Sacred Valley from Cusco Airport to Ollantaytambo
Full Day, from $ USD 70
Maras Salt Mines and Moray Half-Day Tour from Cusco: Discover the Enigmatic Maras Moray
Our Maras Moray half day tour ensures an authentic and immersive experience, displaying the unique beauty and cultural heritage of the Cusco region
Trip Length
Half Day Tour
Max Altitude
3386m / 11109feet
Physical Level
Easy
Service Level
Private Service
Departure
Cusco
Best Season
All Year Round
Book with Flexibility
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Cancellation Policy
Cancel your tour up to 72 hours prior to your tour for a full refund.
Maras and Moray are two of the most popular attractions near Cusco Perú. Strategically located close to Peru’s tourist capital and the gateway to Machu Picchu.
This half day tour experience to Moray & Salt Mines from Cusco, will take you off the beaten track to enjoy the amazing scenery of the Sacred Valley while acclimatizing to the altitude gradually.
During this fantastic tour from Cusco. You”ll discover the Impressive Inca construction of Moray and the famous Salt Mines of Maras, where locals still mine them as in Inca times for their special and Peruvian pink salt, also on your drive you will enjoy the traditional handmade weaving demonstration of textile in Chinchero.
With our expertly designed tour, you will embark on a fascinating exploration of the Salt Flats of Maras and the intriguing terraces of Moray, all departing from Cusco, Perú. Book your Maras and Moray day trip from Cusco today and create unforgettable memories!
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Overview
Overview
Maras Moray Half Day Tour from Cusco – Overview
Enjoy the fascinating Maras Moray tour in Cusco, a day trip that will leave you amazed by the natural and cultural wonders of the region. This unforgettable half day tour takes you through the picturesque Sacred Valley, immersing you in awe-inspiring scenery along the way. Throughout the tour, our expert guides will provide interesting insights into the history, culture and significance of these remarkable sites. You will have plenty of time to explore the sites, take stunning pictures and interact with locals.
Our Maras & Moray Half Day Cusco Tour is a fascinating journey to two of the most significant sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Maras Salt Mines and Moray ruins. With private transportation and experienced guides, you will be able to relax and focus on enjoying the experience without the hassle of arranging the logistics.
This exceptional tour not only highlights the ancient ruins of Moray and the fascinating Salt Flats, the adventure doesn’t stop there. But also offers additional activities. You will enjoy an exclusive visit to a local alpaca farm Plus, learn about the traditional Chicha (Inca drink). This excursion is ideal for travelers with limited time in the region, wanting to explore one part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The tour is offered in an unconventional order to avoid other tour groups and enjoy a more intimate experience.
What to Expect on Your Maras Moray Half-Day Tour:
1. Maras Salt Mines
- Your adventure begins in Cusco, where you will be picked up from your hotel by our expert guide and comfortable transportation.
- Your first stop is the Maras Salt Mines, we begin our exploration with a visit to the Maras Salt Mines, strategically scheduled to avoid the crowds and enjoy the site all to ourselves.
- You will have plenty of time to explore this fascinating place, take stunning photographs and learn about the salt extraction process.
2. Moray Terraces
- After you visited Maras Salt Mines, you will head to Moray, where you will visit a series of agricultural terraces that were integral to the agricultural experimentation of the Incas.
- Not only will you have the opportunity to see this iconic site, but you can also take a leisurely stroll around them, capturing the perfect photographs to treasure your memories.
- Unlike typical group tours, you will enjoy total freedom to explore the site at your own pace, with no rush or limitations.
3. Chicha Tasting
- Our tour, unlike conventional ones, provides a unique experience where you can taste this drink from the Inca period. This immersion opportunity offers a deeper connection to Andean culture and history, making your visit unforgettable.
- Chicha is a traditional Andean drink made from fermented corn. The chicha tasting usually takes place in a local chichería, a small establishment where the drink is made and served.
4. Alpaca Farm
- Our tour offers a stop at a local alpaca farm to interact with these gentle animals and learn about their importance in Andean culture.
- You will be able to get up close to the alpacas and llamas, feed and pet them while learning about their care and breeding.
