Imagine stepping into the heart of the Inca Empire, where ancient wonders and natural beauty intertwine. This captivating day tour from Cuzco takes you on an unforgettable journey through the Sacred Valley, unveiling the enigmatic Moray Terraces and the captivating Maras salt mines. With an expert guide by your side, you’ll uncover the rich cultural heritage that has captivated travelers for centuries. But the real magic lies in the moments yet to be discovered.

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Key Points

This tour offers an exploration of the iconic Inca sites of Moray and Maras salt mines from Cusco.
The tour duration ranges from 6 to 12 hours and is available in English and Spanish.
Highlights include guided tours of Moray and Maras, with optional stops at Chinchero, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
The full-day option includes a traditional Peruvian lunch in Urubamba.
The tour is suitable for the general public, but not for individuals with mobility impairments or those over 95 years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Sacred Valley, Moray Terraces, and Salt Mines" tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of some of Peru’s most iconic Inca sites.

Priced from $25 per person, the 6-12 hour tour is available in English and Spanish. Guests can expect pickup between 7:30-8:00 AM and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary highlights the circular Inca terraces of Moray, the salt mines of Maras, and optional sites like Chinchero and Ollantaytambo. A full-day option includes lunch in Urubamba.

Discover the circular Inca terraces of Moray, the salt mines of Maras, and optional sites like Chinchero and Ollantaytambo. A full-day option includes lunch in Urubamba.

Small groups and private tours are available. Travelers should bring proper attire, ID, and cash for site entry fees.

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

Itinerary Highlights

Moray circular Inca terraces beckon visitors to explore the ancient agricultural techniques of the empire.

Over 50 minutes, guests can wander the unique stepped system, learning how the Inca engineered this intricate farming site.

Next, travelers visit the nearby Maras salt mines. Here, they’ll enjoy a guided tour and free time to witness the salt harvesting process that has existed for centuries.

For those opting for the full-day tour, additional stops may include Chinchero, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac – offering more insight into the Sacred Valley’s Inca heritage and culture.

Inclusions

Hotel pickup and round trip shared transportation are included, ensuring a seamless start and end to the tour.

A professional bilingual guide accompanies the group, providing insights and historical context throughout the day.

Entrance fees to both Moray and the Maras salt mines are covered, allowing visitors to fully explore these remarkable Inca sites.

While tips and gratuities aren’t included, the tour give you an immersive cultural experience at an affordable price.

Travelers need only bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and cash for any additional purchases or meals.

Important Information

Individuals with mobility impairments or those over 95 years old may find the tour unsuitable. Participants should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, and cash. Bikes, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited. Tickets for the Moray site and Maras salt mines must be purchased separately, costing 70 soles and 20 soles respectively.

| Suitable For | Not Suitable For |

| — | — |

| – General public | – Individuals with mobility impairments |

| – People under 95 years old | – People over 95 years old |

| Prohibited Items | Required Items |

| — | — |

| – Bikes | – Passport or ID |

| – Alcohol | – Comfortable shoes |

| – Drugs | – Breathable clothing |

| | – Cash |

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Moray: Exploring the Circular Inca Terraces

The circular Inca terraces of Moray are a captivating sight that invite visitors to uncover the ancient agricultural secrets they hold.

Descending into the vast depressions, travelers can explore the intricate series of concentric terraces and learn how the Incas used these innovative structures to experiment with microclimates and grow a variety of crops.

The depth and design of the terraces created temperature variations, allowing the Incas to cultivate plants from different ecological zones.

Exploring Moray provides a glimpse into the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and their ability to adapt to the challenging Andean environment.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Maras: Discovering the Salt Mines

After exploring the captivating Inca terraces of Moray, the tour continues to the Maras salt mines, an extraordinary site where visitors can witness the centuries-old process of salt extraction. Guided through the salt ponds, guests observe the intricate network of salt-producing pools and learn about the traditional methods used by the local community. The salt is harvested manually, a labor-intensive but fascinating process. Visitors are given free time to wander the picturesque landscape, take in the stunning views, and even purchase some of the pure, unrefined salt as a memento of their journey.

| Maras Salt Mines | |

|——————|——————|

| Duration | 50 minutes |

| Entrance Fee | 20 soles |

| Highlights | – Witness salt harvesting
– Explore the salt ponds
– Purchase unrefined salt
– Admire the scenic landscape |

| Tips | Wear comfortable shoes |

| Accessibility | Not suitable for those with mobility issues |

Additional Sites (Option Two)

Visitors who opt for the full-day tour have the opportunity to explore additional sites beyond Moray and Maras.

These include:

Chinchero, a traditional Andean village known for its colonial-era church and lively market
Urubamba, the hub of the Sacred Valley with its picturesque plazas and colonial buildings
Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress with impressive terraced ruins
Pisac, home to a famous artisan market and Inca archaeological site

Lunch is included in the full-day option, with over 30 typical Peruvian dishes to choose from in Urubamba.

These extra stops provide a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley’s rich history and culture.

Dining Experience in Urubamba

What can visitors expect from the dining experience in Urubamba? Urubamba offers a delightful array of over 30 traditional Peruvian dishes. Guests can savor local favorites in a charming setting overlooking the picturesque Urubamba River. The dining options include:

| Dish | Price | Description |

| — | — | — |

| Cuy Chactado | $12 | Crispy fried guinea pig |

| Lomo Saltado | $9 | Sautéed beef with onions and tomatoes |

| Quinoa Soup | $6 | Hearty, nutritious soup made with quinoa |

| Ají de Gallina | $8 | Creamy chicken stew with aji amarillo |

The lunch stop provides a chance to immerse in Peruvian cuisine and culture, complementing the day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley.

Things To Know

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos during the tour. Photography is generally allowed at the Moray terraces, Maras salt mines, and other sites visited. However, be mindful of any restrictions and ask your guide if you’re unsure about photo-taking.

Is There Any Flexibility in the Itinerary?

The tour itinerary offers some flexibility. Guests can choose to visit additional sites like Chinchero, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac for a full-day option. However, the core stops at Moray and Maras salt mines are fixed.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Site Visit?

The itinerary allows about 50 minutes at the Maras salt mines and flexibility for the other sites, with the full-day option including lunch in Urubamba. Specific durations aren’t provided, but the tour seems to offer a balanced experience at the key destinations.

Are There Any Health or Safety Considerations?

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility issues or people over 95 years old. Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, and cash. Prohibited items include bikes, alcohol, and drugs.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. The prices are fixed at $25 per person, regardless of age or student status. However, children under 12 may be eligible for reduced rates.

Sum Up

This unforgettable journey from Cuzco to the Sacred Valley promises to unveil the captivating Inca heritage. Discover the enigmatic Moray Terraces, the iconic Maras salt mines, and savor a delectable Peruvian lunch. With expert guidance and stunning vistas, it’s an immersive experience that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler. Convenient pickup and flexible booking make this tour a must-do on any Cuzco itinerary.