Half Day Tour to Moray and the Salt Mine of Maras

Exploring the wonders of Inca engineering and sustainable practices, this half-day tour takes visitors on a captivating journey to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. Priced at $78 per person, the 5-hour excursion promises a personalized experience for up to 15 participants. With convenient hotel pickup in Cusco, travelers will explore the historical significance and breathtaking beauty of these remarkable sites, leaving them eager to uncover more about the Inca’s innovative legacy.

Good To Know

• A half-day tour from Cusco that visits the ancient Inca agricultural site of Moray and the traditional salt-producing Maras Salt Mines.
• The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and is limited to 15 participants, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Moray features four circular terraces that create unique microclimates, highlighting the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and climate.
• The Maras Salt Mines comprise thousands of small salt pools, where salt is produced through a natural evaporation process.
• Comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The half-day tour takes visitors from Cusco to explore the ancient Inca sites of Moray and Maras Salt Mines. Priced from $78 per person, the 5-hour tour is limited to 15 participants and offered in English and Spanish.

Uncover the ancient Inca wonders of Moray and Maras Salt Mines on this 5-hour, $78 per person tour from Cusco.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible booking through reserve now, pay later options.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and guided visits to Moray’s terraced agricultural laboratory and the vast Maras salt ponds.

Comfortable attire, sun protection, and water are recommended, as the tour isn’t suitable for certain medical conditions.

Attractions: Moray

Featuring four circular terraces (muyus) with a depth of 80 meters, Moray was an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with different microclimates for crop cultivation.

The temperature variations across the terraces ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius, creating 20 distinct microclimates. This allowed the Incas to test diverse crops and determine optimal growing conditions.

Visitors can explore the captivating ruins and learn about the Incas’ agricultural innovations. The unique design and engineering of Moray provide a glimpse into the Incas’ advanced understanding of agriculture and climate.

Attractions: Maras Salt Mines

After exploring the ancient Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray, the tour continues to the Maras Salt Mines.

This remarkable site features approximately 3,500 small salt pools, each producing 50-80 kilograms of salt monthly. The natural evaporation process is fed by an underground saltwater spring, resulting in the renowned Maras salt.

Visitors can observe:

1. The intricate network of salt pools, where local families have been harvesting salt for centuries.

2. The natural flow of the saltwater into the pools, creating a mesmerizing visual display.

3. The traditional salt-harvesting techniques still in use today.

The Maras Salt Mines offer a unique glimpse into the sustainable practices of the Andes.

Itinerary

The half-day tour starts with hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a scenic 1-hour drive to the Inca agricultural site of Moray.

At Moray, guests will enjoy a guided tour of the ancient site, featuring four circular terraces up to 80 meters deep.

The tour then continues to the nearby Maras Salt Mines, where you will learn about the natural evaporation process that produces the globally renowned Maras salt.

Next, the tour visits the nearby Maras Salt Mines, where participants learn about the natural evaporation that produces the renowned Maras salt.

After the visits, the tour returns to Cusco, completing the half-day exploration of these unique Inca landmarks.

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Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation by car. A professional guide accompanies the group throughout the excursion.

Admission fees to both Moray and the Maras salt mines are covered in the tour price. However, meals and tips aren’t included.

Participants should come prepared with the following:

1. Comfortable shoes

2. Hat, camera, and sunscreen

3. Bottled water

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users. Smoking is also prohibited during the tour.

Preparation and Restrictions

Comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and sunscreen are recommended items for the tour.

Comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and sunscreen are recommended items for the tour.

Smoking isn’t permitted during the excursion.

Those with back problems or who use wheelchairs should avoid this tour, as it’s not suitable for them.

Pregnant women are also advised not to participate.

The tour group is limited to 15 participants to ensure a personalized experience.

Guests are encouraged to bring water to stay hydrated throughout the 5-hour tour.

Adherence to these preparations and restrictions will help ensure a safe and enjoyable exploration of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.

Pricing and Booking

The tour is priced from $78.00 per person.

This half-day excursion to Moray and Maras includes:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation by car.

2. A professional guide to lead the tour and provide insights.

3. Entrance fees to both the Moray archaeological site and the Maras salt mines.

Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Plus, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is limited to 15 participants and offered in both English and Spanish.

Getting There

From Cusco, the tour commences with a scenic 1-hour drive (38 km) to the ancient Inca site of Moray. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes mountains.

| Pickup | Duration | Distance | Terrain |

|——–|———-|———-|———|

| Hotel in Cusco | 1 hour | 38 km | Scenic mountain roads |

Once you arrive at Moray, your professional guide will provide a detailed tour of the remarkable Inca agricultural laboratory, featuring the unique circular terraces. After this, you’ll visit the nearby Maras Salt Mines, where an underground spring feeds the salt-producing pools.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to the tour overview, meals and tips are not included. Participants can bring their own food and drinks, but the tour operator does not provide or permit consumption of outside food and beverages during the tour.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There’s no minimum age requirement for the tour, but it’s not recommended for young children. The tour involves hiking and exploring, so it’s best suited for participants aged 8 and above who can comfortably participate in the activities.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Attraction?

The tour spends about 2 hours exploring Moray’s ancient agricultural terraces and 1 hour visiting the Maras salt mines. The remaining time is for transportation and transitions between the two attractions.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $78.00 per person, regardless of age. However, children under a certain age may be able to join for free, but this should be confirmed with the tour operator.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit additional sites. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who may be able to accommodate requests for a fee. Customization options are subject to availability and logistics.

The Sum Up

This captivating half-day tour offers a unique glimpse into Inca innovation and sustainable practices. Explore the impressive circular terraces of Moray and the intricate network of salt pools at Maras, all within a personalized experience for a maximum of 15 participants. With convenient hotel pickup in Cusco and a reasonable price of $78 per person, this 5-hour journey is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the rich history and natural wonders of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: