The "Tour Maras and Moray – Cusco | Half Day" promises a captivating exploration of Inca engineering marvels. Visitors will discover the agricultural innovation of Moray’s unique terraces and the enduring salt production methods of Maras. With a bilingual guide’s insights, this 7-hour tour provides an immersive look into the region’s history and cultural heritage. Travelers can expect an enriching experience, but the true highlight may lie in the unexpected…

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Key Points

This half-day tour explores the archaeological sites of Moray and Maras near Cusco, offering insights into Inca agricultural practices and salt production.
The tour lasts 7 hours and costs $26 per person, with hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a professional bilingual guide included.
Visitors can discover the experimental agricultural terraces of Moray and learn about the historical significance of the Maras salt mines.
The tour is available in Spanish and English, and free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or hearing-impaired individuals, and moderate physical activity is required.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a half-day exploration of the archaeological sites of Moray and Maras, located near Cusco. Lasting 7 hours, the tour costs $26 per person and is available in Spanish and English.

Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a professional bilingual guide.

Visitors will discover Moray’s experimental agricultural terraces and explore the historical salt mines of Maras, known for their natural salt production since Inca times.

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

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Itinerary

The tour begins at 8:00 am with hotel pick-up from the city center.

The tour begins at 8:00 am with hotel pick-up from the city center.

First, visitors explore Moray, an Inca agricultural experimental center featuring terraces and microclimates.

Next, they venture to Maras, where they discover the historic salt mines with over 3,000 natural salt wells.

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

Throughout the day, the professional bilingual guide provides insights into the sites’ cultural significance and Inca-era practices.

Highlights

Travelers can discover experimental agricultural terraces in Moray, where the Inca engineered a complex system of microclimates for crop cultivation. They can learn about textile production in Chinchero, exploring the historical significance of the salt mines, marketed by locals as in Inca times.

| Highlights |

| — | — | — | — |

| Discover experimental agricultural terraces in Moray | Learn about textile production in Chinchero | Explore the historical significance of the salt mines | Marketed by locals as in Inca times |

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pick-up near or within the historic center, round trip transportation, and a professional bilingual guide.

Partial tourist entrance fees to Moray, costing S/. 70.00 or $20.00, are also included. Visitors will also receive entrance to the salt mines of Maras, which costs S/. 15.00 or $5.00.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or hearing-impaired individuals. Visitors should bring their passport or ID card, but pets, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.

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Important Information

Although not suitable for wheelchair users or hearing-impaired individuals, the tour does allow visitors to bring their passport or ID card.

The tour has a few important rules:

Pets, alcohol, and drugs are strictly not allowed.
The tour may be canceled due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Participants should be prepared for moderate physical activity, as the tour involves walking on uneven terrain.

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About Moray

Moray is an Inca archaeological site renowned for its unique terraced circular depressions, which were likely used as an agricultural experimentation center.

The terraces descend in a stepped fashion, each level featuring a different microclimate. This allowed the Incas to test the cultivation of various crops and determine optimal growing conditions.

The site’s intricate engineering and precise construction showcase the Inca’s advanced understanding of agriculture and environmental science.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and imagine the Inca’s innovative experiments that took place here centuries ago.

About Maras

Nestled in the Andes Mountains near Cusco, Maras is home to over 3,000 natural salt wells that have been in use since Inca times.

The salt mines are fed by a hypersaline spring that flows from a 110-million-year-old source, creating an otherworldly landscape of white ponds.

Locals continue to harvest salt from these historic wells, using traditional methods passed down through generations.

Visitors can explore the evaporation ponds, observe salt harvesting, and purchase artisanal salt products directly from the producers.

Discover the ancient Inca salt-harvesting techniques.
Admire the stunning natural landscape of salt ponds.
Support local communities by purchasing salt directly from the source.

Practical Tips

Visitors exploring the Maras salt mines should come prepared. Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Bring a water bottle and snacks, as there are no food or beverage options on-site. It’s also recommended to bring local currency, as some vendors may not accept credit cards. Those with special needs should contact the tour operator in advance to ensure the proper accommodations can be made. The Maras and Moray tour involves significant walking, so a reasonable level of mobility is required.

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Things To Know

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

According to the tour information, outside food and drinks are not allowed. Visitors should bring only essential items like passports or ID cards. The tour provides round-trip transportation and does not include any meal or refreshment options.

Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration cannot be extended. The tour is a fixed half-day itinerary and doesn’t offer the flexibility to extend the length. Any requests to do so would need to be discussed with the tour provider.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Unfortunately, there are no student or senior discounts available for this tour. The pricing is fixed at $26.00 per person, regardless of age or student status. The tour operator does not offer any discounted rates.

Can I Take Photographs During the Entire Tour?

Yes, participants can take photographs throughout the tour. The tour overview states there are no restrictions on photography during the excursion to Moray and the Maras salt mines.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, it’s possible to customize the itinerary to your preferences. The tour operator may be able to accommodate special requests, such as spending more time in certain locations or adding additional stops, depending on availability and your interests.

Sum Up

The "Tour Maras and Moray – Cusco | Half Day" offers a unique opportunity to explore the captivating Inca archaeological sites of Moray and Maras. With round-trip transportation and an expert bilingual guide, participants can explore the ingenuity of Inca agricultural practices and witness the traditional salt production methods still in use today. This enriching half-day tour provides an insightful glimpse into the remarkable Inca civilization.