The Cusco: Maras and Moray Half Day Tour offers an immersive glimpse into Peru’s captivating heritage. Visitors can discover the impressive Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, explore the ancient salt mines of Maras, and witness traditional Andean textile weaving in Chinchero. Priced at just $25 per person, this seven-hour adventure promises a captivating journey through the region’s natural beauty and cultural riches. With hotel pickup, a professional bilingual guide, and a range of inclusions, this tour provides an ideal opportunity to delve deeper into the wonders of Cusco.

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Key Points

This half-day tour from Cusco explores the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras, duration is 7 hours, and it’s priced from $25 per person.
The tour offers hotel pickup, a professional bilingual guide, and includes partial entrance fees to Moray and full entrance to the Maras salt mines.
Highlights include discovering Moray’s concentric circular terraces used for microclimate experimentation and witnessing the traditional Andean textile weaving process in Chinchero.
The tour provides the opportunity to explore over 3,000 natural salt wells at the Maras salt mines, a unique and ancient site.
Availability and communication for last-minute reservations can be checked via email, and the "Reserve now & pay later" option is offered for flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Cusco: Maras and Moray half day tour is a comprehensive exploration of the region’s Inca agricultural and salt mining heritage.

Priced from $25 per person, the 7-hour tour is available in Spanish and English. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers flexibility.

The 7-hour tour is priced from $25 per person and available in Spanish and English, with flexible free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup from your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time is included. Key highlights include the experimental agricultural terraces of Moray and the 3,000 natural salt wells of Maras.

Gain insights into traditional textile weaving and ancient salt production methods on this immersive cultural experience.

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

Tour Highlights

Discover Inca agricultural terraces in Moray, known as the Incas’ laboratory.

Explore these unique concentric circular terraces designed to experiment with microclimates.

Next, visit Chinchero for a demonstration of traditional Andean textile weaving.

Witness the intricate process of dyeing and weaving using ancient techniques.

Then, venture to the salt mines of Maras, an impressive sight of over 3,000 natural salt wells fed by a hypersaline spring.

Learn about the history and methods of salt production dating back to the Inca Empire.

Enjoy the insights of textile creation and ancient salt mining on this captivating half-day tour.

Itinerary

8:00 am marks the start of the tour, with pickup from the hotel lobby near Cusco’s historic center.

The first stop is Chinchero, where visitors can witness a demonstration of traditional textile weaving.

Visitors can witness a demonstration of traditional textile weaving at the first stop, Chinchero.

Next, they’ll explore Moray, the Incas’ agricultural laboratory with its experimental terraces and microclimates.

The tour then moves to the salt mines of Maras, where over 3,000 natural salt wells are fed by a hypersaline spring dating back millions of years.

The tour concludes around 3:00 pm with drop-off near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

Textile interpretation centers in Chinchero
Moray’s experimental agricultural center
Salt mines of Maras, historically exploited since Tahuantinsuyo
Return to Cusco by approximately 3:00 pm

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup near or within Cusco’s historic center, round-trip transportation, and a professional bilingual guide.

It also provides partial tourist entrance to Moray, where you’ll explore the Incas’ experimental agricultural terraces.

You’ll also get entrance to the salt mines of Maras, a fascinating site with over 3,000 natural salt wells dating back over 110 million years.

However, the tour doesn’t include food or beverages.

Guests should ensure they’ve the correct contact information, including a country code and WhatsApp, and check availability for last-minute reservations before booking.

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Important Information

Guests should ensure they’ve the correct contact number with country code and have WhatsApp, as this will facilitate communication with the tour provider.

Ensure you have the correct contact number with country code and WhatsApp to facilitate communication with the tour provider.

For last-minute reservations, it’s advised to check availability via email before booking. The tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans.

Additionally:

Ensure you bring appropriate clothing and footwear for the varying weather conditions.
Stay hydrated and bring snacks, as the tour includes a lot of walking.
Be punctual for the scheduled pickup time to avoid delays.
Familiarize yourself with the tour’s itinerary to make the most of the experience.

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Discovering Inca Agricultural Terraces in Moray

Nestled within the Andes, the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray captivate visitors with their unique design and intriguing history.

These vast concentric terraces were used as an experimental agricultural station by the Incas. Each terrace represents a different microclimate, allowing the Incas to test various crops and cultivation techniques.

Descending into the site, one can sense the ingenuity of the Inca engineers who constructed this remarkable system. The terraces’ scale and complexity showcase the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and environmental adaptation.

Exploring Moray offers a glimpse into the Incas’ innovative approach to food production in the challenging Andean landscape.

Exploring the Salt Mines of Maras

Situated in the Andes, the Salt Mines of Maras captivate visitors with their striking, terraced appearance.

These ancient salt wells, dating back over 110 million years, have been exploited since the Inca empire.

Visitors can explore:

Over 3,000 individual salt pans fed by a hypersaline spring
Traditional methods of salt harvesting, where workers collect the salt by hand
The diverse colors of the salt pans, ranging from bright white to deep pink
The historical significance of this site, which has been an important source of salt for centuries

Experiencing Traditional Textile Weaving in Chinchero

As visitors explore the Maras salt mines, the tour also includes a stop in Chinchero, where they witness the traditional textile weaving techniques that have been passed down for generations. The tour guide provides insights into the intricate process, from dyeing the wool with natural pigments to expertly weaving the vibrant patterns. Guests observe the skilled weavers at work, creating stunning textiles that reflect Inca heritage.

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Things To Know

Do I Need Any Specific Attire for This Tour?

For this tour, comfortable walking shoes and lightweight, breathable clothing are recommended. Layering is advised as the weather can be variable in the Andean region. Bringing a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses is also advisable.

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

Participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, any items consumed must be carried and disposed of by the participant, as the tour does not provide meal services.

Are There Any Restrooms or Places to Purchase Snacks Along the Way?

The tour does not include any designated stops for purchasing snacks or using restrooms. However, there may be opportunities to use facilities or buy refreshments at the Moray archaeological site and the Maras salt mines during the tour.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit These Sites?

The best time to visit Maras and Moray is during the dry season from May to October when the weather is mild and sunny. Crowds are smaller, making for a more enjoyable experience exploring these ancient Inca sites.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Add Extra Activities?

Customers can’t customize the itinerary or add extra activities on this half-day tour, as it has a fixed schedule. However, they may be able to arrange private or custom tours for more flexibility if they contact the tour operator in advance.

Sum Up

The Cusco: Maras and Moray Half Day Tour offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the impressive Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, the ancient salt mines of Maras, and witness traditional Andean textile weaving in Chinchero, all for the affordable price of $25 per person. This seven-hour adventure is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the region’s cultural and natural wonders.