- Watch as local artisans demonstrate the traditional weaving techniques used to create beautiful alpaca wool garments and textiles.
Why Choose Our Half Day Maras Moray Tour
Choosing our Half Day Maras Moray Tour is choosing to dive into the ancient wonders and rich history of Cusco’s Sacred Valley. Here’s why you should make this tour your best choice:
Experience rich culture and stunning landscapes on our Maras and Moray tour.
Learn Inca agricultural techniques and history at Moray from our local guides.
Explore more places in short time, our half day tour offers the best highlights.
Drop-off in Ollantaytambo available upon request. We adapt the tour to your needs.
Schedule of Our Half Day Maras Moray Cusco Tour
Join us on a wonderful journey with many experiences. We carefully planned everything, combining history, culture, and nature in our schedule bellow:
- 8:00 am: Our journey begins with pick up from your hotel in Cusco. Our team, eager and prepared, will be awaiting you at the lobby of your hotel, ready to embark on this adventure with you.
- 9:00 am: After a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours from Cusco we head to our first destination: the famous Salt Mines. Here, among the intricate terraced pools, we unravel the secrets of ancient salt extraction, a tradition steeped in history and heritage practiced since the time of the Incas.
- 10:30 am: Saying goodbye to the Salt Mines, our journey takes us to the fascinating ruins of Moray in Maras. Here our exploration offers a short hike that will allow us to better understand this enigmatic place.
- 12:10 pm: After Moray we will make a short stop at Chicha house, we invite you to a Chicha tasting. Savor this traditional Andean drink, made from corn, and taste its rich flavors, a tribute to the land and its people.
- 12:30 pm: Our journey continues to the alpaca farm in Chinchero, a charming sanctuary where you will learn about the importance of the Alpacas and Llamas in Inca times. Here, you also will have the opportunity to feed them and interact with them.
- 12:50 pm: Before leaving Chinchero, we pause for a demonstration of alpaca weaving. Immerse yourself in the intricate world of textile production, where ancestral techniques are passed down from generation to generation.
- 13:30 pm: With our hearts full of memories and our minds enriched with new knowledge, we reluctantly bid farewell to our day’s adventures and return you to the door of your hotel.
Maras and Moray Tour Map
About this activity
Languages
Our exclusive Maras Mora tour is conducted entirely in the English language.
Free Cancellation
You can cancel your tour up to 72 hours (3 days) before the start time after this time, unfortunately, no refund will be provided.
Service
The experience is offered in private service. Our extraordinary Maras Moray tour is exclusively for you and your group.
Pickup Included
Our exclusive tour to Maras Moray includes a convenient pick-up service to guarantee a perfect and stress-free experience.
Duration
This unforgettable adventure has a duration of approximately 6 hours, which guarantees you enough time to explore the Inca sites.
Food
Please note that our excursion to Maras Moray does not include lunch as part of the itinerary.
Physical Level
Our Maras Moray tour has been carefully designed with an easy level of difficulty, which guarantees a delightful experience for all participants.
Max Altitude
Please note that the maximum altitude we will reach is 3,500 m (11,500 ft).
Trip Details
Important Information for: Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour
Because we want you to be well informed before booking this tour, find out more about our Maras Salt Mines and Moray Tour.
- Pick up location: We pick you up from Cusco or anywhere in the historical center
- Tour Duration: 5 hours
- Pick up Schedule: This tour is a private service, you choose when you want to start the tour.
- Physical Grading: ☆☆☆☆☆ Designed for everyone (kids, Teens, Adults and Seniors)
- Need to book in Advance: Don’t worry, you can book this tour at the last minute, just let us know 24 hours at most
- Drop-off location: Our tour starts in Cusco and ends in Cusco, however if you wish to be dropped off at the Ollantaytambo or Urubamba station at the end of the tour, please contact us.
Trip Summary
This is the plan
Experience a mesmerizing itinerary as you explore the stunning sites of Maras and Moray from Cusco. Here is the plan. If you would like to modify the itinerary based on your preferences, just let us know when booking.
Meeting point
We leave Cusco at 8: am, our expert guide will pick you up from your hotel.
Maras Salt Mine
Maras Salt Mines, are another captivating attraction in the Sacred Valley in Perú, features over 5000 thousands of salt pools that have been used since pre-Inca times. Stroll through the impressive salt pans, learn about the traditional methods of salt production and contemplate the breathtaking landscapes that surround this remarkable site.
Moray ruins
The ruins of Moray are located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, The ruins showcase an impressive system of terraced circular agricultural terraces. These ruins served as an experimental agricultural laboratory, allowing the Incas to grow a large variety of crops at different temperatures.
Chicha Tasting
We enhance your experience in Maras and Moray with a delicious chicha tasting. In addition to exploring the impressive sites, you will have the opportunity to savor this Inca beverage. This exclusive experience is what sets us apart, ensuring our clients not only explore the cultural marvels of Maras and Moray, but also savor the authentic flavors of Peru.
Alpaca Farm
The Chinchero alpaca farm is a fascinating destination near Cusco, Peru, here you will have the best opportunity to get up close and personal with these adorable creatures. as well as the chance to buy high quality alpaca products directly from the locals.
Return to Cusco
At approximately 1:30 pm, our tour of Maras and Moray ends right at the door of your hotel. However, if you prefer to be dropped off at the main square, just let us know and we will be happy to accommodate your request.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Full Itinerary of Maras Moray Tour From Cusco
Both Maras and Moray give a glimpse into what life might have been like some 500 to 1000 years ago. You’ll feel as if nothing has changed! This is a fantastic half-day excursion to explore part of the Sacred Valley. You will see incredible views of the Urubamba mountain ranges in the distance, the Veronica Mountain and the green valleys of farms. On this half-day excursion to Maras Moray from Cusco, you will be able to learn about agriculture, textiles and the history of the Incas in a short time. Scroll down to see the complete itinerary in detail.
CUSCO | CHINCHERO | MARAS SALT MINES | MORAY RUINS | CUSCO
Highlight of the day: Explore the fascinating terraces of Moray, witness its extraordinary agricultural ingenuity and admire the surreal beauty of the salt flats of Maras
Our Moray & Salt Mines Perú tour starts at 8 am from your hotel in Cusco. We start our tours earlier than other tour companies so that we can hit the crowd and have the place to ourselves. We head to the town of Maras. This village is known as a former salt-producing center that is thought to date back all the way to pre-Inca times.
There are over 5000 salt pools all carved into the mountain side, being filled daily by a little stream of water. Here our guide will explain you the whole process step by step of how now locals still get the salt from their pools by evaporation in the traditional way.
After this we head to Moray a beautiful Inca site of Maras where you will be taught about the Inca farming techniques. Moray boasts three amphitheater-like terraces made by the Incas. These terraces which are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape were thought to be used to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops.
Along the way we will stop off at lookout points where you will have the most beautiful views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Later on we will visit the ruins of Chinchero and a local family where you will learn about one of their main activities (the Inca textiles) We finish our tour at 3:00 pm in Cusco. If you want to visit also Ollantaytambo please just request it.
If you want to see something really different from ruins, then this is your tour!
Note: if you want the tour to end at Ollantaytambo train station, we can do that for you, just let us know when booking.
Difficulty
Easy / Beginner
Itinerary Notes
For your convenience, our Maras and Moray tour starts and ends in Cusco. However, if you would like us to drop you off in Ollantaytambo, Urubamba or at the Ollantaytambo train station, please note that this service may incur an additional cost. To arrange your preferred drop off location, please contact us. Our team will be happy to help you to ensure a perfect experience tailored to your specific needs.
Inclusions
Included
Private transportation
For our half day tour to the Salt Mines and Moray from Cusco our transportation offered is a car for 2 people. Our transportation has enough space for luggage and offers air conditioning.
English-speaking guide
Explore the best of the Sacred Valley with a local English-speaking guide. Our experienced local guides
will help you to experience our tours like a local.
No Included
Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico)
The boleto turistico is a single ticket which has to be purchased in cash on site the day of the activity.
This ticket allows entry to Inca sites, such as the Chinchero, Moray, Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins. It is not possible to visit or enter these sites without a valid boleto turistico, and it is not possible to buy an individual entry ticket for any single site which is included on the boleto turistico.
The cost is 70 Peruvian soles per person.
Ticket to Maras Salt Mines
The ticket to visit the Salt Mines during the Sacred Valley tour can also be purchased on site, you must also pay in cash.
The cost is 10 Peruvian soles per person.
Tips
Guides get tip independentely depending on how well they performed during the tours.
Please NOTE the amount you tip or if you tip is a personal desition.
What To Bring
What to Bring
Take note of everything you should bring for this half day tour
Carefully review everything you need to bring for your Maras and Moray tour from Cusco. Note that Cusco has 2 seasons throughout the year. Wet season and dry season. If you visit the Sacred Valley during the rainy season you should bring your rain gear.
- A good (and small) daypack to carry your personal belongings
- Tourist ticket
- Good sneakers or light hiking boots
- Comfortable hiking clothes
- Hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun
- Windbreaker Jacket (optional)
- Rainwear or rain poncho for the rainy season (December to March)
- Water and snacks
- Camera
- Extra money to buy souvenirs during the tour
Pricing
Pricing
Price for Maras Salt Mines and Moray tour
Our tour to Maras Moray is done privately and the cost is based on your group size, (prices reduce if there are more people in your group).
Howto book the tour?
First: to book your tour to Maras Moray from Cusco, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW, we need your travel date and the number of participants.
Second: we require a deposit of $20.00 USD of the total price in order to secure your tour for the desired date. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbol on our booking page.
What about the final balance?
It must be paid in cash on the day of the tour (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money.
2 Persons
Price
US $ 88
per person
3 Persons
Price
US $ 69
per person
4 Persons
Price
US $ 55
per person
5 Persons
Price
US $ 50
per person
6 Persons
Price
US $ 50
per person
7 Persons
Price
US $ 50
per person
8 Persons
Price
US $ 40
per person
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions
When booking a tour with Come See Peru, you agree to all our terms and conditions.
Come See Peru is a Local Operator based in Cusco city, located in Av. San Sebastian, Calle Independencia – B-4 Peru. Please email us at info@comeseeperutours.com or call our team at +9696760991
Legal name: COMESEEPERUTOURS E.I.R.L
RUC: 20608161156
Free Cancellation For All Our Day Tours
When booking a tour with Come See Peru Tours, my team and I will work hard to make sure you have the best experience of your life. Our team will make sure that you are safe, and that you are having a good time. However there are some facts outside of our control that may affect your trip. Therefore we suggest that you take a look at our cancellation terms. The terms of your cancellation are based on how far in advance of your trip you notify us. We understand that there are many unexpected issues that will make you cancel your tour.
Refunds will be only provided for DAY TOURS Not for Machu Picchu tours since the deposit of the total cost is used to buy the Machu Picchu tickets, the train tickets and bus tickets which by the way are not refundable.
Please note that when we make the deposit for the refund paid for the tour you are cancelling. Paypal may charge a commission, commission that will be paid by you.
- 100% refund of the deposit if we receive notice of the cancellation at least 3 days before the date of the day tour.
- 70% refund of the deposit if we receive notice of the cancellation 2 days before the date of the day tour.
- 50% refund of the deposit if we receive notice of the cancellation 1 day before the date of the day tour.
- No refund of the deposit will be provided we receive notice of the cancellation on the day of the day tour.
Notification of cancellation must be made in writing to info@comeseeperutours.com
To protect your travel investment, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before leaving home is highly recommended and very easy.
Faqs
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about Maras Moray tour
Find out more about our Maras Moray tour from Cusco with our frequently asked questions from clients who took the tour with us.
Maras and Moray are located approximately 50 kilometers (or 31 miles) northwest of Cusco. The distance from the city of Cusco is not too long, allowing you to visit these fascinating places and return to the city in a reasonable time.
