Half Day Guided Tour to Maras Salt Mines and Moray Terraces

Peru’s captivating Maras Salt Mines and Moray Terraces offer a unique glimpse into the ingenious engineering of the Inca Empire. This half-day guided tour promises to whisk visitors away on an immersive cultural journey, showcasing the breathtaking natural landscapes and the enduring legacy of this remarkable civilization. With an experienced local guide leading the way, travelers can expect to uncover the intriguing stories behind these remarkable sites and gain a deeper appreciation for Peru’s rich heritage.

Key Points

• A half-day guided tour that visits the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Terraces, two of Peru’s iconic Inca archaeological sites.
• The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional local guide, and lunch, but excludes entrance fees.
• The Maras Salt Mines feature thousands of salt ponds carved into the mountainside, showcasing a traditional salt-harvesting process.
• The Moray Terraces are believed to be an Inca agricultural research laboratory, with intricate engineering and breathtaking views.
• The tour starts at 7:50 am from Plaza Regocijo in Cusco, with pickup available from Plaza de Armas, and ends back at the original meeting point.

Tour Overview

This half-day guided tour takes travelers to two of Peru’s most fascinating archaeological sites: the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Terraces, both located in the Cusco region.

The tour is priced from $30 per person and has a maximum of 14 participants. Included are an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional local guide, and lunch.

Entrance fees to Maras and Moray, approximately $24, aren’t included. The tour starts at 7:50 am from Plaza Regocijo in Cusco, with pickup available from Plaza de Armas for those not staying in central Cusco.

Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional local guide to accompany travelers.

Lunch is provided as well. However, the tour doesn’t cover the entrance fees to Maras and Moray, which cost approximately $24 USD.

Travelers are responsible for covering their own meals and beverages outside of the provided lunch.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

Most travelers can participate, as long as they meet the tour’s maximum capacity of 14 people.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the tour is Plaza Regocijo in Cusco, Peru. Travelers not staying in central Cusco can be picked up from Plaza de Armas. The tour activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Meeting Point	Pickup Location	End Location
Plaza Regocijo, Cusco	Plaza de Armas for travelers not in central Cusco	Plaza Regocijo, Cusco
08002, Peru

The tour starts promptly at 7:50 am. Customers can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour begins. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Start Time and Cancellation Policy

The tour starts promptly at 7:50 am. Travelers should arrive at the meeting point in Plaza Regocijo, Cusco on time.

For those not staying in central Cusco, pickup is available from Plaza de Armas.

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing for flexibility. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

This half-day guided tour to Maras Salt Mines and Moray Terraces is an excellent opportunity to explore these unique Peruvian landmarks.

Most travelers can participate, though the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Maras Salt Mines

Nestled in the rugged Andean landscape, the Maras Salt Mines are a captivating sight. Thousands of salt ponds, carved into the mountainside, glisten in the sun, creating a mesmerizing visual.

Dating back to the Inca Empire, the mines have been a vital source of salt for the region for centuries. Visitors can witness the traditional salt-harvesting process, where workers scoop brine from the pools and allow it to evaporate, leaving behind the precious mineral.

Exploring the terraced salt ponds is a unique and unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Moray Terraces

Moray Terraces are a striking archaeological site nestled in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru. The site features a series of enormous circular terraces, each step descending deeper than the last.

Researchers believe this unique structure was an agricultural research laboratory where the Incas experimented with different crops and microclimates.

Visitors can walk along the terraces, marveling at the intricate engineering and the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The site’s tranquil atmosphere provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling Maras Salt Mines, making it a must-see destination for those exploring the Cusco region.

What to Expect

After exploring the captivating Moray Terraces, the tour continues to the Maras Salt Mines, where travelers can expect an immersive and educational experience.

They’ll witness the ancient salt evaporation ponds, which have been used for centuries to extract salt from the Andes’ mineral-rich waters. Visitors will learn about the traditional salt-harvesting techniques and have the opportunity to purchase local salt products.

The tour guide will provide insights into the site’s historical significance and the cultural traditions surrounding salt production.

The experience culminates with a scenic return trip, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for Peru’s unique natural wonders.

Additional Information

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.

Most travelers can participate in this half-day excursion. The tour is provided by the Magical Cusco Travel Agency.

Guests will meet at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco and be picked up from Plaza de Armas if not staying in central Cusco. The tour ends back at the original meeting point.

Travelers can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional local guide, and lunch, but excludes entrance fees to Maras and Moray, which cost approximately $24 USD.

Sum Up

Set out on a captivating half-day tour to uncover the ancient Inca wonders of Maras Salt Mines and Moray Terraces. With transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a delightful lunch, this experience promises to leave you awestruck by the ingenuity and beauty of Peru’s cultural legacy. Don’t miss the chance to create lifelong memories in this mesmerizing landscape.