Maras, Moray, and Salt Mines Tour with Snack Pack

Overview

Discover two of the most impressive sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a tour that combines striking scenery, history, and ancestral knowledge. Departing from Cusco, you'll visit the agricultural terraces of Moray and the traditional Maras Salt Pans, accompanied by a guide who will help you understand the significance of these places for Inca civilization and for the communities that still live in the region today. The tour takes place in high-altitude areas: Moray sits at approximately 3,500 meters and Maras at around 3,300 meters above sea level. Since you'll be departing from Cusco, which is also at approximately 3,400 meters, the altitude change throughout the route is gradual.

Itinerary

1. Centro Historico De Cusco

   The tour begins with a meeting point at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco, next to the main fountain in the square, where our team will be waiting for passengers between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. After meeting the group, your guide will give a brief introduction to the tour and share some information about the places you will visit throughout the day. Each passenger will also receive an individual snack kit. We will then set off towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking in the stunning Andean landscapes, agricultural fields, and mountains that define this remarkable region.

   · 15 min

2. Chinchero

   Our second stop will be at a traditional textile center in Chinchero, where you will learn more about the ancestral techniques of Andean weaving. During the visit, you will be introduced to alpaca fibers, natural dyeing techniques, and traditional methods used by local communities to produce their textiles. You will also discover how these traditional skills and techniques have been preserved and passed down through generations, while having the opportunity to observe the region’s distinctive textiles and craftsmanship up close.

   · 30 min

3. Vallée sacrée des Incas

   We will continue our journey through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking in the mountains, agricultural fields, and Andean communities that form part of the region’s distinctive landscape. Along the way, your guide will explain the importance of the Sacred Valley to Inca culture, as well as the geographical characteristics that made the area particularly suitable for agricultural development.

   · 1 min

4. Archaeological Site of Moray

   Our next visit will be to the Moray Archaeological Site, an ancient Inca agricultural complex featuring remarkable circular terraces built at different levels. The arrangement of these structures created variations in temperature and humidity, which has contributed to theories regarding their possible use for agricultural experimentation. During the visit, your guide will explain how the Incas made use of the terrain, changes in elevation, and microclimatic conditions to develop knowledge related to cultivation and the adaptation of different plant species.

   · 1 min

5. Maras

   After visiting Moray, we will continue to the village of Maras, a small Andean settlement that preserves elements of both its Inca heritage and colonial past. During the visit, we will walk through its streets and learn more about its history, architecture, and traditions, while your guide shares insights into the local community and Maras’s significance throughout different historical periods.

   · 30 min

6. Salt Maras Peru

   We will then visit the impressive Maras Salt Mines, home to more than 3,000 small salt evaporation ponds spread across the mountain slopes. Salt is produced from a natural saltwater spring, which is channelled through a network of canals into the ponds. As the water evaporates under the sun, salt crystals are left behind and subsequently collected. This activity is still carried out by local communities and preserves traditional techniques that date back to pre-Inca times. During the visit, your guide will explain how the process works and its importance to the families of the region.

   · 1 h

7. Chinchero

   After completing our visit to the Maras Salt Mines, we will begin our return journey towards Cusco. Along the way, we will once again pass through the Chinchero area, taking in the rural landscapes of the Sacred Valley, agricultural fields, and mountains that line the road. This route offers an opportunity to appreciate a different perspective of the Andean landscape as we make our way back to the city.

   · 1 h

8. Centro Historico De Cusco

   After completing our visit to the textile center, we will begin the journey back to Cusco. Throughout the drive, we will continue to enjoy the Andean scenery, with its mountains, agricultural fields, and traditional communities. Upon arrival in the city, drop-off will be at Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, a convenient location from which you can continue exploring the historic center, discover its surroundings, and enjoy some free time to have lunch at your own expense before continuing with your activities.

   · 20 min

How to use your ticket

IMPORTANT: Please contact us as soon as you complete your booking so we can arrange the details of your transfer. You can reach us using the phone number or WhatsApp provided. Admission tickets to Maras and Moray are not included in the tour. Please bring cash to purchase the following tickets: - Maras and Moray: S/ 70.00 per person. - Maras Salt Mines: S/ 25.00 per person. This ticket is not included in the Tourist Ticket and must be purchased separately. Your booking includes a thoughtfully prepared snack kit, containing: - 1 bottle of water - 1 whole-grain biscuit - 1 chocolate - 2 pieces of assorted fresh fruit - 1 cereal bar - A selection of sweets

Meeting and end point

What to know before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children under 5 do not pay, as long as they do not occupy their own seat.
• We can include a child car seat upon request, subject to availability and the number of passengers in the vehicle, at an additional cost.
• People with heart conditions or other serious medical conditions should consult their doctor before doing this activity.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled in case of bad weather or if there aren't enough participants.

Reviews

Product code: 90225P10

Activity offered by Viagens Machu Picchu via Viator.