Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras Half-Day Group Tour

Nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, the Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras Half-Day Group Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the Inca’s remarkable agricultural prowess and the region’s enduring traditions. This guided excursion promises an enriching experience, allowing visitors to explore the unique circular terraces of Moray and witness the time-honored salt harvesting process at the historic Maras salt flats. With professional guidance and transportation provided, the tour invites travelers to enjoy the area’s stunning landscapes and uncover the fascinating interplay between Inca engineering and the local culture.

Key Points

• The tour offers a half-day group visit to the Inca archaeological sites of Moray and the Maras salt mines from Cusco, Peru.
• Highlights include learning about Inca agricultural practices, exploring the unique circular terraced ruins of Moray, and witnessing traditional salt harvesting in Maras.
• The tour is rated 4.5 stars based on 17 reviews and costs $25 per person, with a maximum group size of 18 travelers.
• The tour includes professional guides, tourist transport, and entry fees, but excludes additional costs like water, snacks, tips, and entry to extra attractions.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Tour Overview

The Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras Half-Day Group Tour is a popular excursion from Cusco, Peru that allows visitors to explore two significant archaeological sites – Moray and Maras.

The Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras Half-Day Group Tour allows visitors to explore two significant archaeological sites in Cusco, Peru.

This half-day tour has a 4.5-star rating based on 17 reviews and costs $25 per person. The tour is limited to 18 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Highlights include learning about Inca agricultural practices, exploring salt flats and irrigated terraces, and visiting a textile shop.

The tour includes professional guides, tourist transport, and entry fees to the sites.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Visiting two significant archaeological sites – Moray and Maras – is the highlight of this half-day tour.

Guests will learn about Inca agricultural practices and land management as they explore the unique landscapes.

The tour includes:

• Visiting the circular terraced ruins of Moray, which were used as an agricultural research laboratory by the Incas.

• Exploring the Maras salt flats, where salt has been harvested for centuries using traditional methods.

• Stopping at the Chinchero village and a textile shop to gain insights into local culture and craftsmanship.

• Taking in the scenic beauty of the region throughout the tour.

Exploring Moray

As visitors approach Moray, they’re greeted by the remarkable sight of the circular terraced ruins, a testament to the Incas’ advanced agricultural practices.

The site features a series of concentric terraces that descend into a central bowl, creating a unique microclimate. Guides explain how the Incas used this site as an agricultural laboratory, experimenting with different crops and soil conditions to optimize yields.

Visitors can stroll along the terraces, marveling at the ingenuity of the Inca engineers who designed this intricate system. The stunning natural setting adds to the wonder of exploring this ancient site.

Visiting the Salt Mines of Maras

After exploring the remarkable agricultural site of Moray, visitors then head to the Salt Mines of Maras.

These historic salt-harvesting pools have been in use since Inca times. The vivid white salt terraces contrast beautifully with the surrounding green hills.

Visitors can:

• Observe local workers maintaining the salt pools and harvesting the salt by hand

• Explore the expansive network of over 3,000 individual salt pools

• Learn about the traditional salt extraction methods used for centuries

• Purchase local salt products as souvenirs

The Salt Mines of Maras offer a unique cultural experience and stunning natural scenery.

Stops Along the Way

During the tour, participants may have the opportunity to stop at the picturesque Chinchero village, known for its colonial-era church and thriving textile industry.

Here, they can explore the local market and observe the traditional weaving techniques used to create vibrant textiles.

At the local market, visitors can witness the traditional techniques used to craft the region’s vibrant textiles.

Plus, a visit to a textile shop may provide a chance to interact with local artisans and purchase unique handcrafted souvenirs.

These stops along the way offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region, complementing the exploration of the archaeological sites of Moray and the salt mines of Maras.

Inclusion and Costs

The tour includes the services of professional guides and tourist transport with a professional driver. The entry fees are covered, including:

• Boleto Turístico (Moray) for S/70 (or S/130 for multiple sites)

• Maras Salt Mines for S/20

However, water, snacks, tips, and entry to additional attractions aren’t included.

Travelers should bring their own tourist ticket, emergency money, passport or ID, small backpack, extra cash for souvenirs, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a waterproof jacket if visiting between October to March.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with mobility issues.

Planning Your Tour

When planning your tour, it’s important to consider the meeting and pickup options. The tour provides pickup from any hotel in central Cusco or a designated meeting point at C. Espinar 208.

Alternatively, you can head directly to the meeting point. This flexibility allows for convenient access to the tour.

Remember to bring your Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket), as it’s required for entry to Moray.

Plus, pack essentials like emergency money, passport or ID, a small backpack, extra cash for souvenirs, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a waterproof jacket if visiting during the rainy season.

Ensure you’re prepared for the tour’s activities and environment.

The Sum Up

The Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras Half-Day Group Tour offers a captivating exploration of Inca agricultural heritage and stunning landscapes near Cusco, Peru. Priced at $25 per person, the tour provides guided visits to the remarkable circular terraces of Moray and the historic salt flats of Maras, where travelers can witness traditional salt harvesting techniques. This enriching excursion immerses participants in the local culture and craftsmanship, making it a memorable experience.