Get to Know Maras and Moray | Half Day

Discover the ancient wonders of Maras and Moray on this captivating half-day tour. Explore the remarkable circular terraces of Moray, a masterpiece of Inca agricultural engineering. Then, venture to the salt terraces of Maras, where over 2,000 salt wells have been in use for centuries. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’ll uncover the rich histories and stunning landscapes that have captivated travelers for generations. What remarkable secrets await your discovery?

Key Points

• Explore the stunning Inca agricultural engineering in Moray and Maras during a half-day tour from Cusco.
• Marvel at Moray’s circular and semi-circular terraces used as a botanical laboratory by the Incas.
• Hike to the ancient salt terraces of Maras, featuring over 2,000 natural salt wells.
• Gain insights into the Incas’ advanced irrigation systems and environmental adaptation.
• Enjoy round-trip transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and partial tourist ticket to the sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

This half-day tour offers travelers the opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscapes and remarkable Inca agricultural engineering of Maras and Moray.

The 5-hour experience starts with hotel pickup at 7:00 a.m. and includes guided visits to the circular terraces of Moray and the ancient salt terraces of Maras.

The 5-hour tour starts with hotel pickup at 7:00 a.m. and includes guided visits to Moray’s circular terraces and Maras’ ancient salt terraces.

Along the way, you will marvel at the Incas’ advanced farming techniques.

The tour is available in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Round-trip transportation, a professional guide, and entrance fees are included, though meals and personal expenses are not.

Highlights

Stunning natural landscapes, incredible Inca agricultural engineering, and amazing Andean vistas await travelers on this half-day tour.

Explore the circular and semi-circular agricultural terraces of Moray, an Inca site used as a botanical laboratory.

Hike to the ancient salt terraces of Maras, with over 2,000 natural salt wells.

Marvel at the Incas’ advanced irrigation system and their sustainable use of the natural landscape.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the ingenious Inca architecture and engineering while enjoying the breathtaking Andean scenery.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 a.m., followed by a 1.5-hour journey to the Moray site.

Once there, you’ll explore the circular and semi-circular agricultural terraces, which the Incas used as a botanical laboratory.

After spending 1.5 hours at Moray, you’ll travel to Maras, where you’ll hike 8.2 km to reach the ancient salt terraces with over 2,000 natural salt wells.

You’ll have around an hour to explore the salt terraces before returning to your hotel in Cusco.

Visit Moray

Nestled within the Andes, Moray captivates visitors with its remarkable Inca agricultural engineering.

The site features circular and semi-circular agricultural terraces, which the Incas used as a botanical laboratory to experiment with different crops and microclimates.

Descending down the terraced levels, visitors can observe how the Incas leveraged the natural landscape to create diverse growing conditions.

The intricate system allowed the Incas to cultivate a wide variety of crops essential for their empire.

Exploring Moray provides a unique glimpse into the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and environmental adaptation.

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Explore Maras

After exploring the remarkable Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, visitors then journey to the nearby town of Maras. Here, they’ll witness the ancient salt terraces, a vast network of over 2,000 natural salt wells. Visitors can hike the 8.2 km trail to the salt terraces, observing the stunning Andean landscapes along the way. At the salt terraces, they’ll learn about the traditional salt harvesting techniques that have been used for centuries.

| Duration | Activity |

|———|———-|

| 11:40 AM | Arrive at Maras |

| 8.2 km | Hike to Maras salt terraces |

| 2,000+ | Natural salt wells |

| Traditional | Salt harvesting techniques |

Inclusions

This activity includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Cusco, a professional bilingual guide, and entrance to Maras along with a partial tourist ticket (BTC).

The tour package covers:

Includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, access to Maras, and a partial tourist ticket, with food and personal expenses excluded.

1. Transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco.

2. A knowledgeable, English and Spanish-speaking guide who’ll provide insights into the Inca engineering and history of the sites.

3. Admission to the Maras salt mines, allowing you to explore the over 2,000 natural salt wells.

4. A partial tourist ticket, granting access to the Maras site.

The only exclusions are food, drinks, and personal expenses.

Exclusions

The exclusions for this activity consist of food, drinks, and any personal expenses incurred during the tour.

While the tour package covers the round-trip transportation, professional bilingual guide, and entrance fees to Maras, travelers are responsible for covering their own meals and snacks throughout the day. This allows for flexibility in dining options and personal preferences.

Plus, any souvenirs, tips, or other discretionary spending aren’t included in the tour price. Participants should budget accordingly for these additional costs to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience exploring the stunning landscapes of Maras and Moray.

Booking Information

To reserve your spot on this tour, customers can book online through the activity provider’s website or mobile app. The booking process is simple and straightforward.

Customers will need to provide the following information:

1. Preferred tour date and time

2. Number of participants

3. Contact details, such as name, email, and phone number

4. Payment information, if booking directly rather than using the "Reserve now & pay later" option

Once the booking is confirmed, customers will receive a voucher with all the necessary details for their tour.

Customers can also easily manage their booking, including making any changes or cancellations, through the provider’s platform.

Since You Asked

How Difficult Is the Hike to Maras?

The hike to Maras is a moderate difficulty, covering 8.2 km. While the terrain can be uneven, the scenic Andean landscape makes it an enjoyable experience for most visitors who are reasonably fit.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The tour package doesn’t include meals, so you’re free to pack a lunch or snacks to enjoy during the day. Just be mindful of any restrictions or rules at the sites you’ll be visiting.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at both Moray and Maras sites along the tour. Participants can use the restrooms during the scheduled stops at these locations.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can take photographs throughout the tour. The tour guide encourages guests to capture the stunning landscapes and ancient Inca sites they’ll explore. However, flash photography may be prohibited in certain areas to preserve the archaeological sites.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may not be fully accessible for people with disabilities. The itinerary includes hiking and navigating uneven terrain, which could be challenging. It’s best to check with the tour operator about specific accessibility accommodations available.

The Sum Up

This captivating half-day tour offers a unique glimpse into the Inca’s remarkable engineering prowess. Explore the stunning circular terraces of Moray, a testament to their agricultural innovation. Then, discover the ancient salt terraces of Maras, where over 2,000 salt wells have been harvested for centuries. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of these iconic Inca sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: