From Ollantaytambo: Private Half-Day Tour to Maras and Moray

Exploring the Sacred Valley’s hidden gems is a must-do for any traveler. This private half-day tour from Ollantaytambo takes visitors on a journey through the remarkable Inca agricultural sites of Moray and Maras. Delving into the region’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes, the tour offers a personalized experience. What secrets will be uncovered as you step back in time and discover the ingenious Inca engineering that shaped this captivating corner of Peru?

Good To Know

• A private half-day tour from Ollantaytambo to explore the agricultural terraces of Moray and the ancient salt mines of Salineras de Maras.
• Approximately 4 hours in duration with a maximum of 10 participants and offered in both English and Spanish.
• Includes hotel pickup, transportation, and the services of a bilingual guide to highlight Inca agricultural techniques and remarkable landscapes.
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and various starting times to suit individual schedules.
• Opportunity to photograph unique sites and gain insights into the region’s rich history and cultural significance during the return journey.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private half-day tour from Ollantaytambo takes visitors to explore the unique sites of Maras and Moray.

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and is limited to a small group of up to 10 participants. Available in English and Spanish, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a bilingual guide.

Guests will visit the agricultural terraces of Moray, an Inca experimental laboratory, and the Salineras de Maras, salt mines that have been in use since the Inca period.

Explore the Inca’s agricultural experimentation at Moray and the ancient salt mines of Salineras de Maras.

The tour highlights the Inca’s advanced agricultural management techniques and the remarkable landscapes of these historical sites.

Booking Information

Booking this private half-day tour is easy and flexible. Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

There’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors can check tour availability for different starting times to find the best option that suits their schedule.

This small-group tour has a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. The tour is offered in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience.

With these hassle-free booking policies, exploring the stunning Maras and Moray sites has never been easier.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a hotel pick-up at 8:00 am in Ollantaytambo.

From there, visitors will journey to the fascinating agricultural terraces of Moray. This unique site was an experimental Inca agricultural laboratory used to study crop cultivation.

Next, the group will explore the Salineras de Maras, the salt mines that have been exploited since the Inca period.

After thoroughly discovering these two remarkable destinations, the tour will return to Ollantaytambo, arriving back by approximately 2:00 pm.

Highlights

Visitors can look forward to photographing the unique agricultural terraces of Moray and the historic Salineras de Maras.

Moray’s circular terraces were an Inca experimental agricultural laboratory, allowing them to study the effects of different climatic conditions on crops.

The Salineras de Maras, or salt mines, have been exploited since the Inca period. Guests will learn about the Inca’s advanced agricultural management techniques that enabled them to flourish in this region.

Experiencing these remarkable landscapes and understanding their historical significance will undoubtedly be highlights of the tour.

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Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pick-up from Ollantaytambo and round-trip transportation. A bilingual guide (English/Spanish) accompanies the group and covers the entrance fees to Maras (10.00 soles) and Moray (included in the Tourist Ticket). Meals, however, are not provided as part of the tour. The inclusions are summarized in the table below:

| Inclusion | Details |

|———–|———|

| Hotel Pick-up | From Ollantaytambo |

| Transportation | Round-trip |

| Guide | Bilingual (English/Spanish) |

| Entrance Fees | Maras: 10.00 soles, Moray: Included in Tourist Ticket |

| Meals | Breakfast and lunch not included |

Visiting Moray

As guests explore the agricultural terraces of Moray, they’ll find an intriguing Inca archaeological site that served as an experimental agricultural laboratory.

Moray, an Inca archaeological site, served as an experimental agricultural laboratory with its intricate terraced landscapes.

This ingenious complex features a series of concentric circular terraces descending into a central point, with each terrace representing a different microclimate. The Incas used Moray to test crops and growing conditions, leveraging the site’s unique geography.

Key features include:

1. Carefully engineered terraces of varying depths and exposure

2. Evidence of sophisticated irrigation and drainage systems

3. Remains of structures that likely housed researchers and administrators

4. Stunning vistas overlooking the Sacred Valley

Exploring Salineras De Maras

After exploring the fascinating agricultural terraces of Moray, guests then head to the Salineras de Maras, a captivating network of salt mines that have been in use since the Inca era.

Situated in a dramatic mountain setting, the salt ponds and paths wind through the valley, creating a mesmerizing visual display.

Visitors can observe the traditional salt harvesting techniques that have been passed down for generations, as workers collect the salt from the evaporation ponds.

The Salineras de Maras offer a unique glimpse into Peru’s rich history and the ingenious engineering feats of the Inca people.

Returning to Ollantaytambo

Departing the captivating Salineras de Maras, the tour now makes its way back to Ollantaytambo.

Along the journey, the guide provides insights into the region’s rich history and cultural significance.

The guide shares insights into the region’s rich history and cultural significance during the journey back to Ollantaytambo.

The return trip offers opportunities to:

1. Admire the breathtaking Andean landscapes.

2. Discuss the Incas’ advanced agricultural practices.

3. Ask any remaining questions about the day’s experiences.

4. Reflect on the unique blend of natural and historical wonders explored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option for a Private Tour for Fewer Than 10 Participants?

Yes, the tour offers a private option for small groups limited to 10 participants. Travelers can reserve a spot without upfront payment and cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional sites. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility in the itinerary to accommodate the interests and requests of the participants.

What Type of Transportation Is Provided During the Tour?

The tour provides round-trip transportation, which includes a hotel pick-up in Ollantaytambo and a return to the same location. The transportation is private, shared with the small group of up to 10 participants.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour is open to all ages. There are no specific age restrictions or requirements. The small group size is limited to 10 participants, allowing for an intimate and personalized experience for guests of all ages.

Can the Tour Be Extended to a Full-Day Excursion?

The tour can be extended to a full-day excursion, allowing visitors to explore the sites in more depth and potentially add additional activities or visits. However, this would come at an increased cost and require advance arrangement with the tour provider.

The Sum Up

This private half-day tour from Ollantaytambo offers a captivating exploration of the Sacred Valley‘s stunning landscapes and rich Inca history. Visitors can marvel at the ancient agricultural terraces of Moray, then discover the still-active salt mines of Maras before returning to Ollantaytambo. With personalized attention from bilingual guides, this tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the region’s remarkable cultural and natural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: