The Maras Private Excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Peru’s Sacred Valley. Discover the ancient Inca salt mines, learn about the Misminay community, and unwind with a rejuvenating salt massage. This full-day adventure also includes a visit to the fascinating Moray Archaeological Site, providing a glimpse into the region’s history and traditions. Whether you’re seeking cultural enrichment or a relaxing getaway, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience.
Key Points
- This private excursion offers a full-day tour to explore the Maras Salt Mines, Moray Archaeological Site, and Misminay Community for an immersive cultural experience.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, an English-speaking guide, a welcome snack, and a traditional Peruvian lunch.
- Highlights include learning about ancient salt harvesting techniques, participating in a medicinal foot bath with local salts and herbs, and enjoying live music.
- Visitors can experience authentic cultural interactions with community members and gain insights into their sustainable lifestyle and preservation efforts.
- The excursion includes a rejuvenating Maras salt massage as part of the tour, providing a unique and relaxing experience.
Excursion Overview
The Maras Private Excursion is a comprehensive full-day tour that offers a unique opportunity to explore the salt mines of Maras, the Misminay community, and the Moray archaeological site.
Priced from $239 per person, the private group tour lasts 8 hours and is available in English and Spanish. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and book without upfront payment.
The itinerary includes hotel pickup, transport, an English-speaking guide, a welcome snack, and a delicious lunch in the Misminay community, ensuring an exclusive and immersive experience.
Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Cusco
Itinerary Highlights
Pickup from hotel in Cusco between 8 and 8:30 am kicks off the Maras Private Excursion.
Visitors will explore the Maras Salt Mines, dating back to Inca times, and marvel at the salt ponds.
Next, they’ll experience the Misminay Community, where they’ll enjoy a welcome snack, learn about local agriculture and textiles, and savor a delicious lunch.
The excursion then takes guests to the Moray Archaeological Site, offering a breathtaking view of the circular platforms at an impressive 11,500 feet above sea level.
Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy live music and unique culture.
Unique Experiences
Along With the immersive cultural experiences, the Maras Private Excursion offers several unique activities.
Guests will learn about the health benefits of Maras salt, a local delicacy. They’ll also enjoy a medicinal foot bath with salts and herbs provided by community members.
Live music during the excursion adds to the authentic ambiance.
The highlights include:
-
Learn about the health benefits of Maras salt
-
Enjoy a medicinal foot bath with salts and herbs
-
Experience live music during the excursion
-
Explore the salt ponds dating back to Inca times
Inclusions
The Maras Private Excursion includes a comprehensive package of services to ensure a seamless and immersive experience.
Hotel pickup and return transfer, along with transportation by minibus, are provided. An English-speaking guide accompanies the tour, enriching the experience with their expertise.
Guests can look forward to a welcome snack and a delectable lunch with a starter, main course, and a drink.
The excursion also includes a rejuvenating Maras salt massage, a unique offering that allows visitors to appreciate the health benefits of the local salt.
This tour is an exclusive experience with no additional participants.
More Great Tours NearbyPickup and Drop-off
The excursion starts with pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 8 and 8:30 am.
You’ll be transported by minibus to the first destination, the Maras Salt Mines. After exploring the historic salt ponds, you’ll visit the Misminay community, where you’ll enjoy a welcome snack, learn about local practices, and have lunch.
Next, you’ll hike to the Moray Archaeological Site. At the end of the day, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in Cusco.
The pickup and drop-off service provides:
-
Convenient hotel transfers
-
Efficient transportation by minibus
-
Direct travel to and from excursion sites
-
Included in the tour price
Maras Salt Mines
Situated in the Cusco Region of Peru, the Maras Salt Mines have been in operation since Inca times.
Explorers will discover thousands of salt ponds, each a unique shade of white and pink, carved into the mountainside. Visitors can learn about the ancient techniques used to harvest salt, which involves channeling salty spring water into the ponds and allowing the sun’s heat to evaporate the water, leaving behind the precious mineral.
Witnessing the intricate process of salt production, dating back centuries, is a captivating and immersive experience for all who visit this remarkable site.
