From Cusco: Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins Guided Tour

Exploring the ancient Incan sites of Maras and Moray is a must-do for any visitor to Cusco. This guided tour takes you on a captivating journey through these remarkable archaeological wonders, immersing you in the region’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. From the striking salt evaporation ponds of Maras to the ingenious agricultural terraces of Moray, you’ll uncover the secrets of the Inca civilization and gain a deeper appreciation for their ingenuity. With an expert guide by your side, the experience promises to be truly unforgettable.

Key Points

• Guided tour from Cusco to explore the ancient Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins in the Sacred Valley.
• Tour price starts at $25.00 per person with free cancellation and reserve now & pay later option.
• Highlights include discovering salt evaporation ponds, circular agricultural terraces, and learning about Inca history from a knowledgeable guide.
• Tour itinerary includes hotel pickup in Cusco, visits to Maras and Moray, and return to Cusco.
• Maras Salt Mines feature pre-Incan salt evaporation ponds, while Moray Ruins showcase Inca’s ingenious agricultural experimentation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The guided tour from Cusco to the Sacred Valley includes visits to the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins, and it’s priced from $25.00 per person.

The 6-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.

Highlights include discovering the ancient salt mines and agricultural terraces, learning about Inca history, and enjoying hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems or wheelchair users, so they’ll need to consider other options.

Tour Highlights

Discover ancient salt mines of Maras and circular terraces of Moray during this guided tour.

Marvel at the breathtaking salt pans from a viewpoint and learn about the Inca history and the Sacred Valley. Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into these remarkable archaeological sites.

Marvel at the breathtaking salt pans and learn about the Inca history and the Sacred Valley from a knowledgeable guide.

Explore the picturesque landscapes and historic salt evaporation ponds of Maras, used since pre-Inca times.

Then, explore the mysterious circular agricultural terraces of Moray, believed to create microclimates for diverse crops.

After one hour of discovery, you’ll return to Cusco’s historic center near Plaza de Armas.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco, setting off to explore the ancient wonders of the Sacred Valley.

First, you’ll visit Maras, known for its picturesque landscapes and historic salt evaporation ponds used since pre-Inca times.

Next, you’ll travel to Moray, featuring mysterious circular agricultural terraces believed to create microclimates for diverse crops.

You’ll have an hour to explore Moray before returning to Cusco’s historic center near Plaza de Armas.

Throughout the journey, your English-speaking guide will share insights about Inca history and the significance of these remarkable sites.

Maras Salt Mines

Maras Salt Mines, an ancient and captivating site, lie nestled in the rugged Andean landscape. These pre-Incan salt evaporation ponds have been in use for centuries, with the Incas further developing the complex system. Visitors can wander through the patchwork of terraced pools, marveling at the striking contrast of the dazzling white salt against the vivid green countryside.

| Feature | Description |

|———|————-|

| Origin | Pre-Incan, expanded by the Incas |

| Composition | Salt evaporation ponds |

| Harvesting | Salt is harvested manually from the ponds |

| Significance | Important economic and cultural resource for local communities |

Exploring the Maras Salt Mines offers a unique glimpse into the region’s enduring traditions and ingenious engineering.

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Moray Ruins

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, Moray’s mysterious circular terraces captivate visitors.

These Inca ruins feature a series of concentric agricultural terraces believed to have been used as an agricultural experiment station. Descending down the terraces, the temperature can vary by several degrees, suggesting the Incas used Moray to test crops and determine ideal growing conditions.

Explore the ruins, learning about this ingenious Inca engineering and the importance of the Sacred Valley. Marvel at the stunning vistas before heading back to Cusco, having uncovered another layer of Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Admission Fees

This guided tour includes several key inclusions and admission fees that visitors should be aware of.

The tour price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking guide.

Admission to Moray costs S/ 70 (US$ 18.70) per person. For Maras, admission is S/ 15 (US$ 4) for Peruvian nationals and S/ 20 (US$ 5.30) for non-nationals.

Food and drinks aren’t allowed during the tour, so visitors should eat beforehand.

Preparation and Recommendations

Although the tour is not suitable for those with back problems or wheelchair users, the experience can be enjoyed by most visitors. To prepare, guests should wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and bring a camera, sunscreen, and water. Layered clothing is recommended as weather conditions can vary. Food and drinks are not permitted during the tour, so it’s best to eat beforehand.

| Recommended Attire | Recommended Supplies | Prohibited Items |

| —————— | ——————- | —————– |

| Comfortable shoes | Camera | Food and drinks |

| Hat | Sunscreen | |

| Layered clothing | Water | |

Reserving and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can reserve their spot on the guided tour easily online. The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, providing peace of mind for those who need it.

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

• Reserve now & pay later option available

• Secure online booking process

• Instant confirmation upon reservation

This makes planning the trip simple and hassle-free.

Whether your plans change or you want to pay closer to the tour date, the tour operator has you covered.

Don’t miss out on experiencing the stunning Maras salt mines and Moray ruins on your Cusco adventure.

Things To Know

Can I Visit the Salt Mines and Ruins on My Own?

Yes, visitors can explore the Maras salt mines and Moray ruins on their own. However, a guided tour provides transportation, admission, and an educational experience that solo travelers may find more convenient and informative.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this guided tour. Travelers of all ages can participate, though it’s not recommended for people with back problems or wheelchair users due to the uneven terrain.

Do I Need a Tour Guide to Access These Sites?

You don’t need a tour guide to access the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins, but hiring one is recommended. A guide can provide valuable insights and historical context to enhance your experience at these fascinating archaeological sites.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

While the standard tour is 6 hours, it’s possible to extend the duration. Travelers can discuss options with the tour operator to spend more time exploring the salt mines, Moray ruins, or surrounding areas if desired.

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

No, guests can’t bring their own food and drinks during the tour. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, and an English-speaking guide, but does not allow outside food or beverages to be consumed.

Sum Up

This guided tour from Cusco to the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s rich Inca history. Explore the ancient salt evaporation ponds, marvel at the ingenious agricultural terraces, and learn about the breathtaking landscapes – all with the insights of a knowledgeable guide. At just $25 per person, it’s an unforgettable journey that shouldn’t be missed.

You can check availability for your dates here: