Exploring the captivating sites of Maras, Moray, and the Salt Flats from Cusco is an unforgettable experience. This private day tour offers a seamless adventure, with an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and all necessary tickets included. Visitors can expect a flexible schedule and fewer crowds, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals seeking a personalized journey through these breathtaking Andean landscapes. What awaits at each remarkable destination is a true testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Inca civilization.

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Key Points

This private day tour from Cusco takes visitors to the stunning Maras, Moray, and salt flats in the Sacred Valley region.
The tour is highly rated with 5.0 stars based on 4 reviews, making it a recommended experience for those exploring the area.
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, bottled water, and lunch for a hassle-free experience.
Tour operates daily from 7:22/2021 to 3/18/2026, with early morning hours to avoid crowds and maximize time at the sites.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of visitors.

Tour Overview

This private day tour takes visitors from Cusco to explore the renowned sites of Maras, Moray, and the Salt Flats.

The tour has a 5.0 rating based on 4 reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor, making it a highly recommended experience, especially after a Sacred Valley tour.

This private tour boasts a 5.0 rating from 4 reviews, making it a highly recommended experience after a Sacred Valley tour.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a small group setting.

Entrance tickets to Salinas de Maras, Moray, and Complejo Arqueologico Chinchero are also provided.

The tour operates daily from 5 AM to 9 AM, with the meeting point at C. Heladeros 119 in Cusco.

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Inclusions

The private day tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, providing convenient transportation for visitors.

Plus, an English-speaking guide accompanies the small group, offering insights throughout the journey. Bottled water and a tasty lunch are provided, ensuring travelers stay hydrated and nourished.

The tour also covers entrance fees to the key sites – Salinas de Maras, Moray, and Complejo Arqueologico Chinchero – allowing seamless access.

With these inclusions, the private tour offers a comprehensive, hassle-free experience to explore the remarkable Maras, Moray, and salt flats from Cusco.

Meeting and Pickup

Direct meeting point or pickup request is available for this private day tour.

The pickup time is based on your location, so you can choose what works best for you. The meeting point is at C. Heladeros 119, Cusco 08002, Peru.

Your tour guide will be identifiable by their name or a flag. At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped back off at the original meeting point.

Schedule

Travelers can confirm the start time with the local provider.

The tour operates from 7/22/2021 to 3/18/2026, Monday through Sunday, from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM. This allows guests to make the most of their day and avoid the crowds.

The schedule provides ample time to explore the following destinations:

Salinas de Maras (the salt mines)
Moray (the Inca archaeological site)
Complejo Arqueologico Chinchero (the Chinchero archaeological complex)

Guests can expect a well-paced itinerary that maximizes their time and allows for a fulfilling, guided experience.

Accessibility and Additional Info

This private tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and it’s located near public transportation.

Infant seats are available for those traveling with young children. No serious medical conditions are required to participate, and most travelers can join this excursion.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking. The tour operates daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, so guests can choose a convenient start time.

This is a private tour, meaning only your group will be in attendance, allowing for a more personalized experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Maras: The Salt Mines

As the tour makes its way to the first stop, the Maras salt mines come into view. These ancient salt ponds, dating back to the Inca empire, cover the hillside in a mesmerizing pattern of white.

Visitors can:

Observe the local workers harvesting salt from the ponds
Explore the vast network of salt ponds and terraces
Purchase artisanal salt products directly from the producers

The Maras salt mines offer a unique glimpse into an age-old practice that continues to thrive in the Peruvian Andes.

Moray: The Inca Agricultural Terraces

After passing through the Maras salt mines, the tour reaches the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray.

These mysterious depressions were used by the Incas as an experimental agricultural site. The circular terraces descend 492 feet (150 meters) and vary in temperature by as much as 59°F (15°C) from the top to the bottom. This allowed the Incas to simulate different microclimates and grow a variety of crops.

Today, visitors can explore the unique Inca architecture and marvel at the ingenuity of these ancient engineers. The Moray ruins are included in the Boleto Turistico, the essential pass for many Cusco attractions.

The Salt Flats of Salinas

The Salt Flats of Salinas lie just beyond Moray, a striking contrast to the Inca agricultural terraces.

These ancient salt ponds, dating back to pre-Inca times, cover an expansive area in the Cusco region:

Thousands of individual salt ponds are carved into the hillside, harvested by local families for centuries.
The stark white ponds glisten in the sun, surrounded by towering mountains and a serene, tranquil atmosphere.
Visitors can wander through the ponds, observing the salt-making process and learning about this important Andean tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water, but you’re welcome to pack additional snacks or beverages if you prefer.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?

You don’t need any special equipment or clothing for the tour. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The tour provider will provide bottled water, but you can bring your own snacks or lunch if desired.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour is customizable. Customers can speak with the local provider to adjust the itinerary based on their interests and needs. The tour is private, so the itinerary can be tailored to the group’s preferences.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation and refund policy allows full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour. Partial refunds may be available with less notice, but it’s best to check with the local provider for their specific policy.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, guests can take photographs throughout the tour. The tour provider encourages guests to capture the stunning natural landscapes and cultural sites visited during the day.

The Sum Up

This private day tour from Cusco offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Maras, Moray, and the Salt Flats. With English-speaking guides, included transportation, and seamless organization, it’s the perfect way to discover these iconic Peruvian sites. Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a family, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the region’s stunning natural beauty.