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Discover Maras & Moray on a Half-Day Tour from Cusco

Discover Maras & Moray on a Half-Day Tour from Cusco

A journey through the landscapes, traditions, and ancient heritage of the Cusco region.

Explore this tour
Duration

Half Day Tour

Max. altitude

10,800 feet

Starting point

Cusco

Difficulty

Easy

Maras & Moray Tour from Cusco

Our Maras & Moray Tour from Cusco is a private half-day experience designed for travelers who want to experience some of the most remarkable highlights of the Sacred Valley without spending an entire day on a tour. It is an ideal option for couples, families, and travelers with limited time who want to make the most of their stay in Cusco while keeping their itinerary flexible.

In just half a day, this tour takes you to two of the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites while offering the comfort and flexibility of a private guided tour. With dedicated transportation and a knowledgeable local guide, you can travel at your own pace, ask questions along the way, and enjoy a more personalized experience without having to join a large group.

The half-day itinerary is one of the main advantages of this tour. You can depart from Cusco in the morning to experience the most memorable highlights of the Sacred Valley, and still have plenty of time upon returning to the city to enjoy lunch, participate in other activities, or simply relax. This is especially convenient for travelers with a short stay in Cusco or a tight schedule.

Rather than dedicating an entire day to the Sacred Valley, this tour offers a practical way to experience some of its highlights in a shorter amount of time. It combines private transportation, local knowledge, flexibility, and a carefully planned half-day experience designed around your time in Cusco.

If you want to experience more of the Sacred Valley without giving up an entire day, our private Maras & Moray Tour from Cusco offers a comfortable and personal way to do it.

  • Sacred Valley Highlights
  • Private Experience
  • Local Expert Guide
  • Comfortable Transportation
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Quick Itinerary

Half Day Maras Moray Tour:

Explore Maras and Moray on a private half-day tour from Cusco, with a flexible itinerary tailored to your preferences.

  • STOP 1

    Maras Salt Ponds

    Enjoy a scenic visit to the famous salt pools, admire the terraces from the designated viewpoints, take photographs, and learn about the traditional salt-making process.

  • STOP 2

    Moray Ruins

    Explore the stunning circular terraces, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and get an up-close look at this fascinating Inca ruin with insights from your local guide.

  • STOP 3

    Alpaca Farm

    Meet friendly alpacas, take memorable photographs, and experience a glimpse of Andean textile traditions while learning about local craftsmanship and traditional weaving.

Maras & Moray Tour: Why It's a Must

A perfect half-day experience from Cusco, combining remarkable Inca heritage, local traditions, and some of the Sacred Valley’s most distinctive highlights.

View Full Itinerary

Discover each place

This section provides a clear overview of the itinerary for our Maras & Moray half-day tour, from your departure from Cusco until your return. Learn about the sights you’ll see along the way, how the itinerary is organized, and what to expect at each stop.

Maras Salt Mines

Maras Salt Mines

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.

Time at site 1 h
Altitude 11,090 ft
Best time to visit All year round
Activity Exploration
Travel tip Purchase artisanal pink gourmet salt (Sal de Maras) or salt-infused dark chocolate directly from local cooperative vendors at the entrance.
Moray ruins

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.

Time at site 1 h 20 min
Altitude 11,480 ft
Best time to visit All year round
Activity Walking
Travel tip Walk along the outer rim trail for dramatic wide-angle perspectives showing the sheer depth and symmetry of the concentric circular terraces.
Alpaca Farm

Alpaca Farm

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.

Time at site 30m
Altitude 9,416 ft
Best time to visit All year round
Activity photography
Travel tip Sample both classic fermented Chicha de Jora and sweetened Chicha Frutillada (infused with wild Andean strawberries) for a genuine local experience.
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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.

Maras Moray Tour - Come See Peru Tours

Cusco Hotel Pickup Service

Your private guided tour will begin with a pickup from your hotel around 8:00 a.m. As you leave Cusco, you’ll travel through the beautiful Andean countryside while your guide shares insights into the history of the Sacred Valley, local traditions, and the exciting sights you’ll visit that day.

Unlike large group tours, this private tour offers a more leisurely pace and flexible itinerary, allowing you to enjoy the journey in comfort.

Maras Salt Flats

The first stop on your adventure is the spectacular Maras Salt Flats—one of Peru’s most extraordinary cultural landscapes. You’ll stroll along the panoramic observation deck, looking down on thousands of traditional salt pans, while your guide explains how this centuries-old salt-harvesting craft continues to support the livelihoods of local families to this day.

Take your time to admire the scenery, snap some stunning photos, and browse the local stalls selling natural salt products and handcrafted souvenirs before continuing on to your next stop.

