Maras and Moray Peru - Maras and Moray Tour

Introduction to the Adventure

Full Day

Easy

3,500 m.a.s.l.

2 to 12 People

Spanish, English, Portuguese

The Maras and Moray Peru tour will take us through breathtaking valleys near Cusco. We will explore ancient Inca agricultural sites and learn about traditional techniques. This day tour will reveal the ingenuity of the Inca Empire. We will enjoy the combination of history, nature, and culture.

At Moray, we will walk among circular terraces used as experimental agricultural laboratories. The guide will explain how the Incas tested crops in different microclimates. We will admire the terraces’ precision and architectural brilliance. The views will show the Inca’s deep understanding of agriculture.

Next, we will visit the salt mines of Maras. We will see thousands of salt pans carved into the mountainside. Our guide will describe how local communities have harvested salt for centuries. We will photograph the sparkling white flats under the Andean sun.

The Maras and Moray tour will conclude with a return to Cusco in the early afternoon. We will reflect on the remarkable Inca heritage and unique landscapes. This day tour will leave us with lasting memories of the Sacred Valley.

Day 01

Maras and Moray Tour Full Day

We will start the Maras and Moray Tour at 8:00 A.M. with hotel pickup in Cusco’s Historic Center. The road will take us through the Sacred Valley, where we will admire high Andean landscapes. Along the way, we will pass traditional villages and farmland. Our guide will explain the history and significance of the valley to the Inca Empire.
The first stop will be the Moray archaeological site, located at 3,500 meters above sea level. We will walk among the circular terraces that the Incas used as agricultural laboratories. Our guide will describe how different microclimates helped the Incas experiment with crops. We will photograph the terraces and learn about their precise construction. The tour also includes an explanation of agriculture’s cultural importance in the Inca Empire.
Next, we will continue to the salt mines of Maras, located at 3,380 meters above sea level. We will explore thousands of salt pans carved into the mountainside. Our guide will explain how local communities have harvested salt for centuries. We will observe the shimmering salt flats under the Andean sun. Walking along the paths, we will learn how traditional techniques remain in use today.
After visiting Maras, we will return to the Sacred Valley road and enjoy panoramic views of the Andes. We will stop for photographs of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and valleys. The guide will explain local customs, traditions, and the role of terraces in preserving ancient farming knowledge. We will finish the tour around 1:00 P.M., returning to Cusco with memories of landscapes and heritage.

Day Statistics:

Distance traveled: 70 km approximately round trip
Highest altitude: Moray terraces at 3,500 meters above sea level
Lowest altitude: Maras salt mines at 3,380 meters above sea level
Route: Cusco → Moray → Maras → Cusco
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate (mostly walking on paved and dirt paths with gentle inclines)

Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco city center
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
Tourist transport for the full route
Guided walking tour with historical and cultural explanations
Assistance throughout the tour

Not Included

Meals and drinks (lunch not included)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips for guide and driver
Travel or medical insurance
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance fees to Moray archaeological site and Maras salt mines

To ensure you enjoy your adventure to the fullest, we have prepared this detailed checklist. We recommend reviewing each category before packing your bags.