Nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, the ancient sites of Moray and Maras beckon travelers seeking to uncover the secrets of the Inca empire. This one-day excursion promises an immersive journey through the region’s captivating history and breathtaking landscapes. From the mesmerizing salt mines of Maras to the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, each step of this adventure unveils a new chapter in the story of the Inca’s innovative agricultural practices. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this excursion offers a seamless exploration of these remarkable cultural treasures – but the true wonder lies in what you’ll discover along the way.

Contents show

Key Points

Explore the ancient Inca archaeological site of Moray and the picturesque salt mines of Maras on a one-day excursion from Cusco.
The excursion is priced from $24.18 per person and includes transportation, a local guide, and entry fees.
Visitors can observe the unique circular terraces of Moray and learn about the Incas’ advanced agricultural practices.
In Maras, discover the centuries-old salt mines and witness the traditional salt harvesting process.
The excursion offers a convenient pickup from Cusco at 8:20 am and a return by 2:30 pm, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Excursion Overview

This one-day excursion takes visitors to the captivating destinations of Moray and the salt mines of Maras, located within the iconic Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Priced from $24.18 per person, the tour includes transportation, a local guide, and entry fees. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Priced from $24.18 per person, the tour includes transportation, a local guide, and entry fees. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The day begins with pickup in Cusco at 8:20 am, followed by exploration of the picturesque town of Maras and its ancient salt quarries.

Next, visitors will discover the archaeological site of Moray, known for its unique circular agricultural platforms.

The excursion concludes with a return to Cusco by 2:30 pm.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Details

The excursion begins with a pickup at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco at 8:20 am, after which you will travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The first stop is the picturesque town of Maras, known for its ancient salt mines. Visitors will have an hour to observe the stunning salt quarries and learn about their history dating back to the Inca era.

Next, the group will venture to the archaeological site of Moray, at an elevation of 3,500 meters. Here, they’ll explore the unique circular platforms, an Inca experimental agricultural center.

Finally, the tour returns to Cusco, arriving near Plaza de San Francisco around 2:30 pm.

Maras: Picturesque Town and Salt Mines

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the picturesque town of Maras captivates visitors with its centuries-old salt mines.

Perched on a hillside, the mines comprise thousands of small, salt-evaporation ponds that have been in use since the time of the Incas. Locals continue the tradition, expertly harvesting the valuable mineral from the salty springs.

Visitors can stroll through the terraced ponds, marveling at the striking contrast of the bright white salt against the earthy landscape.

Maras offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and the enduring agricultural practices of the Andean people.

Moray: Inca’s Experimental Agricultural Center

After exploring the picturesque salt mines of Maras, the excursion continues to the archaeological site of Moray – an extraordinary Inca agricultural experiment.

At an impressive 3,500 meters above sea level, Moray’s unique circular platforms were used by the Incas to study the effects of different microclimates on crop cultivation.

Descending into the amphitheater-like structures, visitors can marvel at the Incas’ ingenious system of terraces and irrigation canals.

This remarkable site provides a glimpse into the Incas’ advanced agricultural practices and their ability to adapt to the challenging Andean environment.

More Great Tours Nearby

Inclusions and Entrance Fees

The excursion package includes pickup and return transfers to central Cusco, as well as bus transportation and a local guide to accompany visitors throughout the day.

Entrance fees are required for both Moray and Maras. Visitors will need to pay 70 soles (around $18.80) to enter Moray, the Inca’s unique agricultural experiment site.

The salt mines of Maras have a slightly lower fee of 15 soles (about $4) for Peruvian nationals and 20 soles ($5.40) for foreigners.

The tour is available in both Spanish and English, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Language Options

What language options are available for this excursion?

According to the information provided, a live tour guide is available in both Spanish and English. This ensures that participants can fully understand and engage with the historical and cultural insights shared throughout the day’s activities.

Whether you’re a native Spanish speaker or an English-speaking visitor, you’ll be able to enjoy a seamless and immersive experience exploring the Moray archaeological site and the salt mines of Maras.

Travelers of all language backgrounds can enjoy the Moray and Maras sites with seamless guided experiences.

The availability of multilingual guides enhances the educational and enjoyment aspects of this excursion, catering to the diverse needs of travelers.

Highlights of the Excursion

This excursion to Moray and the salt mines of Maras promises a captivating exploration of the Sacred Valley’s rich Inca heritage.

Visitors will marvel at the ancient salt pans of Maras, their terraced landscapes reflecting the sun’s glimmer.

Then, they’ll discover the unique amphitheater-like agricultural site of Moray, where the Incas experimented with crop cultivation at varying elevations.

Throughout the day, the tour provides opportunities to take in the region’s history and natural beauty, offering a window into the ingenious feats of the Inca civilization.

It’s an excursion that blends cultural exploration with stunning Andean scenery.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking this excursion is made easy, with the option to reserve a spot now and pay later. This flexibility allows you to secure your place without the immediate financial commitment.

If plans change, you can take advantage of the free cancellation policy by cancelling up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The excursion offers the following booking benefits:

Reserve now, pay later
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Full refund if cancelled within the policy

With these convenient booking options, you can confidently plan your Moray and Maras adventure.

Things To Know

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

Travelers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the excursion. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their policies and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues as it involves hiking at high altitudes and walking on uneven terrain. However, the tour provider can likely accommodate guests with mild mobility challenges with advance notice.

What Should I Bring to Protect Myself From the Weather?

To protect against the weather, it’s recommended to bring a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection like a hat or sunscreen. The high altitude and sun exposure can be intense, so dressing in layers is advised.

Are There Any Photo Opportunities During the Tour?

There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the tour. Visitors can capture stunning views of the salt mines, the circular agricultural platforms of Moray, and the picturesque landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Don’t forget to bring your camera to make the most of this excursion.

Can I Extend My Stay in the Sacred Valley After the Tour?

While the tour doesn’t include an extended stay in the Sacred Valley, you’re free to explore the area further on your own after the excursion. Many visitors choose to extend their time in this picturesque region.

Sum Up

This captivating one-day excursion to Moray and the salt mines of Maras offers a unique glimpse into Inca history and traditional practices. Discover the remarkable circular terraces of Moray, an agricultural hub for microclimate experimentation, and explore the picturesque salt mines where time-honored harvesting techniques are still used. With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and flexible booking policies, it’s an immersive experience not to be missed.