Set out on a captivating journey through Peru’s ancient wonders with the Maras and Moray Half Day Tour. Explore the historic salt mines of Maras and the iconic circular terraces of Moray, marveling at the Inca’s innovative agricultural practices. This personalized small-group tour offers guided commentary, providing insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage. With stunning vistas and a seamless experience, this half-day adventure sets the stage for an unforgettable exploration of these remarkable sites.

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Key Points

A half-day tour that explores the ancient Inca salt mines of Maras and the unique circular agricultural terraces of Moray.
The tour includes roundtrip transportation from Cusco, entrance fees, and guided commentary on the historical significance of these sites.
The small-group format (up to 15 participants) provides a personalized experience and allows for flexibility in the schedule.
The tour starts at 8:30 am and returns around lunchtime, offering a convenient option for visitors.
Cancellation policy allows for changes up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility for the customer.

Tour Overview

This half-day tour takes travelers to the ancient agricultural terraces of Maras and the unique circular terraces of Moray, offering a glimpse into the Inca Empire’s sophisticated farming practices.

The small-group tour, limited to 15 participants, provides a personalized experience with insightful commentary on these historic sites.

The small-group tour offers a personalized experience with insightful commentary on these historic sites.

Guests will explore the Maras salt mines, which have been in use since the Inca era, and learn about the function of Moray’s mysterious terraces.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation from Cusco and entrance fees, ensuring a convenient and informative excursion.

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Inclusions

The Maras and Moray Half Day Tour includes the entrance fees for both Maras and Moray sites.

Pickup from your accommodation in Cusco and drop-off at Plaza Regocijo, 2 blocks from the main square, are also part of the tour.

You’ll enjoy a guided tour with insightful commentary on the ancient agricultural terraces and historic salt mines used since the Inca era.

The small-group tour, limited to 15 travelers, ensures a personalized experience.

The tour starts at 8:30 am, and you can take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

Schedule

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

It’s a half-day excursion, so travelers can expect to return around lunchtime.

The schedule provides flexibility, as there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins. This allows for last-minute changes in plans.

The schedule provides flexibility, allowing for last-minute changes with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour is also bookable using a reserve now, pay later option, making it convenient for travelers.

Additional Information

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking for this Maras and Moray half-day tour. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.

Highlights of the additional information include:

Cancellation with a full refund is available up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.
Flexibility is offered with the option to reserve now and pay later.
A small group size of 15 travelers or fewer ensures a personalized experience.
Though a tour was previously cancelled due to a strike, the overall visit to Cusco was rated positively.
Entrance fees for Maras and Moray are included in the tour.

Reviews and Ratings

Based on the previous information about the tour’s additional details, the reviews and ratings of the Maras and Moray half-day tour can now be explored.

The tour has an impressive 5.0 rating based on a single review. However, the review indicates the tour was cancelled by the guide due to a strike in Cusco.

Despite this, the overall visit to Cusco was rated positively. This suggests the tour operator provides a quality experience, even when unforeseen circumstances arise.

Potential travelers can have confidence in booking this tour, knowing the company is responsive to local conditions.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Exploring Maras

Although Maras is a small town in the Sacred Valley of Peru, it boasts a remarkable natural wonder – the Maras salt mines.

Visitors can explore:

Millennia-old salt evaporation ponds, with over 3,000 individual pools.
A striking, terraced landscape carved into the hillside.
The salt-harvesting process, which has remained largely unchanged since Inca times.
Vibrant colors, from brilliant white salt to hues of red, yellow, and green.
The opportunity to purchase salt directly from local producers.

The Maras salt mines offer a unique glimpse into the region’s ancient agricultural heritage and the ingenuity of its people.

Discovering Moray

The Inca ruins of Moray are a remarkable archaeological site located just a short distance from the Maras salt mines.

The Inca ruins of Moray are a remarkable archaeological site near the Maras salt mines.

These mysterious circular terraces were likely used as an agricultural laboratory, where the Incas could experiment with different climatic conditions and crop varieties.

As visitors descend into the vast depression, they’re struck by the sheer scale and engineering prowess of this ancient site.

Each level represents a distinct microclimate, allowing the Incas to cultivate a wide range of crops.

The tour guide provides insight into this intriguing Inca legacy, bringing the history of Moray to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Solo Travelers?

The tour is suitable for solo travelers as it’s a small-group tour limited to 15 travelers, providing a personalized experience. The tour includes pickup from Cusco accommodation and is accessible for most travelers.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour doesn’t provide meals, so bringing snacks and water is allowed and recommended, especially for the outdoor activities.

Are the Ruins Wheelchair Accessible?

The ruins are not wheelchair accessible. The tour information states that the tour is "Not wheelchair accessible" and that "Most travelers can participate." Visitors with mobility challenges may have difficulty navigating the uneven terrain at the sites.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour guide encourages participants to capture the ancient agricultural terraces and historic salt mines of Maras and Moray, which have been used since the Inca era.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. The small-group tour is open to travelers of all ages, though it may not be suitable for young children. The tour guide can provide information on accessibility and any age-specific considerations.

The Sum Up

The Maras and Moray Half Day Tour offers a captivating exploration of ancient Inca agricultural wonders. Visitors will experience the mesmerizing salt mines of Maras and the unique circular terraces of Moray, gaining insights into the innovative practices of the Inca civilization. With guided commentary, stunning views, and a personalized experience, this tour provides a deeper understanding of Peru’s rich cultural heritage.