Misminay Community
After exploring the captivating Maras Salt Mines, the private excursion takes visitors to the Misminay Community. Here, guests are welcomed with a traditional snack and learn about the local agricultural and textile practices.
The highlight is a delicious lunch featuring a starter, main course, and a refreshing drink.
The excursion also offers a unique opportunity to:
-
Interact with community members.
-
Gain insights into their sustainable lifestyle.
-
Appreciate the cultural preservation efforts.
-
Enjoy live music during the experience.
This immersive visit to Misminay Community provides a genuine cultural encounter, enriching the overall Maras private excursion.
Moray Archaeological Site
After exploring the stunning Maras Salt Mines, the private excursion takes visitors on a hike to the captivating Moray Archaeological Site. Situated at an impressive 11,500 feet (3,500 meters) above sea level, Moray features remarkable circular agricultural terraces believed to have been an Inca experimental agricultural site. Visitors can marvel at the ingenious engineering and appreciate the breathtaking views of the Andes.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Elevation | 11,500 feet (3,500 meters) |
| Structure | Circular agricultural terraces |
| Purpose | Inca experimental agricultural site |
| Significance | Impressive engineering and scenic vistas |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book the Excursion for a Different Group Size?
Yes, this private excursion can be booked for different group sizes. The tour provider offers exclusive tours, so you can customize the group size to fit your needs without additional participants.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Activities?
There are no age restrictions for this excursion. However, the activities may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. Guests should be able to walk and participate in the hike and community visit.
How Accessible Are the Sites for People With Mobility Issues?
The sites vary in accessibility. The salt ponds and Misminay community are relatively accessible, but the hike to Moray Archaeological Site may be challenging for those with mobility issues. It’s best to discuss any concerns with the tour operator beforehand.
Can I Customize the Itinerary or Add Additional Activities?
Yes, the tour can be customized to add extra activities or modify the itinerary. Speak with the tour operator to discuss your preferences and they’ll work to personalize the experience to meet your needs.
Are Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available for the Included Lunch?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan meal options are available for the included lunch. The tour provider can accommodate various dietary requirements with advance notice. Just let them know your preferences when booking the excursion.
The Sum Up
The Maras Private Excursion offers a captivating journey through Peru’s vibrant cultural heritage. Travelers can enjoy the ancient salt-harvesting traditions of the Maras Salt Mines, rejuvenate with a soothing salt massage, and explore the Moray Archaeological Site to gain insights into the local way of life. This full-day experience provides a well-rounded and unforgettable adventure, making it a must-do for those seeking an authentic exploration of Peru’s natural and historical wonders.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Cusco
- Seven Day Ayahuasca Retreat in Cusco – Shared Private
- Wachuma (San Pedro) and Ayahuasca Retreat 4D – Private VIP
- Cusco: Private Full-Day Tour of Machu Picchu With a Local
- Wachuma (San Pedro) and Ayahuasca Retreat 4D – Private
- Private Choquequirao Trek 4D/3N
- Private Tour | Excursion Lares Trek 4 Days to Machupicchu
More Tours in Cusco
- Peru & Bolivia Tour Package: 13 Days
- Cusco | Manu Jungle Excursion 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
- From Cusco | Manu Jungle Tour 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
- From Cusco | Manu Jungle Excursion 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
- From Cusco | Manu Jungle Excursion 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
- From Cusco | Manu Jungle Tour 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
More Tour Reviews in Cusco
Still browsing? Here are more Cusco experiences we've covered recently
- Cusco: 7 Lagoons of Ausangate Full Day
- Peru & Bolivia Tour Package: 13 Days
- South 12 Days: Ica-Arequipa-Puno-Cusco 4 Star Hotel.
- Andean Inca Marriage 6 Days – Shared
- Peru and Bolivia 16 Days 15 Nights
- Andean Inca Wedding 6 Days Basic
- Extraordinary Perú 13D | Huacachina,Uros,Machu Picchu |
- From Cusco: 4 Days Trekking to Choquequirao
- Adventure 13D in Peru and Bolivia – Machu Picchu |Hotel☆☆☆☆|
- Cusco | Manu Jungle Excursion 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
- From Cusco | Manu Jungle Tour 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu
- From Cusco | Manu Jungle Excursion 7D/6N | Wonders of Manu