The Cusco: Maras and Moray Half-Day Tour provides an immersive cultural experience, exploring the iconic Inca sites of the region. Priced at just $20 per person, this 7-hour excursion promises to deliver a memorable adventure. Travelers will witness the innovative terraces of Moray, uncover the secrets of the Maras salt mines, and explore the textile traditions of Chinchero. With round-trip transportation and a professional bilingual guide, this tour offers a convenient and enriching way to discover the heart of the Inca Empire.

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Key Points

This half-day tour explores the Inca archaeological sites of Maras and Moray near Cusco, providing insights into Inca agricultural practices and salt production.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and entrance fees, lasting approximately 7 hours and priced at $20 per person.
Highlights include visiting a textile interpretation center in Chinchero, exploring the unique terraced formations at Moray, and touring the Maras salt mines.
Participants will learn about the cultural significance and heritage of the region, including fabric production traditions and sustainable resource management.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with pre-existing medical conditions, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Cusco: Maras and Moray Tour is a half-day excursion that offers visitors the opportunity to explore two of the region’s most captivating Inca archaeological sites.

The Cusco: Maras and Moray Tour is a half-day excursion that offers visitors the opportunity to explore two of the region’s most captivating Inca archaeological sites.

Priced at $20 per person, the tour lasts approximately 7 hours and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can conveniently reserve their spot and pay later. The tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and entrance fees to Moray and the Maras salt mines.

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Guests should bring their passport or ID and cash.

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Itinerary Highlights

Guests on the Cusco: Maras and Moray Tour can expect to be picked up from their hotel near the city center at approximately 8:00 a.m.

The first stop is the textile interpretation centers in Chinchero, where visitors will learn about fabric production.

Next, they’ll explore the Inca agricultural experimental center in Moray, featuring terraces with unique microclimates.

The tour then visits the Maras salt mines, a collection of over 3,000 natural salt wells fed by underground springs.

Throughout the day, guests will witness demonstrations of artisan weaving and discover the cultural significance of these historic sites.

Cultural Insights

As guests explore the Cusco: Maras and Moray Tour, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the cultural significance of the sites visited.

In Chinchero, they’ll learn about the intricate process of fabric production, a longstanding tradition.

At Moray, they’ll discover the Inca’s innovative use of terraces to create microclimates for agricultural experimentation.

Plus, the tour offers insights into the Maras salt mines, which have been actively exploited since the Inca era.

The Maras salt mines have been actively exploited since the Inca era, offering insights into the region’s rich heritage.

These cultural experiences provide a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich heritage and the enduring practices of its people.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes round-trip transportation, hotel pickup, and a professional bilingual guide.

Entrance fees to Moray ($20.00) and the Maras salt flats ($5.00) are also covered.

However, meals aren’t included. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID and cash. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.

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Important Information and Customer Feedback

Travelers should bring their passport or ID and cash when joining this tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed during the excursion.

The tour has an overall rating of 5/5 based on 1 review from a guest from Turkey who visited in March 2025.

Key considerations include:

What to Bring: passport or ID, cash
What’s Not Allowed: alcohol, drugs
Suitability: not for wheelchair users or those with pre-existing medical conditions

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Scenic Attractions in Moray

Though the Inca agricultural experimental center in Moray features terraces with microclimates, the real highlight is the striking visual impact of the site’s circular terraced formations.

Visitors are awestruck by the sheer scale and symmetry of these ancient stone platforms that descend into the valley floor. The terraces, believed to have been used for crop experimentation, create a mesmerizing optical illusion as they curve gracefully into the landscape.

Exploring this unique archaeological wonder offers a glimpse into the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of agricultural practices and engineering prowess.

The Maras Salt Mines

After marveling at the captivating terraces of Moray, visitors make their way to the unique Maras salt mines.

The Maras salt mines consist of over 3,000 natural salt wells fed by underground hypersaline springs.

Visitors can:

Explore the salt ponds and witness the traditional salt harvesting process.
Learn about the significance of the Maras salt mines, which have been exploited since the Tahuantinsuyo era.
Experience demonstrations of artisan salt processing techniques.

These ancient salt mines offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and sustainable resource management practices.

Exploring Chinchero’s Textile Tradition

As visitors traverse the picturesque region, they’ll have the opportunity to explore Chinchero’s rich textile tradition. At the textile interpretation centers, guests will witness demonstrations of artisan weaving techniques that have been passed down for generations. They’ll learn about the intricate process of fabric production, from the harvesting of natural fibers to the dyeing and weaving of the vibrant textiles.

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This immersive experience allows travelers to gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance and skilled craftsmanship behind Chinchero’s renowned textile heritage.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour, but they’re not included in the tour price. Meals are excluded, so you’ll need to plan and pack any snacks or beverages you’d like during the excursion.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it may not be appropriate for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or wheelchair users, as mentioned in the tour details.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

There’s no mention of any student or senior discounts for this tour. The pricing is a flat rate of $20 per person, regardless of age or student status. The tour details don’t indicate any special discounts available.

Can I Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, a private tour is available for this experience. Customers can book a private tour instead of a group tour, but it may cost more than the standard per-person price listed. Contact the tour operator for private tour pricing and availability.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Hidden Fees?

The tour includes round-trip transportation, hotel pickup, professional bilingual guide, partial tourist ticket to Moray, and entrance to Maras salt flats. There are no additional costs or hidden fees according to the information provided.

Sum Up

The Cusco: Maras and Moray Half-Day Tour offers a captivating exploration of the region’s Inca heritage. Visitors can expect to witness the awe-inspiring Moray terraces, explore the centuries-old salt mining tradition at Maras, and enjoy Chinchero’s vibrant textile culture. With inclusive round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and reasonable pricing, this tour provides an enriching cultural experience that’ll leave a lasting impression.