Set out on a captivating half-day tour of Maras and Moray, where you’ll explore the breathtaking agricultural terraces and ancient salt ponds. With a small group and a professional bilingual guide, you’ll uncover the ingenious engineering of these sites and learn about traditional salt-making processes. This enriching experience in Peru’s Sacred Valley promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the region’s history and culture.

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Key Points

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This half-day tour explores the Inca ruins of Moray and the salt ponds of Maras near Cusco, Peru.
Visitors can discover the unique agricultural terraces of Moray, built in natural sinkholes at an elevation of 3,500 meters.
The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and a professional guide fluent in English and Spanish.
The tour starts at 8:30 am and is not wheelchair accessible, with infants required to sit on laps.
The tour is priced from $35.00 per person and has a small group size of up to 15 participants.

Tour Overview

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This half-day tour takes visitors to explore the remarkable Inca sites of Maras and Moray in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru.

Guests will discover the agricultural terraces of Moray, built by the Incas in natural sinkholes.

Intriguing Inca agricultural terraces nestled in natural sinkholes await discovery at the remarkable site of Moray.

Next, they’ll visit the salt ponds of Maras, which have been in use since Inca times.

The small group size, up to 15 participants, ensures personalized service from the professional guide.

Transportation, entrance fees, and pickup from Cusco accommodations are included, with drop-off near the main square at the end of the tour.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cusco

Inclusions

The tour includes pickup from the traveler’s accommodation in Cusco and drop-off at Plaza Regocijo, which is 2 blocks from the main square.

A professional guide fluent in English and Spanish accompanies the small group of up to 15 guests. Transportation is provided throughout the tour.

Entrance fees are covered, including the Tourist Ticket for Moray at S/70.00 per person and the entrance to the salt mines at S/15.00 per person.

Infants must sit on laps. Passport details are required for all participants.

Meeting and Pickup

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Travelers must confirm their accommodation details at the time of booking.

The tour starts at 8:30 am. This half-day tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Participants must provide their passport information, including name, number, expiry, and country.

The tour starts at 8:30 am. This half-day tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Participants must provide their passport information, including name, number, expiry, and country.

Infants are welcome but must sit on laps. The tour departs from Cusco and returns to Plaza Regocijo, just 2 blocks from the main square.

With a maximum group size of 15, guests can expect personalized service from the professional, English/Spanish-speaking guide throughout the exploration of Moray and the salt ponds of Maras.

Booking Information

How much does this half-day tour of Maras and Moray cost? The tour price starts from $35.00 per person.

Booking is flexible, with a reserve now, pay later option available. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the tour start time.

The tour is rated 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 review across Viator and Tripadvisor, with no negative reviews recorded.

To secure a spot, participants must provide their passport details, including name, number, expiry, and country.

This small-group tour accommodates a maximum of 15 guests for personalized service.

Customer Feedback

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Based on the 5.0 rating from 1 review across Viator and Tripadvisor, customers appear highly satisfied with this half-day tour of Maras and Moray.

The tour received no negative reviews, indicating a consistently positive experience. Customers likely appreciated the small group size, personalized service, and comprehensive inclusions like transportation, guide, and entrance fees.

The ability to explore the unique Inca-built agricultural terraces of Moray and the historic salt ponds of Maras seems to have provided an engaging and educational experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Exploring Moray

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As visitors explore the archaeological site of Moray, they are immediately struck by the unique Inca-built agricultural terraces nestled within natural sinkholes. These circular depressions, with their meticulously constructed levels, were used by the Incas as an experimental agricultural site. The deeper levels experienced different microclimates, allowing the Incas to test the cultivation of various crops.

| Interesting Facts About Moray | |

| — | — |

| Elevation | 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) |

| Largest Terrace Diameter | 50 meters (160 feet) |

| Depth of Depressions | Up to 150 meters (500 feet) |

| Estimated Construction Period | 15th century |

The Moray site offers a unique glimpse into the Incas’ advanced agricultural practices and their understanding of microclimates.

The Salt Ponds of Maras

After exploring the unique Inca-built agricultural terraces of Moray, the tour then ventures to the picturesque salt ponds of Maras.

These ancient salt mines have been in use since Inca times and continue to be an important local resource.

Visitors can:

Observe the intricate network of evaporation ponds where salt is harvested.
Learn about the traditional salt-making process.
Purchase locally-sourced salt products as souvenirs.
Admire the stunning natural landscape, with the Andes mountains providing a stunning backdrop.

The visit to Maras offers a glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring traditions of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What Type of Clothing Should I Wear for the Tour?

For the Maras and Moray tour, participants should wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Layering is recommended as the weather can be cool, especially at the high-altitude sites.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

No, the tour itinerary is not customizable. It’s a pre-set half-day tour that includes visits to the Moray agricultural terraces and the Maras salt ponds. The tour size and inclusions are fixed for all participants.

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

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour does not include any meals or refreshments, so bringing personal snacks and beverages is allowed and recommended to sustain energy throughout the half-day excursion.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 15 guests, but there is no minimum number of participants required. The small group size ensures personalized service during the half-day excursion to Maras and Moray.

Are There Any Physical Limitations for the Tour Activities?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. There are no other stated physical limitations, though some moderate walking and exploration of archaeological sites is required.

The Sum Up

After exploring the ingeniously constructed agricultural terraces of Moray and the ancient salt ponds of Maras, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of Peru’s Inca heritage. This half-day tour provides a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history and traditions, leaving participants with a memorable experience in the Sacred Valley.