Maras and Moray Salt Mines | Half Day |

The Maras and Moray Salt Mines half-day tour offers travelers a chance to explore the ancient Inca salt-making practices in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Visitors can marvel at the shimmering salt pools of Maras and the unique concentric terraces of Moray, all while learning about the region’s rich history and agricultural traditions. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this excursion promises an immersive and unforgettable experience for those intrigued by the Inca’s ingenious use of the land.

About Your Stay

• Discover the centuries-old salt mines of Maras, where locals harvest salt from salty spring water by hand, a tradition passed down for generations.
• Explore the Moray archaeological site, featuring concentric terraces believed to be an Inca agricultural experiment station with each terrace having its own microclimate.
• Enjoy a half-day excursion from Cusco, Peru, with round-trip tourist bus transfers, a specialized guide, and entrance tickets included in the price of $26 per person.
• The tour accommodates a maximum group size of 16 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
• Pickup is available from hotels in the Historic Center of Cusco or Plazoleta Regocijo for those outside the area, with the tour starting at 8:30 am.

Tour Overview

The tour starts with a pickup from hotels within the Historic Center of Cusco or Plazoleta Regocijo for those outside the range, beginning at 8:30 am.

The half-day excursion explores the Maras and Moray salt mines near Cusco, Peru. Priced from $26 per person, the tour includes round-trip tourist bus transfers, a specialized guide, and entrance tickets.

A half-day excursion exploring the Maras and Moray salt mines near Cusco, Peru, priced from $26 per person.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 16 travelers. Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Most travelers can participate, though the sites aren’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Inclusions

The tour includes pickup from hotels within the Historic Center of Cusco or Plazoleta Regocijo for those outside the range.

Travelers will enjoy round-trip tourist bus transfer and a specialized tourist guide throughout the experience.

Entrance tickets to the parks are also included.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility.

Pickup Information

Pickup points for the tour include hotels within the Historic Center of Cusco or Plazoleta Regocijo for those staying outside the range.

The tour starts promptly at 8:30 am. Travelers have a few options for getting to the meeting point:

1. Guests at hotels in the Historic Center can be picked up directly from their accommodation.

2. Those staying outside the center can meet the group at Plazoleta Regocijo.

3. The tour includes round-trip tourist bus transfers to and from the salt mines.

4. Confirmation of the pickup location is provided at the time of booking.

Maras Salt Mines

After being transported to the Maras area, visitors explore the centuries-old salt mines.

The site features thousands of small, salt-harvesting pools carved into the mountainside. Locals have been extracting salt from the salty spring water in this method for generations.

Visitors can see the locals at work, gathering the salt by hand and drying it in the sun. The shimmering salt ponds create a striking visual contrast against the rugged, arid landscape.

Locals toil by hand, harvesting salt as it shimmers against the arid, rugged landscape.

Guests have the opportunity to purchase locally-sourced salt as a souvenir before departing the unique natural attraction.

Moray Salt Mines

From the Maras salt mines, the tour continues on to the nearby Moray archaeological site.

Moray features a series of concentric terraces believed to have been an Inca agricultural experiment station. The site’s unique design offers a striking visual experience:

1. Circular terraces descend 492 feet into the earth, creating a vast, amphitheater-like structure.

2. Each terrace has its own microclimate, allowing the Incas to study the effects of temperature on crops.

3. The terraces were irrigated using an intricate system of canals, demonstrating the Incas’ advanced agricultural expertise.

4. Visitors can explore the ruins and imagine the site’s former purpose as an agricultural research center.

Duration and Price

The tour lasts a half-day and costs from $26.00 per person.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 16 travelers. Participants will receive round-trip tourist bus transfers and a specialized tourist guide, as well as entrance tickets to the parks.

Pickup is available from hotels in the Historic Center of Cusco or the Plazoleta Regocijo for those outside the range, with a start time of 8:30 am.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Reviews

The tour has received a total of 4 reviews, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on feedback from Viator and Tripadvisor.

There are no reviews with less than 3 stars.

Reviewers highlight the following:

Knowledgeable and engaging guide, well-organized tour, stunning scenery, reasonable price – the highlights from reviewers.

• Knowledgeable and engaging guide who provides fascinating insights

• Well-organized tour with efficient transportation and easy pickups

• Stunning scenery at the salt mines and Moray ruins

• Reasonable price for the experience provided

Additional Details

Travelers participating in this tour can expect a half-day excursion to the captivating Maras and Moray salt mines located in the Cusco region of Peru.

The tour includes pickup from hotels in the Historic Center of Cusco, round-trip transportation by tourist bus, and a specialized guide. Entrance tickets to the parks are included, and the tour accommodates most travelers.

However, it isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience with no penalty.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Salt Mines?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the salt mines. The tour includes visits to the local markets, where travelers can find a variety of handmade crafts, textiles, and salt-based products to purchase as souvenirs.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code for this tour. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, as the sites may involve some walking on uneven terrain. The tour operates in an outdoor setting, so dressing in layers is advisable.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour has no age restrictions. Infants must sit on laps, but most travelers can participate. The maximum group size is 16 travelers.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour operator does not provide any storage or refrigeration for personal items, so participants should plan accordingly.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

There are no restrictions on photography during the tour. Travelers are free to take photos throughout the experience, allowing them to capture the unique landscapes and scenery of the Maras and Moray salt mines.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Maras and Moray Salt Mines half-day tour offers a captivating exploration of Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. Visitors can witness the stunning Maras salt pools and the remarkable Moray archaeological site, gaining insights into the region’s unique agricultural practices. With convenient transportation and expert guidance, this excursion provides an enriching experience amidst breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal addition to any Cusco itinerary.