From Cusco || Maras and Moray Half Day Tour

Exploring Peru’s cultural gems is a captivating experience, and the Maras and Moray Half Day Tour from Cusco offers an enriching glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. This tour takes travelers on a journey through ancient archaeological sites, salt mines, and traditional textile weaving, providing a well-rounded understanding of the region’s history and traditions. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and a delicious lunch, this half-day excursion promises an engaging and memorable experience for all participants.

Key Points

• This half-day tour from Cusco takes visitors to the archaeological site of Moray and the Maras salt mines.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a live bilingual guide, and entrance fees to the sites.
• Participants will explore the circular terraces of Moray and the over 3,500 salt ponds at Maras.
• The tour also features a textile weaving demonstration in the village of Chinchero before returning to Cusco.
• Comfortable walking shoes, hydration, and cash for additional purchases or tips are recommended for the moderate physical activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This half-day tour from Cusco takes visitors to the archaeological site of Moray and the stunning salt mines of Maras.

The 6-hour excursion costs between £16.22 and £15.41 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. A live tour guide provides commentary in Spanish and English.

The 6-hour excursion costs between £16.22 and £15.41 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. A live tour guide provides commentary in Spanish and English.

The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and entrance fees. Participants will explore Moray’s unique circular terraces and the Maras salt ponds, as well as visit the Chinchero village for a textile weaving demonstration.

Lunch is also provided during the tour.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with hotel pickup around 8:00 a.m. from the historic center of Cusco.

First, visitors explore the Moray archaeological site, an Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces showcasing different microclimates.

Next, they venture to the salt mines of Maras, featuring over 3,500 salt ponds with medicinal properties.

The final stop is the Chinchero village, where travelers witness a traditional textile weaving demonstration.

The tour concludes with a return to Cusco around 3:00 p.m.

The itinerary highlights include:

1. Moray archaeological site

2. Maras salt mines

3. Chinchero textile weaving demonstration

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup service from the historic center of Cusco.

Hotel pickup service from the historic center of Cusco is included in the tour.

Round-trip transportation is provided, along with a professional bilingual guide.

The entrance fees for Moray (S/. 70.00 or $20.00) and Maras salt mines (S/. 15.00 or $5.00) are partially covered.

Lunch is also included.

Participants need to bring a camera, sunscreen, water, and cash.

Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.

Participant Information

Although the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, participants can easily enjoy the experience by bringing a camera, sunscreen, water, and cash.

Some key participant information to keep in mind:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves moderate physical activity.

• Bring cash for any additional purchases or tips.

• Stay hydrated by bringing water, as the tour takes place in high-altitude areas.

• Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning Inca ruins and salt ponds.

Participants should also note that alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed during the tour.

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Important Notes

Ensuring the correct contact number with country code is crucial, as it allows for efficient communication through WhatsApp. This is particularly important for last-minute reservations, which can be made by emailing the supplier.

Travelers should check availability with the supplier before finalizing their plans. The tour has an overall rating of 5/5 based on a review from a German traveler in June 2022, indicating a positive experience.

Participants should bring essential items like a camera, sunscreen, water, and cash, and refrain from bringing alcohol and drugs, as these aren’t allowed during the tour.

Moray Archaeological Center

Moray Archaeological Center, an Inca agricultural laboratory, showcases the ingenuity of the ancient civilization.

The site features circular terraces designed to simulate different microclimates, allowing the Incas to experiment with crop cultivation.

Visitors can explore three key features of Moray:

1. Concentric terraces descending up to 150 meters, with temperature variations of up to 15°C between the top and bottom.

2. Irrigation channels that supplied water to the terraces, demonstrating advanced engineering.

3. Evidence of diverse crops, including maize, potatoes, and quinoa, grown across the varying microclimates.

This unique site offers a glimpse into the Incas’ agricultural innovations and their understanding of climate and ecology.

Maras Salt Mines

The Maras salt mines, a remarkable feat of Inca engineering, are nestled in the Cusco region of Peru. Featuring over 3,500 salt ponds, this ancient site showcases the ingenuity of the Incas. Visitors can explore the intricate network of salt pools, each meticulously carved into the hillside. The salt is harvested manually, using traditional methods passed down through generations. The salt ponds’ medicinal properties make them a unique attraction.

| Salt Pond Features | |

|——————–|——————|

| Color | White, pink, grey |

| Origin | Mineral springs |

| Harvesting Process | Manual |

| Salt Quality | Medicinal |

| Historical Significance | Inca engineering |

Chinchero Village

Chinchero Village, a picturesque Andean town, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich textile traditions of the region.

At the local cooperative, skilled artisans demonstrate the ancient techniques of weaving and dyeing using natural materials. Guests can observe:

Skilled artisans at the local cooperative demonstrate ancient weaving and dyeing techniques using natural materials, allowing guests to observe the intricate processes.

1. The intricate process of spinning wool from alpaca and sheep

2. The vibrant colors achieved through the use of natural dyes like cochineal and indigo

3. The meticulous handweaving of traditional patterns on backstrap looms

After the demonstration, visitors have the opportunity to browse and purchase these exquisite textiles directly from the artisans.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is not suitable for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, and the list of inclusions and participant information does not mention bringing pets. Participants must bring only the specified items.

Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as mentioned in the Participant Information section. Those with pre-existing medical conditions should also avoid this tour.

Does the Tour Provide Transportation to and From the Airport?

The tour doesn’t provide transportation to and from the airport. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the historic center of Cusco, as well as round-trip transportation to the tour sites during the half-day excursion.

Can I Customize the Itinerary Based on My Preferences?

The tour allows some flexibility in the itinerary, but the core activities like visiting Moray and the Maras salt mines are fixed. Customers can discuss options with the guide to customize the tour within the allotted time and based on their interests.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration. The supplier offers a full-day option that includes additional stops and a longer visit to the Maras salt mines. This gives you more time to explore the sites at your own pace.

Sum Up

The Maras and Moray Half Day Tour from Cusco provides an enriching cultural experience, exploring Peru’s fascinating history and traditions. Visitors will marvel at the remarkable Moray agricultural terraces, witness the unique Maras salt ponds, and learn about traditional textile weaving in Chinchero. With a knowledgeable guide, convenient transportation, and included lunch, this tour offers an immersive glimpse into the heritage of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: