From Ollantaytambo:Private Tour to Maras and Moray Half Day

Setting out on a private half-day tour from Ollantaytambo to Maras and Moray promises an immersive journey into Inca history and culture. Travelers can expect to explore the remarkable agricultural terraces of Moray, where the Incas once experimented with crop cultivation. The tour also unveils the historic salt mines of Maras, offering insights into the region’s ancient salt harvesting processes. With round-trip transportation, bilingual guidance, and entrance fees included, this excursion provides a well-rounded experience that unveils the captivating wonders of these iconic Peruvian landmarks.

Good To Know

• A 2-hour private half-day tour from Ollantaytambo to the Moray agricultural terraces and Maras salt mines, with pickup and return around 2 PM.
• The tour costs $76 per person, with a 5% savings, and offers a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees to Maras and Moray, but meals are not included.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with vertigo, and recommended items include passport, comfortable shoes, and sun protection.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 4 reviews, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guides and memorable experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private half-day tour from Ollantaytambo takes visitors to the remarkable archaeological sites of Maras and Moray, offering a glimpse into the Inca Empire’s agricultural practices.

The 2-hour tour costs $76 per person, with a 5% savings. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance receive a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The itinerary includes hotel pickup, visits to the Moray agricultural terraces and Maras salt mines, and return to Ollantaytambo around 2 PM.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees, but meals aren’t provided.

Itinerary

After hotel pickup in Ollantaytambo at 8:00 a.m., the tour begins with a visit to the remarkable agricultural terraces of Moray.

This Inca site was an experimental agricultural laboratory, where different microclimates were studied.

Next, the tour explores the Salineras de Maras, the historic salt mines that have been in operation since Inca times.

Visitors can witness the intricate system of evaporation ponds and the manual harvesting of salt.

The tour includes:

• Visit to Moray’s agricultural terraces

• Exploration of the Salineras de Maras salt mines

• Return to Ollantaytambo around 2:00 p.m.

The half-day adventure offers a glimpse into the Inca’s innovative agricultural practices and the enduring legacy of the salt mines.

Inclusions

The private tour includes round-trip transportation from Ollantaytambo as well as the services of a bilingual guide who can provide commentary in both English and Spanish.

Entrance fees to both the Maras salt mines and the Moray agricultural terraces are covered, with the Maras fee being 10.00 soles and the Moray fee being included in the Boleto Turistico.

Meals, however, aren’t included, so travelers will need to plan for breakfast and lunch on their own.

Any additional services not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary are also not included in the tour price.

Important Information

Although not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with vertigo, the tour offers an opportunity to explore the agricultural terraces of Moray and the Salineras de Maras salt mines.

Participants are advised to bring:

Participants are advised to bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and comfortable clothes.

• Passport or ID

• Comfortable shoes

• Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen

• Comfortable clothes

Drinking coca tea before the tour may help prevent altitude sickness.

Entrance tickets can be purchased on-site. Pets, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances aren’t allowed.

The tour’s itinerary and inclusions are designed to provide a memorable experience for visitors.

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Customer Reviews

Typically, the tour earns an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and memorable experiences. Reviewers highlight the guides’ expertise in Inca history and engaging personalities, specifically mentioning Roberto and Yesica.

Despite some weather challenges, guests appreciated the excellent photo opportunities. One reviewer noted the guide made the trip enjoyable.

Exploring Moray: An Inca Agricultural Laboratory

Nestled in the Andes, the stunning agricultural terraces of Moray captivate visitors as they explore this remarkable Inca site.

This unique complex, once an experimental agricultural laboratory, offers insights into the Inca’s advanced farming techniques.

Visitors can:

• Marvel at the intricate, concentric circular terraces, which were used to test crop cultivation at different microclimates.

• Understand how the Inca engineered the site to control temperature and moisture levels.

• Imagine the ingenuity required to build such an innovative system centuries ago.

• Appreciate the site’s enduring significance as a testament to the Inca’s agricultural prowess.

Discovering Salineras De Maras: Ancient Salt Mines

The Salineras de Maras, a captivating network of salt evaporation ponds, await visitors eager to explore this ancient Inca legacy. Dotting the mountainside, these salt mines have been in operation since pre-Columbian times, harnessing the natural saline spring water to produce valuable salt. Visitors can wander through the terraced ponds, observing the process of salt harvesting. The stark contrast of the white salt against the arid landscape creates a visually striking scene.

| Fascinating Facts About Salineras de Maras | | |

| — | — | — |

| – Active salt mines since Inca times | – Over 3,000 individual salt ponds | – Unique micro-climate enables salt production |

| – Vibrant white salt deposits cover the terrain | – Locals continue traditional salt harvesting methods | – Stunning photo opportunities abound |

Returning to Ollantaytambo

After exploring the captivating Salineras de Maras, the tour makes its way back to Ollantaytambo.

The return journey provides an opportunity to take in the stunning Andean scenery once more. Along the way, the guide shares additional insights about the region’s rich history and cultural significance.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, travelers can:

• Explore the impressive Inca ruins and fortress at their own pace.

• Visit the local market to browse handicrafts and sample traditional Peruvian cuisine.

• Relax in the charming town, taking in the laid-back atmosphere.

• Prepare for any onward travel or activities planned for the remainder of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to the tour overview, meals are not included, so participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. However, the tour provider advises against bringing alcohol or drugs on the tour.

Is There Any Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour duration is fixed at 2 hours. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate an extension for an additional fee. It’s best to inquire about any options to extend the tour when making the booking.

Do I Need to Purchase Additional Entrance Tickets?

No, additional entrance tickets don’t need to be purchased. The tour includes the required entrance fees to Maras (10.00 soles) and Moray (Boleto Turistico). These fees are covered in the tour price.

What Is the Group Size for the Private Tour?

The private tour has a group size of just the traveler and their party. The tour guide handles the logistics, including arranging the transportation and purchasing any necessary entrance tickets on the traveler’s behalf.

Do I Need to Make Any Special Arrangements for Dietary Restrictions?

The tour does not include meals, so guests will need to make their own arrangements for any dietary restrictions. The tour operator recommends checking with them in advance to ensure accommodations can be made.

The Sum Up

This private half-day tour from Ollantaytambo provides a unique opportunity to explore the agricultural terraces of Moray and the historic salt mines of Maras. Travelers can expect breathtaking views, an informative guide, and a chance to learn about Inca history and the salt harvesting process. With convenient transportation and a well-paced itinerary, this tour is an unforgettable adventure for those interested in Inca culture and ancient practices.

You can check availability for your dates here: