

The striking white pools contrast beautifully against the surrounding landscape. Guests have the opportunity to purchase locally harvested salt, a unique souvenir from this historic site.

Insights From the Tour Guide

During the tour, the guide provided insightful commentary that enriched the visitors’ understanding of the Maras salt mines.

The guide highlighted several key points:

The guide highlighted the salt harvesting’s Inca roots, the mines’ economic and cultural significance, and sustainable practices preserving the salt flats.

1. The salt harvesting process has remained largely unchanged since Inca times, with local families still manually extracting salt from the salt pans.

2. The mines play a crucial role in the local economy, providing a livelihood for the community and contributing to the region’s cultural heritage.

3. Sustainability is a major focus, with the guide explaining measures taken to preserve the salt flats and ensure their continued productivity.

Traveler Reviews and Recommendations

What do travelers have to say about this tour? Based on 7 reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor, the tour has a strong 4.4 out of 5 rating.

Travelers highlight the knowledgeable and informative guide who brings the Inca history to life. The fascinating Moray agricultural terraces and Maras salt mines are described as must-see attractions.

While the tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users, most travelers can participate. Reviewers recommend this tour for those interested in cultural and historical experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Strenuous Is the Hiking Required During the Tour?

The hiking on this tour is moderate, with some uphill stretches. It’s not overly strenuous, but visitors should be reasonably fit and able to handle a few hours of walking. The tour isn’t suitable for those with severe medical conditions.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Water on the Tour?

Yes, travelers can bring their own snacks and water on the tour. The tour overview doesn’t mention any restrictions, so participants are free to pack their own food and hydration as needed during the half-day excursion.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available at the Tour Sites?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the tour sites. The tour includes stops at Moray and Maras, both of which have public restrooms for visitors to use during the excursion.

Does the Tour Company Offer Any Discounts or Promotions?

The tour company doesn’t seem to offer any discounts or promotions according to the information provided. The tour price is listed as a flat rate of $35 per person, with no mention of special offers or deals.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each of the Tour Sites?

The tour spends approximately 1.5 hours at Moray’s agricultural terraces and 1 hour at Maras’ salt mines. The total duration of the half-day tour is around 4-5 hours, including transportation time.

The Sum Up

The Maras, Moray, Salineras Salt Mines tour from Cusco offers an immersive exploration of Inca heritage and stunning landscapes. At $35, the half-day excursion includes round-trip transportation, expert guidance, and the chance to witness the ancient salt extraction process and the unique circular terraces of Moray. This tour provides an enriching cultural experience for visitors seeking to explore the rich history of the Andes.