Cusco: Half-Day Maras and Moray Tour

Cusco’s Sacred Valley boasts a captivating half-day tour that immerses travelers in the ingenuity of the Inca Empire. Exploring the ancient Salineras Salt Mine and Moray’s unique agricultural labs, this tour offers a glimpse into the sophisticated engineering and land management practices of the Inca people. With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable bilingual guide, visitors can explore the fascinating history and cultural significance of these remarkable sites. What secrets will the Salineras Salt Mine and Moray’s terraced depressions reveal?

Key Points

• This half-day tour explores the Salineras Salt Mine and Moray’s agricultural labs in Cusco’s Sacred Valley.
• Includes round-trip transportation from Cusco accommodations and a bilingual guide.
• Visitors can witness over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds at the Salineras Salt Mine.
• The tour showcases the Incas’ sophisticated irrigation systems and experimental agricultural practices at Moray.
• The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, departing Cusco around 8:30 AM and returning around 3:00 PM.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

This half-day Maras and Moray tour takes visitors on an exploration of two remarkable Inca sites in Cusco’s Sacred Valley.

The tour includes pickup from Cusco accommodations, transport, and a bilingual guide.

First, guests visit the Salineras Salt Mine, with over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds used since Inca times.

Next, they marvel at the agricultural labs of the Incas in Moray, featuring enormous terraced circular depressions with sophisticated irrigation systems.

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, returning to Cusco around 3 PM.

This small-group experience is suitable for travelers seeking an immersive glimpse into Inca history and engineering.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the remarkable Salineras Salt Mine, which contains over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds that have been in use since Inca times.

The Salineras Salt Mine features over 3,000 ancient Inca salt evaporation ponds, a remarkable testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

Next, the group will marvel at the agricultural labs of the Incas in Moray. These enormous terraced circular depressions feature sophisticated irrigation systems that were used for experimentation.

The tour then explores the Maras salt evaporation ponds, which have been used since Inca times.

The tour departs Cusco around 8:30 AM and returns at approximately 3:00 PM, allowing ample time to discover these fascinating Inca sites.

Inca Sites in the Sacred Valley

While the tour begins with a visit to the remarkable Salineras Salt Mine, it also takes visitors to explore the agricultural labs of the Incas in Moray.

The enormous terraced circular depressions at Moray feature sophisticated irrigation systems that fascinate travelers. These remarkable depressions were used by the Incas as experimental agricultural sites, where they could test different crops and growing conditions.

After exploring Moray, the tour continues to the nearby town of Maras, known for its centuries-old salt evaporation ponds that have been in use since Inca times.

Exploring Salineras Salt Mine

After exploring the remarkable agricultural labs of the Incas at Moray, the tour arrives at the Salineras Salt Mine.

This expansive site features over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds, which have been used since Inca times.

Visitors can:

1. Stroll along the terraced salt pools and observe the meticulous process of salt harvesting.

2. Admire the stunning visual contrast of the bright white salt against the arid, rugged landscape.

3. Learn about the historical significance and ongoing cultural importance of this traditional industry.

4. Purchase locally-harvested salt as a unique souvenir.

The Salineras Salt Mine provides a captivating glimpse into the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of salt production and their enduring legacy in the Sacred Valley.

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Discovering Moray’s Agricultural Labs

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Moray captivates visitors with its remarkable Inca agricultural laboratories. These enormous terraced circular depressions were used as experimental crop sites, featuring sophisticated irrigation systems. The Incas meticulously studied the effects of altitude, temperature, and soil conditions on various crops. This allowed them to develop efficient farming techniques to thrive in the challenging Andean environment. The unique design of Moray showcases the Incas’ advanced understanding of agricultural science and their ability to innovate.

| Depth (meters) | Temperature Difference (°C) |

|:————–:|:—————————:|

| 0 | 15 |

| 30 | 8 |

| 60 | 3 |

| 90 | 0 |

Moray’s remarkable engineering continues to impress all who witness this marvel of Inca ingenuity.

Transportation and Schedule

The tour departs from Cusco around 8:30 AM and returns to the city around 3:00 PM.

Travelers are provided with round-trip transportation from their accommodations in Cusco. The small group tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

The schedule includes:

1. Visiting the Inca sites in Cusco’s Sacred Valley

2. Exploring the Salineras Salt Mine with over 3,000 salt pools

3. Marveling at the agricultural labs of the Incas in Moray

4. Returning to Cusco around 3:00 PM

The tour includes a bilingual guide who provides commentary in both Spanish and English throughout the journey.

Inclusions and Important Information

The tour package includes round-trip transportation from accommodations in Cusco, a bilingual guide, and the required Touristic Ticket (S/70.00 per person) for accessing the sites.

Entrance to the Salineras Salt Mine is also included. However, meals aren’t provided.

It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen. Large bags and pets aren’t allowed.

Wheelchair users may have difficulty with the terrain. Passport details are required at the time of booking.

The tour has a small group size limit of 15 participants and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have rated this half-day Maras and Moray tour with an overall score of 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 16 reviews.

The tour guide received a rating of 4.7/5, while the transportation was scored 4.3/5. However, the value for money was rated slightly lower at 3.5/5.

Feedback from travelers includes:

• Couples enjoyed the cultural experience

• Groups of friends appreciated the small group size

• Solo travelers felt the tour provided a convenient way to explore

• Families found the tour suitable for all ages

Things To Know

Can We Visit Other Sites Besides Maras and Moray?

The tour’s itinerary is focused on visiting the Maras salt mines and the Moray agricultural terraces. However, the tour doesn’t mention stopping at any other sites during the half-day excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can opt for a full-day tour that includes additional stops at major Inca sites in the Sacred Valley, providing more time to explore the region’s rich cultural and archaeological heritage.

Do We Get to Interact With Local Communities?

This tour doesn’t include direct interaction with local communities. The focus is on exploring the historical Inca salt mines and agricultural sites. There may be opportunities to observe local life, but no planned community engagement activities are part of the itinerary.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Meals?

The tour doesn’t include any meals, so there aren’t any dietary restrictions. Travelers will need to bring their own food and snacks for the duration of the tour.

Can We Make Custom Requests for the Tour Itinerary?

Customers can’t make custom requests for the tour itinerary. The tour has a set itinerary that includes visiting the Inca sites of Salineras Salt Mine and Moray. Any changes to the itinerary aren’t allowed.

Sum Up

This captivating half-day tour offers a unique glimpse into the ingenious Inca engineering behind the remarkable Salineras Salt Mine and Moray’s intriguing agricultural terraces. With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, visitors can explore the Sacred Valley’s ancient wonders and enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore Cusco’s iconic Inca sites in a comprehensive and convenient way.

You can check availability for your dates here: