Private Half-Day Maras Salt Mines & Moray Terraces Tour from Ollantaytambo
The Private Half-Day Maras Salt Mines & Moray Terraces Tour from Ollantaytambo offers travelers a convenient way to explore two of the most fascinating archaeological and cultural sites in the Sacred Valley.
This guided experience takes visitors through scenic Andean landscapes to discover the impressive circular terraces of Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory designed to study crop adaptation at different altitudes.
The tour also includes a visit to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools carved into the mountainside have been traditionally harvested for centuries. Along the route, travelers can enjoy panoramic viewpoints and learn about the history and traditions of the Andean communities.
With private transportation and knowledgeable local guides, the journey provides a comfortable and personalized experience. This half-day tour is ideal for visitors staying in Ollantaytambo who want to explore the cultural highlights of the Sacred Valley in a short time.
Our Maras and Moray tour from Ollantaytambo offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and beautiful landscapes. This tour is ideal for those looking to make the most of their time in the Sacred Valley, allowing you to explore two must-see sites in Peru.
Discover Maras Salt Mines & Moray Terraces from Ollantaytambo
Half-Day Guided Tour from Ollantaytambo
This half-day private tour departing from Ollantaytambo takes you to two of the most breathtaking historical sites in the Sacred Valley of Peru blending rich cultural history with the majestic landscapes of the Andes, this journey offers deep insights into the innovative spirit of the Inca civilization and local traditions.
Tour Highlights:
Moray Archaeological Site
At Moray, you’ll explore the astonishing circular terraces believed to have served as an agricultural laboratory for the Incas. Each tiered terrace created a distinct microclimate, enabling crops to adapt to varying environmental conditions.
During your visit, you will:
- Walk along the viewpoints overlooking the concentric terraces
- Learn how the Incas experimented with crop and soil adaptation
- Take in panoramic views of the Sacred Valley mountains
- The site involves light walking on uneven paths, suitable for most travelers.
Maras Salt Mines
Next, visit the iconic Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the hillside. These salt ponds have been harvested since pre-Inca times and are still managed by local families today.
Here you will:
- Observe traditional salt-making techniques
- Learn how the community sustains this ancestral craft
- Capture incredible photographs of the white salt terraces
[icon-location]MORAY RUINS: During our tour from Ollantaytambo you will visit the impressive ruins of Moray, known for its unique concentric circular terraces. These ancient agricultural terraces were used by the Incas to experiment with crops and adapt plants to different climatic conditions. On our tour we will take a short hike around the site to enjoy panoramic views and better understand the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas.
[icon-location]THE SALT MINES: Explore the fascinating salt mines of Maras, a network of ancient salt evaporation ponds that are still in use. As you visit this amazing place, you will witness the traditional salt extraction methods dating back to Inca times. During our visit, we will also enjoy a salt demonstration, where you can taste various types of salt and learn about its unique qualities and uses.
Practical Information Before You Book:
Altitude:
- Ollantaytambo: 2,792 m (9,160 ft)
- Moray: 3,500 m (11,482 ft)
- Maras: 3,380 m (11,089 ft)
Difficulty:
- Easy to moderate walking
- Optional descent to Moray center (not mandatory)
Why Start Your Maras Moray Tour in Ollantaytambo?
Most Sacred Valley tours depart Cusco at 8:00 AM with large group sizes of 20 to 30 travelers. Starting from Ollantaytambo allows:
- Reduced travel time (more exploration, less transit)
- A more intimate, exclusive experience
- Flexible start time
- Ideal for travelers returning from Machu Picchu
- 100% Private Guided Tour, just you and your guide
Maras Moray Tour From Ollantaytambo Map
Tour Schedule: Maras Moray from Ollantaytambo
This is the detailed schedule of our half day tour from Ollantaytambo, including visits to the Salt Mines of Maras, chicha tasting, and the ruins of Moray, all while making sure to be back by 1:00 PM.
- 8:00 AM – Depart from Ollantaytambo: We pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Begin the journey to the salt mines of Maras. - 8:30 AM – Arrive at the Salt Mines of Maras: Explore the terraced salt ponds with our English spaeking guides.
Learn about the salt extraction process (approximately 60 minutes). - 9:30 AM – Depart for Chicha Tasting: Short drive to a local spot for chicha tasting.
- 9:15 AM – Chicha Tasting Experience: Enjoy an introduction to chicha and its cultural significance with a local family.
Taste the different varieties of Chicha for about 30 minutes. - 9:45 AM – Depart for Moray: Travel to the Moray archaeological site.
- 10:00 AM – Arrive at Moray: Guided tour of the ruins, focusing on the agricultural terraces (about 60 minutes).
- 11:20 AM – Depart for Viewpoints: Head to designated viewpoints for scenic views over looking the Sacred Vallley. Enjoy stops at key viewpoints to take in the stunning pictures of the landscapes.
- 11:40 AM – Depart for Ollantaytambo: Begin the return journey.
- 12:30 AM – Arrive back in Ollantaytambo