Tour Details:

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Walking Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Photography and cultural heritage
Don’t Miss: The panoramic observation deck offering a view of all the salt pans.

Moray Terraces

Next, head to the stunning Moray Terraces, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. As your guide explains the various theories behind the construction of these massive circular terraces—and why many archaeologists believe Moray played a key role in Inca agricultural innovation—you’ll have plenty of time to explore the site.

Take in the magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and discover why this extraordinary site remains one of Peru’s most unique examples of ancient engineering to this day.

Tour Details:

Time at the site: 45–60 minutes
Walking difficulty: Easy
Best for: Archaeology enthusiasts and nature lovers
Don’t miss: The observation deck at the top, offering the best view of the circular terraces.

Traditional Chicha Tasting and Alpaca Farm

Your cultural experience will continue at a traditional chicha bar (chichería), where you’ll discover how chicha—an ancient Peruvian corn-based beverage that has been enjoyed since Inca times—is made and served. Afterward, you’ll visit a local alpaca farm to get up close with alpacas and llamas, while learning about the importance of alpaca wool in Andean culture and traditional textile production.

These authentic experiences will give you a deeper insight into daily life in the Sacred Valley—beyond just its archaeological treasures.

Tour Details:

Duration: Approximately 40–50 minutes total
Highlights: Local traditions and Andean culture
Best for: Families, animal lovers, and those seeking cultural experiences
Don’t miss: The traditional weaving demonstration and up-close interaction with alpacas.

Return to Cusco

After exploring the Sacred Valley, you can relax during the scenic drive back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival at your hotel between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m.

If you plan to continue on to Machu Picchu, we also offer an optional service that allows you to disembark at the Ollantaytambo train station instead of returning to Cusco. Simply let us know when you book, and we’ll be happy to tailor your itinerary to your needs.

What to Know Before Your Tour:

  • Please wear comfortable walking shoes with good traction.
  • Please bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun in the Andes is intense year-round.
  • Please bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • If you’d like to purchase natural salt products or handmade textiles, please bring some local currency.
  • Morning temperatures may be cooler, so we recommend bringing a light jacket.
  • Don’t forget your camera the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Terraces are excellent photo spots in the Sacred Valley.
Meals Snacks & Traditional Chicha Tasting included
Walking Distance 2.5 km - 3.5 km / 1.5 - 2.2 miles (Archaeological walk)
Difficulty Easy / Beginner
Trip Duration Half Day (approx. 5 - 6 hours)
Minimum Elevation 3,380 m (11,090 ft)
Highest Elevation 3,762 m (12,342 ft)

Inclusions

Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of the services included in your Maras & Moray Half-Day Tour. This section outlines the services provided during the tour, as well as any admission fees or additional expenses you may need to pay separately during the tour, to help you plan your trip with ease:

Included

  • Private transportation
  • English-speaking guide
  • Local taxes

Not included

  • Entrance fees: S/ 90 per person
  • Lunch (not applicable)
  • Tips (optional)

Watch the Experience

Watch this video to get a deeper sense of this journey and explore the scenery, highlights, and memorable moments you’ll experience along the way.

Watch the Experience
5.0

165+ verified reviews on Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor

Great value and great service

The tour was great and the organisation was immaculate. The driver and guide were very polite, punctual and informative, the process was easy and the tour operator had a briefing call with us to give us all the timings. They also printed out all tickets for us which made every step go smoothly.

Liyana S

Verified Traveler

Amazing experience and great staff!

I can not say enough positive things to encapsulate how amazing this company is. They were so communicative and helpful for our trip. We started out in Cusco and they did a private pickup to/from the train station. Coordinated our entry tickets and a private guide for Machu Picchu. Carlos was our planner and walked us through every step and answered every question.

Whitney H

Verified Traveler

Amazing, well planned trip to Machu Picchu

Our group of 5 did a one day trip to Machu Picchu with pickup from Sacred Valley and drop off in Cusco. Carlos helped us tremendously in organizing the schedule and all needed tickets, and he checked up on us throughout the day to ensure we didn't have any problems. Carlos was extremely responsive and quick to answer any questions, and made us feel comfortable that the trip would go as planned. Our driver Alex and Machu Picchu tour guide Anibal were also excellent.

Jenn W

Verified Traveler

Excellent experience, highly recommend!

Had a great experience with this trip! Everything was set up perfectly from start to finish. The team that helped us was very communicative and very clear on what we needed to bring and what was going to happen throughout the day. They were always available to answer questions. The tour itself was incredible our guide was super knowledgeable and very friendly. Would highly recommend using them for any tour!