Although it is possible to visit Maras and Moray independently, a guided tour offers a better experience, a local guide provides historical and cultural information about the sites and the tour company takes care of the transportation logistics and guarantees a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The answer is yes there are! There are restrooms in each place, we advise you to use the restrooms after visiting the ruins of Moray because they are far from the site.
Maras and Moray are a little higher than Cusco, especially Moray ruins. To visit Moray it is not necessary to have acclimatized before, you can even visit it on your first day in Cusco.
It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing, dress in layers and wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows you to move easily. The temperature may vary throughout the tour, so dressing in layers will help you adapt.
Yes, there are additional costs to consider for our Maras Moray Tour. Entrance tickets to the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins are not included into the tour price and must be paid separately on the day of the activity.
The Maras Salt Flats and the Moray Ruins can be visited all year round. However, it is recommended to visit them during the dry season (April to October) to enjoy better weather conditions and clearer views. Although if you visit Maras and Moray during the wet season you will see everything green compared to the dry season.
The Salt Mines of Maras are not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket. However, you can visit the Moray ruins with the boleto turistico.
It is recommended to spend between 45 minutes and an hour at the Maras Salt Mines, as the area is small and does not require a long visit.
Travel Guide
Essential Tips for Your Maras MorayAdventure from Cusco
Introduction
Explore the impressive Maras Salt Mines and the agricultural terraces of Moray, two incredible destinations located in the Sacred Valley, near Cusco, Peru. This guide will help you navigate the essential information you need for a memorable visit.
Location and Accessibility
Maras Salt Mines
Located about 40 kilometers from the city of Cusco, the Maras Salt Mines are located in the town of Maras, in heart of the Sacred Valley in the province of Urubamba.
Moray
Moray is located about 50 kilometers from Cusco, also in Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley. This place has fascinating circular terraces that are believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experiments. The Salineras can be reached from Cusco or Urubamba.
Elevation
The Maras Salt Mines and Moray are both located at an altitude of about 3,400 (11,155 feet) meters above sea level. Visitors should take the necessary precautions against altitude sickness, especially if they are not acclimatized.
Essential Travel Information
Best Time to Visit:
Dry season (May to October): Ideal for enjoying clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Wet season (November to April): Rainfall is more frequent, especially in January and February.
What to wear
Comfortable shoes: Essential for walking through the ruins of Moray.
Sunscreen and sunglasses: High altitude increases exposure to UV rays.
Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially at high altitude to avoid symptoms of altitude sickness.
How to get there
Transportation options
Travel agencies: Many offer full and half day tours from Cusco that include transportation and guides.
Public transportation: Colectivos (shared cabs) from Urubamba to Maras and Moray.
Private cab: A more flexible option, letting you choose your own itinerary.
Moray Ruins:
A half day tour to the Moray Inca Ruins should be high on your to-do list during your time in Cusco, approximately 50 kilometres northwest of Cusco on a high plateau at about 3,500 metres and just west of the Maras town.
Moray is located in the Sacred Valley in Cusco-Perú, it is believed that the Moray ruins were used as an experimental farm by the Incas over 600 years ago. There is a temperature difference from top to bottom ranged 27 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius). You can also observe how the sun hit each terrace at different angles and intensities.
Maras Salt Mines:
The salt mines are located in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Looking down into the mines, one sees a dramatic array of irregular white rectangles. It is believed that the Maras salt mines were built between 500 and 1100 A.D. by a pre-Inca civilization.
The salt mines of Maras are still in use today. There are about 6 thousands of pools, with each pool yielding around 150 kilograms of salt per month.
Tips for visiting
Hire a guide: Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of these sites.
Prepare for the altitude: Spend a day in Cusco to acclimatize before the trip.
Cusco Tourist Pass:
The tourist ticket for Maras and Moray gives access to the ruins of Moray, which show Inca history and breathtaking landscapes. A separate ticket is required to the Salt Mines A must for an unforgettable experience in the Sacred Valley.
Conclusion
A visit to the Moray and Maras Salt Mines is a fascinating journey into Peru’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery. With this guide, you will be well equipped to make the most of your adventure from Cusco.
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