Tour Moray Ruins and Salt Mines

Enjoy the captivating history and natural wonders of Peru’s Sacred Valley on this full-day tour from Cusco. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the centuries-old techniques of salt extraction at the Maras salt mines and marvel at the ingenious agricultural terraces of the Moray ruins. As you explore the fascinating legacy of the Inca Empire, prepare to be awestruck by the sheer scale and beauty of these remarkable sites. The journey promises to be both enlightening and visually stunning.

Key Points

• Full-day tour from Cusco to explore the Inca ruins of Maras and Moray.
• Visit the Maras salt mines and discover the Inca’s advanced farming techniques at Moray.
• Tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable bilingual guide.
• Maximum group size of 20 for an intimate experience.
• Appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes recommended, not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

Set out on a captivating journey to explore the Inca ruins of Maras and Moray on this full-day tour from Cusco.

Discover the Maras salt mines, where local communities use traditional techniques to extract salt.

Marvel at Moray’s massive agricultural terraces, an Inca "laboratory" showcasing their advanced farming practices.

Led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide, you’ll uncover the remarkable history and engineering feats of these iconic Inca sites.

With round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a maximum group size of 20, this tour provides a comprehensive and personalized experience for you to explore Peru’s rich Inca heritage.

Tour Details

The Maras and Moray tour starts at $20.00 per person and lasts the full day. The maximum group size is 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Round-trip transportation from Cusco and a professional bilingual guide are included. Entrance fees for Maras (S/. 10.00) and Moray (BTP cost: S/. 70.00) are covered. Meals, drinks, and tips aren’t included.

The tour departs from either the traveler’s hotel or the Plaza Regocijo meeting point in Cusco, and returns to the same location. It’s not wheelchair accessible, so travelers should come prepared with the recommended items like comfortable shoes, rain gear, and sun protection.

Inclusions

Though the tour price includes round-trip transportation from Cusco and a professional bilingual guide, travelers should plan to cover the cost of their own meals, drinks, and tips.

The tour does, however, cover the entrance fees to both Maras and Moray:

• Maras: S/. 10.00 per person
• Moray: S/. 70.00 per person (Boleto Turístico del Perú)

With these inclusions, travelers can explore the ancient salt mines of Maras and the unique agricultural terraces of Moray, gaining insight into the Inca Empire’s advanced farming techniques.

The tour provides a comprehensive and enriching experience of these remarkable historical sites.

Pickup Information

Where can travelers be picked up for this tour? Travelers have the option to be picked up directly from their Cusco hotel or meet at the central pickup point in Plaza Regocijo. The meeting point is conveniently located at F2M9+5X2, Cusco 08002, Peru.

Pickup Option	Location
Hotel Pickup	From your Cusco hotel
Meeting Point	Plaza Regocijo, Cusco

At the end of the tour, the bus will return travelers to the same meeting point in Plaza Regocijo where the tour began. This allows for easy access and convenience before and after the day’s adventure.

What to Expect

Confirmation of the booking is received upon completion.

On the day of the tour, travelers can expect a full-day excursion to explore the remarkable Inca ruins of Maras and Moray. The tour includes:

• Roundtrip transportation from the meeting point in Cusco
• A professional bilingual guide to provide insights and historical context
• Entrance fees to both the Maras salt mines and the Moray agricultural terraces

Participants should dress appropriately for the weather, packing layers, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a small backpack.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.

Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours prior to the start of the experience.

Exploring Maras Salt Mines

As visitors approach the Maras salt mines, they are greeted by a captivating sight. Rows upon rows of small, rectangular pools dot the arid landscape, glimmering in the sun. These are the traditional salt-evaporation ponds, where local families have harvested salt for centuries using time-honored techniques.

Salt Extraction Process
Collect Salt Water	Evaporate Water	Collect Salt	Package Salt
Channeled from nearby springs	Natural evaporation in ponds	Rake salt crystals	Store for sale/use

The salt-making process is a labor-intensive but fascinating display of the Inca’s advanced agricultural knowledge and sustainable practices. Visitors can observe the locals at work, learning about this unique cultural heritage.

Discovering Moray’s Agricultural Terraces

After exploring the Maras salt mines, visitors then make their way to the remarkable site of Moray.

This unique Inca "laboratory" features a series of concentric agricultural terraces, each descending deeper into the earth. The purpose of these terraces was to experiment with different microclimates, allowing the Incas to cultivate a variety of crops.

Visitors can wander along the terraces, marveling at the engineering feats of the Inca civilization.

Key highlights of Moray include:

• Observing the dramatic change in temperature and climate as you descend the terraces
• Imagining the Incas’ ingenious agricultural experiments on this unique site
• Panoramic views of the stunning Andean landscape surrounding the ruins

Itinerary of the Day

The day begins with a pickup from your Cusco hotel or the designated meeting point at Plaza Regocijo.

Heading out, you’ll journey through the stunning Andean landscape, passing picturesque villages and farmlands.

Upon arrival at Maras, you’ll explore the remarkable salt mines, witnessing the traditional salt extraction techniques still in use today.

Next, you’ll discover the unique agricultural terraces of Moray, an Inca "laboratory" showcasing their advanced farming practices.

Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable bilingual guide will provide insights into the rich history and cultural significance of these remarkable Inca sites.

Finally, you’ll be dropped off back at the starting point.

Sum Up

Discover the ancient wonders of the Inca Empire on this captivating full-day tour. Uncover the remarkable salt extraction techniques at the Maras salt mines and marvel at the innovative agricultural terraces of Moray, showcasing the Inca’s advanced engineering prowess. This immersive experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Peru.