Maras and Moray

The ancient Inca sites of Maras and Moray in Peru’s Sacred Valley are a captivating blend of natural beauty and engineering ingenuity. Maras boasts thousands of salt evaporation ponds, a tradition dating back centuries, while Moray’s circular terraces were an agricultural experiment center. These remarkable locations offer travelers a unique glimpse into the advanced practices of the Inca civilization. Exploring these sites promises to be a truly immersive experience, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Key Points

• Salineras de Maras is an ancient network of salt evaporation ponds, offering opportunities to explore and purchase local salt products.
• Inca Ruins of Moray feature mysterious circular terraces that served as an agricultural experimentation site for studying crop microclimates.
• The Sacred Valley landscapes around Maras and Moray showcase Inca ingenuity, with terraced salt ponds and circular agricultural terraces.
• Convenient transportation options, including private vehicle pickups from Cusco hotels, facilitate easy access to the Maras and Moray sites.
• The tour package includes the General or Partial Tourist Ticket for Cusco, entrance to Salineras de Maras, and all food and beverages, providing a comprehensive experience.

Discover the Unique Salineras De Maras

After a scenic drive from Cusco, visitors arrive at the Salineras de Maras, a captivating network of thousands of salt evaporation ponds.

The ponds, dating back to pre-Inca times, are carved into the hillside, creating a mesmerizing patchwork of white, pink, and yellow hues. Locals still harvest salt using traditional methods, hand-scooping the crystallized mineral from the ponds.

Visitors can explore the terraced site, observing the salt production process and purchasing local products. The unique landscape and cultural significance make the Salineras de Maras a must-see destination for those seeking an authentic Peruvian experience.

Exploring the Mystical Inca Ruins of Moray

From the Salineras de Maras, the tour now heads to the captivating Inca ruins of Moray. These mysterious circular terraces were once an agricultural experimentation site, where the Incas studied the effects of different microclimates on crop growth. As visitors descend into the complex, they’re struck by the sheer scale and geometrical precision of the structures.

| Observations | Details |

| — | — |

| Purpose | Agricultural experimentation |

| Structure | Circular terraces |

| Significance | Study of microclimates |

| Impressions | Awe-inspiring scale and precision |

Exploring Moray is a humbling experience, shedding light on the advanced agricultural practices of the Inca civilization.

The Stunning Landscapes of the Sacred Valley

As the tour continues, the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley unfold before visitors’ eyes. Rolling hills, snow-capped peaks, and lush greenery create a picturesque backdrop.

The tour explores the Salineras de Maras, ancient salt mines that have been in use for centuries. Visitors marvel at the terraced pools that glisten in the sun, a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca people.

The Salineras de Maras, ancient salt mines with terraced pools that glisten in the sun, showcase the ingenuity of the Inca people.

The tour then moves on to Moray, where the ancient Inca built an incredible network of circular terraces, possibly used for agricultural experimentation.

The Sacred Valley’s natural beauty and Inca engineering captivate all who visit.

Transportation and Meeting Details

The tour offers travelers convenient pickup options, allowing them to start their journey directly from their hotel in historic Cusco or at the designated meeting point. Transportation is provided throughout the day in a private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience.

| Transportation Details | | |

|———————-|—|—|

| Private Transportation | ✓ | |

| Hotel Pickup in Cusco | ✓ | |

| Meeting Point Option | ✓ | |

The tour concludes by returning participants to the original meeting location, providing a seamless start and end to the day’s exploration of Maras and Moray.

Tour Inclusions and Pricing

Along With the convenient transportation options, the tour package also includes several key inclusions to enhance the overall experience.

The tour provides a General or Partial Tourist Ticket for Cusco, allowing access to various attractions. Visitors will also enjoy the entrance to the Salineras de Maras, a captivating salt evaporation pond complex.

Importantly, the price of $26.93 per person covers all food and beverages during the tour. With a maximum group size of 10 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.

Health and Accessibility Considerations

While the tour offers an immersive experience, it may not be suitable for all travelers.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with heart conditions or serious medical issues are advised against participation. The uneven terrain and high altitude may pose challenges for some.

However, most travelers can participate in the tour. It’s important for visitors to consider their physical abilities and any medical concerns before booking to ensure they can fully enjoy the Maras and Moray sites during the excursion.

Tour Dates and Booking Information

When does this Maras and Moray tour operate? The tour operates year-round, with start dates from August 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025. Booking confirmations are received at the time of booking, and free cancellations are available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

| Booking Details | Value |

| — | — |

| Start Date | August 1, 2023 |

| End Date | December 31, 2025 |

| Confirmation | Received at booking |

| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before |

Travelers can choose to meet at the designated meeting point or arrange hotel pickup in historic Cusco, with the tour returning to the original meeting location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Participate in This Tour?

Children can participate in this tour, but the operator doesn’t recommend it for travelers with serious medical conditions or problems. The group size is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water and Snacks?

Food and beverages are included in the tour, so you don’t need to bring your own water and snacks. The tour provides a full experience, including all necessary items for the activities.

Is Photography Allowed at the Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the sites, but visitors should check for any restrictions or special rules before taking photos. The tour operator can provide more information on photo policies for the Maras and Moray locations.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour typically spends around 1-2 hours at each location, allowing visitors ample time to explore and take in the sights. The time spent at each site may vary depending on the group’s pace and interests.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, but travelers can request a custom itinerary with longer visits if needed. The standard tour covers the key sights in Maras and Moray within the set timeframe.

The Sum Up

Maras and Moray showcase the Inca’s ingenuity and advanced agricultural practices. The salt ponds of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray offer stunning landscapes and cultural insights that make them must-visit destinations in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Exploring these captivating sites provides a window into the region’s rich heritage and the remarkable achievements of the Inca civilization.