Cusco City Tour Half Day (Private Tour)
Discover Cusco’s top highlights in a half-day tour filled with history and Inca sites. ...
Price from:
$ 75.00 USD
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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!
If you'd like to customize this trip, our travel specialists will create the perfect tour for you.
Discover the secrets of Inca agricultural engineering and marvel at the dazzling white salt flats of Peru on this unforgettable half-day excursion to Moray and Maras from Cusco. Perfect for travelers short on time. From the mysterious circular terraces of Moray to the impressive Salt Flats of Maras, this tour combines archaeology, culture and breathtaking scenery in just a few hours.
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.
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.
Altitude: Moray sits at ~3,500 m / 11,482 ft. Maras is ~3,380 m / 11,089 ft.
Best Season: Dry season (April–October) for best views, but available year-round.
Bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and local cash for tickets.
Altitude sickness? This tour is ideal for acclimatizing before longer treks or visiting Rainbow Mountain.
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.
We leave Cusco at 8: am, our expert guide will pick you up from your hotel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join us on a wonderful journey with many experiences. We carefully planned everything, combining history, culture, and nature in our schedule bellow:
Tour Type: Private only (personalized experience)
Start Time: 8:00 AM (hotel pick-up included)
End Time: Approximately 1:30 PM
Duration: 5.5 hours
Departure Location: Your hotel in Cusco
Drop off Location: Your hotel in Cusco
Availability: Daily departures
Difficulty: Easy – suitable for all ages
Hotel Pick-Up – 8:00 AM
We start the day by picking you up directly from your hotel in Cusco. Our professional local guide and driver will greet you and begin the scenic journey to the Sacred Valley.
Stop 1: Maras Salt Mines – 9:10 AM
Our first stop is the remarkable Maras Salt Pools. These salt pans have been used since pre-Inca times and are still harvested today by local families. You will learn about the traditional salt extraction process.
Stop 2: Chicha House – 10:30 PM
Before driving to the ruins of moray, we stop at a traditional chichería to taste Chicha de Jora, a fermented corn beer that has been prepered since Inca times. You will learn how it’s made and enjoy a glass of this unique beverage.
Stop 3: Moray Agricultural Terraces – 11:00 AM
We then visit the fascinating Inca site of Moray. These large circular terraces were likely used as agricultural laboratory by the Incas. Your guide will explain the theories behind their design and function.
Stop 4: Alpaca & Llama Farm in Chinchero – 12:20 PM
Our last stop is a local alpaca and llama farm in Chinchero. Here you’ll meet these iconic Andean animals, learn about their historical importance, and have the chance to feed and take photos with them.
Return to Cusco – 1:30 PM
After a morning full of discovery, we return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
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.
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.
Easy / Beginner
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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