Angelo A

Verified Traveler

Cusco!

Incredible, everything super organized and very friendly staff!

Nini

Verified Traveler

A 10: friendly, effective, and professional

Very happy from all points of view. Super well organized, a support at all times for any necessary organizational detail (we were a large group coming from many countries, which made it not easy), the explanations and the tour itself were very complete, and the guides were extremely friendly. I would definitely recommend them.

Gloria S

Verified Traveler

Well organized tour & very friendly staff!

Everything went according to plan; it was well organized and the staff was friendly. I highly recommend it.

Sascha H

Verified Traveler

Machu Picchu with Family

Very good communication for coordinating the tour, competitive price, the guides were very good and fun.

Grace

Verified Traveler

Amazing experience – Highly recommended!

Julio from Come See Peru helped us organize an incredible and truly unforgettable trip. I am German and got married in Peru, so I wanted to bring my friends and family to discover how wonderful this country is. Thanks to Julio and his team, everything was perfectly organized from beginning to end. They took care of every detail and made sure everyone felt welcome, comfortable, and well looked after. Even today, my family and friends still talk about the amazing memories they made during this trip. Visiting Machu Picchu is always a unique and magical experience, but being welcomed with such warmth and genuine care made it even more special. The team was always attentive, making sure everyone was happy and felt at home. Thank you, Julio and the entire Come See Peru team, for making this journey so memorable. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, reliable, and caring travel agency in Peru.

Thomas H

Verified Traveler

Excellent service!

The guide was punctual, very attentive, friendly, and provided us with all the information.

alisson saenz

Verified Traveler

Private tour prices

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.

5+ Travelers

From
US$ 50 .00
per person
Book Now

Verified traveler experiences

Customer Reviews

Read recent feedback from travelers who joined our Sacred Valley private tours.

5.0 based on 165 reviews
5 Stars 165
4 Stars 0
3 Stars 0
2 Stars 0
1 Star 0
Liyana S Tripadvisor
5.0 | Excellent

Great value and great service

The tour was great and the organisation was immaculate. The driver and guide were very polite, punctual and informative, the process was easy and the tour operator had a briefing call with us to give us all the timings. They also printed out all tickets for us which made every step go smoothly.

Whitney H Tripadvisor
5.0 | Excellent

Amazing experience and great staff!

I can not say enough positive things to encapsulate how amazing this company is. They were so communicative and helpful for our trip. We started out in Cusco and they did a private pickup to/from the train station. Coordinated our entry tickets and a private guide for Machu Picchu. Carlos was our planner and walked us through every step and answered every question.

Jenn W Tripadvisor
5.0 | Excellent

Amazing, well planned trip to Machu Picchu

Our group of 5 did a one day trip to Machu Picchu with pickup from Sacred Valley and drop off in Cusco. Carlos helped us tremendously in organizing the schedule and all needed tickets, and he checked up on us throughout the day to ensure we didn't have any problems. Carlos was extremely responsive and quick to answer any questions, and made us feel comfortable that the trip would go as planned. Our driver Alex and Machu Picchu tour guide Anibal were also excellent.

Read all 165 reviews

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Terms and Conditions – Cancellation Policy

  • Come See Peru
  • Local operator based in Cusco, Peru.
  • Email: info@comeseeperutours.com
  • Phone: +51-969760991 / +51-992372063
  • Legal name: COMESEEPERUTOURS E.I.R.L | RUC: 20608161156

Day Tours:

All day tours may be cancelled up to 72 hours prior to departure. Cancellations made within this period will incur a 60% fee, in recognition of the time and resources our team has reserved for your visit.

Terms and Conditions – Machu Picchu Tours

By booking with us, you agree to our terms, conditions, and policies.

Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets
All tickets are strictly non-refundable, non-modifiable, and non-transferable once purchased. This policy is regulated by the Ministry of Culture and applies without exception.

Train Tickets
Train tickets may be changed or canceled up to 48 hours prior to departure. After this period, no changes or cancellations are allowed.

Please note that last-minute cancellations are not permitted, including those due to health or personal reasons.

Travel Insurance Recommendation:

To protect your travel investment, we strongly recommend securing travel insurance. This coverage can help in case of unforeseen events such as flight delays, medical emergencies, or other unexpected situations during your trip.

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.

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.

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

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Why travelers choose us

Come See Peru Tours is a 100% Peruvian, locally owned company. We work carefully so every traveler feels supported throughout the journey, while keeping our commitment to the guides, porters, communities and families who make these experiences possible. Responsible and sustainable tourism should give as much to our community as it gives to our travelers.

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