Maras Moray and Salineras From Ollantaytambo

The Maras Moray and Salineras tour from Ollantaytambo offers a captivating exploration of the Sacred Valley’s ancient wonders. Visitors can marvel at the unique circular terraces of the Moray Archaeological Center and witness the striking salt ponds of Salineras de Maras. But the journey doesn’t end there – delve deeper into the region’s rich textile heritage at the Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center. This half-day excursion promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the secrets of Peru’s fascinating past.

Good To Know

• A half-day excursion from Ollantaytambo to explore the Moray Archaeological Center, Salineras de Maras salt ponds, and Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center.
• The tour is priced from $71.73 per person and includes pickup, guide, entrance fees, and transportation.
• Key highlights include visiting the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, observing salt harvesting at Salineras de Maras, and learning about traditional textile dyeing techniques.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women, and it is recommended to bring necessary gear for a reliable experience.
• Visitors can purchase salt products during the visit and have the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiences related to Andean textile production.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offered is a half-day excursion from Ollantaytambo to explore the fascinating archaeological site of Moray and the intriguing Salineras de Maras salt ponds.

A half-day excursion from Ollantaytambo to explore the fascinating Moray archaeological site and intriguing Salineras de Maras salt ponds.

Priced from $71.73 per person, the tour includes hotel/train station pickup, professional guide, entrance fees, and transport. Visitors can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

A half-day itinerary allows guests to wander the Moray terraces, learn about local salt production, and visit the Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women. Bring necessary gear and expect a reliable, well-organized excursion.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel or the Ollantaytambo train station between 8:00 am to 9:00 am.

First, you’ll explore the Moray Archaeological Center, where you’ll marvel at the Inca’s impressive circular agricultural terraces, believed to be an experimental agricultural laboratory.

Next, you’ll visit the Salineras de Maras, a site with over 2,000 salt wells, where you can learn about local salt production and even purchase some salt products.

The tour also includes a stop at the Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center, where you’ll discover the traditional wool and cotton dyeing techniques using natural pigments.

Moray Archaeological Center

Nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Moray Archaeological Center captivates visitors with its remarkable Inca engineering.

Explore the intricate network of circular agricultural terraces, believed to be an Inca experimental agricultural laboratory.

Descend into the terraces, which can reach depths of approximately 150 cm, and imagine the Incas’ innovative techniques for crop cultivation and climate adaptation.

The site’s unique microclimate creates temperature variations between the different levels, showcasing the Incas’ advanced understanding of agricultural practices.

Marvel at this engineering marvel and gain insights into the Inca Empire’s agricultural prowess.

Salineras De Maras

After exploring the remarkable Moray Archaeological Center, visitors make their way to the Salineras de Maras, a captivating site showcasing the ancient salt production techniques of the region.

The Salineras consist of over 2,000 individual salt ponds that have been in use since pre-Inca times. Guests can observe the salt harvesting process and purchase a variety of salt products.

The visit provides a unique glimpse into the region’s enduring heritage and the importance of this valuable mineral. Witnessing the stunning contrast of the salt ponds against the surrounding landscape is an unforgettable experience.

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Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center

Next, visitors explore the Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center, where they discover the intricate process of transforming wool and cotton into vibrant, naturally-dyed threads.

At the center, guests learn about:

The selection and preparation of wool and cotton fibers, the use of natural pigments, and the traditional weaving techniques.

• The selection and preparation of wool and cotton fibers

• The use of natural pigments like cochineal and indigo to dye the threads

• The traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations

This hands-on experience provides a deeper appreciation for the skill and artistry behind Andean textile production, a cherished cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes pickup from the hotel or Ollantaytambo train station, tourist transportation, and a professional guide.

Entrance fees for the Tourist Ticket and Salineras are also covered. The Tourist Ticket costs 70 soles for foreigners and 40 soles for nationals. The Salineras entrance fee is 10 soles.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women.

Travelers should bring sunglasses, a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, cash, and their passport or ID.

Items not allowed include weapons, smoking, electronic devices, alcohol, littering, fireworks, and sharp objects.

Important Information and Requirements

To fully enjoy the Maras Moray and Salineras tour, travelers should bring essentials like sunglasses, a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing.

Travelers should pack essentials like sunglasses, a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing for the Maras Moray and Salineras tour.

The tour has some important requirements to keep in mind:

• Passport or ID is mandatory for entry.

• Weapons, smoking, electronic devices, alcohol, littering, fireworks, and sharp objects aren’t allowed.

• The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women due to the nature of the sites.

Following these guidelines will ensure a smooth and memorable experience exploring the ancient Inca sites of Maras Moray and Salineras.

Customer Feedback

Although only one review was provided, it indicates a positive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars for the Maras Moray and Salineras tour.

The customer noted some concerns about the online pickup selection, but the driver provided reliable service for both pickup and drop-off. This suggests the tour operator addressed any logistical issues effectively.

The review highlights the tour’s satisfactory performance, providing potential customers with confidence in the quality of the experience.

With a 5-star rating, the Maras Moray and Salineras tour appears to deliver an enjoyable and worthwhile adventure for visitors to Ollantaytambo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour appears suitable for children, but parents should consider their child’s age, stamina, and ability to handle the terrain. Families may want to inquire about any special accommodations or activities for younger participants.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour does not provide any meals, so bringing your own snacks and beverages is recommended to keep you fueled during the day’s activities.

How Private Is the Tour Experience?

The tour is a small group experience, so it’s not completely private. However, the group size is limited, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience compared to larger group tours. Guests can still enjoy the sights and activities without feeling overwhelmed.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible policy allows customers to book the tour without upfront payment and cancel if their plans change.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

No, the tour itinerary can’t be customized. It’s a pre-set half-day tour that includes visits to Moray, Salineras, and the Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center. The tour package, schedule, and inclusions are fixed as described in the tour overview.

The Sum Up

The Maras Moray and Salineras tour from Ollantaytambo provides a captivating half-day exploration of the Sacred Valley’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can marvel at the unique Moray terraces, discover the striking Salineras salt ponds, and learn about traditional Andean textile techniques. With essential amenities and the opportunity to purchase local salt products, this tour offers an immersive and memorable experience for travelers seeking to explore the region’s archaeological and natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: