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Moray & Maras Salt Mines Tour From Ollantaytambo, Perú: Journey to the Heart of the Sacred Valley

Don't miss out on the chance to explore Peruvian history on a guided tour to Maras Salt Flats and Moray from Ollantaytambo

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DURATION:
Half Day Tour
MAX ALTITUDE:
11,500 ft (3,500 mts)
STARTING POINT:
Cusco
LEVEL:
Easy

Are you in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba and you want to explore the Sacred Valley? We can help you, we will send you a private car and one of our best local guides who will take you on a private tour through the Sacred Valley and will show you these wonderful places. Discover Moray and Maras Salt Mines on this half day tour from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, which also includes a visit to the alpaca farm if requested.

Come See Perú makes it easy to explore less-frequented tours from Ollantaytambo. This half day tour experience to Moray & Salt Mines offers stunning scenery of snow-capped mountains of the Andes during the whole trip. Our exclusive tour guarantees an immersive experience, with expert local guides who bring to light the secrets and history of these extraordinary places.

Experience the incomparable beauty and cultural significance of Maras Moray from Ollantaytambo with our tour, the best tour option for an unforgettable adventure, don’t miss this fantastic opportunity!

Customizable Itinerary

If you'd like to customize this trip, our travel specialists will create the perfect tour for you.

Overview

Overview

Maras Moray tour from Ollantaytambo – Overview

Looking for an unique adventure that combines nature, history and cultural immersion? Look no further than our customized Maras Moray tour from Ollantaytambo! We understand that each traveler has different needs and interests, which is why we offer a tour that can be tailored to your preferences. Let us guide you through an extraordinary adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Highlights of Our Ollantaytambo Half-Day Tour

Archaeological site of Moray:

  • Explore the impressive circular agricultural terraces of Moray
  • Learn about the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Andean landscape

Maras Salt Mines:

  • Visit the ancient salt evaporation ponds of Maras
  • Understand the traditional salt extraction process
  • Capture stunning photos of the terraced salt ponds

Chicha Tasting:

  • Experience a traditional chicha, savor the flavor of this iconic Inca beverage.
  • Learn about the significance of chicha and its preparation process.
  • Delight in this unique local experience that sets our tour apart from others.

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.

Exploring the enicmatic ruins of Moray
Exploring the enicmatic ruins of Moray

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.

View of the Salt Mines of Maras
View of the Salt Mines of Maras

Learn more in-depth from our local guides with best private Moray and Maras Salt Mines tour from Ollantaytambo.

NOTE: You can begin your journey with a visit to the amazing ruins of Ollantaytambo, just let us know when booking and we extend the tour. If we conclude in Cusco, let yourself be captivated by a visit to an authentic alpaca farm, where you can interact with alpacas and llamas and learn about traditional textile production.

This tour is ideal for visitors who want to escape the crowds of the Classic Sacred Valley tours from Cusco or returning from visiting Machu Picchu.

Discover one of the most stunning Inca heritage sites in the Sacred Valley of Perú with local experts. secure your spot now with the best team.

What to Expect: Moray and Maras Salt Mines tour from Ollantaytambo

  • These experiences are best for tours from Ollantaytambo. Discover with us the history that the ruins of Ollantaytambo hide since ancient times, visit the sun temple and the amazing farming part wander round the ruins with local experts.
  • The Maras Salt Mines and Moray tour can start from Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, if you are staying at the Amak hotel or similar in the Urubamba Valley we can also pick you up from there.
  • The Salt Mines of Maras and Moray Inca ruins are one of the best attractions not to be missed while in the Sacred Valley, learn about these salt mines and the complex system of channels that feed the ancient terraced ponds. The salt pans are harvested by numerous local families and sold on the site.
  • After visiting the Salt flats of Maras explore the Inca site of Moray, you can go all the way down to the bottom and take the most beautiful photos, these ruins are unique circular pattern that sinks into the earth. Local people think the original purpose of Moray was an agricultural lab to test different species of crops at different elevations.
  • The tour ends in Cusco but if you are staying in the Sacred Valley we can drop you off at your hotel at the end of the tour. On the way back to Cusco we will visit a local family in Chinchero that will give us a demonstration of the textile process.

Why you’ll love this tour

Enjoy a private Moray and Maras Salt Mines tour from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba in a half day trip. For the Maras Moray tour from Ollantaytambo you pick the places you want to visit or include into the tour when booking:

You choose when you want to start the tour
Experience personalized service for an unforgettable journey.
We offer stop offs en route for pictures
Take your time to take pictures or enjoy the views.
Avoid the 30+ people bilinguial group services.
Avoid the shopping stop tours to the Sacred Valley (We ask first).

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

About this activity

Languages

The tour is in English language, we provide you with an English speaking guide for the tour.

Free Cancellation

Can cancel this tour for a full refund if you cancel more than 72 hours in advance. After this time, no refunds will be given.

Service

This tour is offered in private service, only for you and your group, we do not join anyone else on the tour.

Pickup Included

All our tours include pick up and drop off service.

Duration

Our tour has a duration of approximately 5 hours,

Food

The Maras Moray tour from Ollantaytambo does not include lunch.

Physical Level

The tour has an easy level of difficulty, the tour is accessible to everyone.

Max Altitude

The maximum altitude of the tour is 11,500ft (3,500 m).

Good to Know

Important Information for Moray Maras Salt Mines tour from Ollantaytambo

We focus on the organization of tours in the Sacred Valley and ensure that our clients have a memorable and unique experience while learning about the culture of the Incas. That’ s why it is important for us that you get as much information as possible about this activity.

  • Meeting Place: At your hotel in Ollantaytambo Or Urubamba
  • Physical Grading: ★☆☆☆☆ Designed for everyone, (kids, Teens, Adults and Seniors).
  • End of the Tour: Based on your preference Cusco or Ollantaytambo
  • Group Size: Minimum 02 people to confirm departure
  • Need to book in Advance: Not necessarily, you can book this tour up to 24 hours before the tour, please contact us by WhatsApp for an immediate response.

This is the plan

Let us design a tailor-made trip that will exceed your expectations and leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Here is the plan for the tour, take a look.

Meeting point

Our Half Day Tour to Maras and Moray ruins from Ollantaytambo starts with a convenient pick-up service at 8:00 am directly from your hotel in the town of Ollantaytambo.

Maras: Salt Mines

As we embark on our journey from Ollantaytambo to Maras, you will marvel at the breathtaking scenery that displays the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley. The scenic drive will captivate your senses, allowing you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking Andean landscape. Once there, you will be guided by our expert guide, who will provide you with in-depth information about the fascinating process of salt production in this extraordinary place.

Maras: Enigmatic Ruins of Moray

During our full exploration of the ruins of Moray, which usually has a duration of an hour, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the mysteries of the site. Accompanied by our expert guide, you will embark on a leisurely walk through the area, allowing you to fully absorb the breathtaking panoramic views and gain an in-depth insight into the cultural and historical significance of Moray.

Chicha Tasting (Optional)

To enhance our adventure, you will have the unique opportunity to enjoy a tasting of chicha, a fermented corn-based beverage with a historical background as a sacred drink of the Incas. This experience adds a tasty and cultural dimension to your trip, allowing you to savor the traditions associated with this ancient beverage.

Chinchero: Alpaca Farm

If your tour concludes in Cusco, you can visit the Chinchero alpaca farm, a visit not to be missed. Here you will be immersed in the local culture as you interact with members of the community and learn about their textile production processes, steeped in ancient traditions and techniques. This engaging experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local way of life and deepen your appreciation for Andean handicrafts.

Return to the hotel

Our tour ends at approximately 12:30, this is based on what time we start and the places we will visit. You can be dropped off at your hotel or wherever you specify.

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary of Moray Ruins & Maras Salts Pools From Ollantaytambo or Urubamba

Take a journey through time on a tour to Maras Salt Mines and Moray from Ollantaytambo, Peru. Experience the traditions and customs of this remarkable culture, while exploring some of its most enchanting sites.

Maras Salt Mines - Moray - Ollantaytambo

Highlight of the day: Immerse yourself in the cultural riches of Peru with a tour to Maras Salt Mines and Moray from Ollantaytambo
Moray Ruins in the Sacred Valley of Peru
Moray Ruins in the Sacred Valley of Peru

This is a wonderful half-day tour to explore part of the Sacred Valley. You will see incredible views of the Urubamba Mountains, and the Andes mountain range. On this half-day trip, you will be taught about agriculture, textiles, and the history of the Incas.

The Maras Salt Mine and Moray tour begins with a pick up at 8:00 a.m. sharp. You will be picked up at the hotel lobby in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, by your guide. You will be taken on a road that winds around the mountains north of the Sacred Valley. On the way, we will stop at a lookout point. From there, we will be able to see the Urubamba Valley and gain some insight into Inca culture.
You’ll then be taken to Moray ruins, where a mysterious Inca archaeological site is located. A fascinating and unique ruin, a fabulous green house, composed of circular agricultural terraces that was used as an agricultural experimental laboratory site by the Incas. Here they produced new varieties of their crops at different elevations.

When you have finished exploring Moray, you will head about 2.5 miles away to the Salt Mines of Maras. Believe it or not there are over 6,000 salt pans carved into the mountain side, that are filled daily by a stream of water.

Note: (According to the regulations established by the Maras community, it will no longer be possible to enter the Salt Pond area due to contamination. It will only be observed through a lookout poitn).

At the end of the tour if you wish to return to your hotel in Ollantaytambo we will drop you off there but if you wish to be dropped off in Cusco then we will visit a local family on our way to Cusco, there, you will see a demonstration of how to make beautiful natural alpaca wool sweaters. (Optional).

Our tour ends at 12:30 pm at your hotel in Ollantaytambo and at 1:00 pm if you wish to be dropped off in Cusco.

Difficulty

Easy / Beginner

Trip Duration

5 Hours

Free Cancellation

Yes, (before 72 hours of the activity)

Itinerary Notes
  • Dear customer, our Maras and Moray tour starts in Ollantaytambo and ends in Ollantaytambo however if you ask to be dropped off in Cusco at the end of the tour it is possible for an extra cost of 20 dollars for the group. For more information please contact your travel agent.
  • Our Maras and Moray tour itinerary can be customized based on your preferences so please let us know if you wish to make any changes to the itinerary before booking the tour.

Included

Private transportation
For our tour of Salt Mines and Moray from Ollantaytambo we offer private transportation for 2 people. Type of transportation (Hyundai-Elantra). For 3 people and up a van is offered. (Hyundai - H10).
English-speaking guide
Our English speaking guide will be with you throughout the tour. All our guides have more than 10 years of guiding experience.
Local Taxes
As a legally registered travel agency we pay taxes when we sell a tour. Your trip is safe with us.

No Included

Tourist ticket pass
The entrance fee to the archaeological sites are not included. Please note that you will need to purchase a "boleto turistico" to enter the sites. You can purchase this tickets on site. the partial ticket pass (Boleto Turistico Partial) costs is 70 Peruvian soles (about USD 20 per person) which allows you to visit only the Inca ruins stated in the itinerary (Moray).
Entrance ticket to Maras Salt Mines
To visit the Salt Mines a separate ticket is required, this ticket costs 10 Peruvian soles per person and can also be purchased on site.
Lunch
For our Maras Salt Mines and Moray tour from Ollantaytambo lunch is not included, as the tour is a half day tour. However, you can have lunch at the end of the tour on your own (in the town of Ollantaytambo or Cusco).
Tips
There is no exact amount to tip, if you tip at all, the tip is based on the quality of service received from your guide.

What to Bring

Take note of what to bring for Private Maras Salt Mines and Moray tour from Ollantaytambo

We want you to enjoy this tour to the fullest, that’s why we want to provide you with as much information as possible so that you don’t have to worry about anything. Note that in Cusco 2 seasons exist throughout the year, the wet season and the dry season.

  • A daypack to carry your personal belongings
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun
  • Rainwear or rain poncho in case you travel during the rainy season (December to March).
  • Water and snacks
  • Windbreaker Jacket (optional).
  • Camera with extra batteries.
  • Extra money to buy souvenirs, lunch, for the Boleto turistico and Maras Salt Mines tickets.

Pricing

Price for: Maras Salt Mines and Moray tour from Ollantaytambo

The price for our Moray Salt Mines tour from Ollantaytambo is in private service, only for you and your party.
The tour of Moray and Salt Mines from Ollantaytambo is not a very common tour, as all day tours to the Sacred Valley depart from Cusco, not from Ollantaytambo. That is why this tour is only offered on a private tour.

Important: Note that this is a “half day” tour NOT a full day. Our tour does not include the visit to Ollantaytambo ruins, if you want to include it to the tour pay 5 USD extra per person.

Book our private Maras Salt Mines and Moray tour for 40 US dollars and pay the rest the day of the activity. Once you have made the deposit you will receive a confirmation email for the tour that you made a deposit. The total balance must be paid in cash at your hotel before the start of your trip.

If this is a last minute reservation, you can pay in full on the day of the tour.

Free Cancellation: For a full refund, you must cancel at least 48 hours before the tour.

2 Persons
Price
US $ 80.00
per person
3 Persons
Price
US $ 70.00
per person
4 Persons
Price
US $ 60.00
per person
5 Persons
Price
US $ 40.00
per person
6 Persons
Price
US $ 35.00
per person
7 Persons
Price
US $ 30.00
per person
8 Persons
Price
US $ 20.00
per person

Terms and Conditions

Company information

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

The booking contract

Your reservation is confirmed and a contract exists when we have issued a written confirmation upon receipt of the corresponding deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and inform us immediately of any incorrect or incomplete information.

Deposit

We use PayPal as the most secure payment method for our customers. We need a minimum of 40 US dollars to secure your reservation. The cost of the tour does not include the PalPal commission which must be paid by the buyer. (PayPal charges a 7% feet).

Final payment

The confirmation we will send you will contain details of the final payment required for any reservation. Payment of the balance of the price of any tour booked must be paid in CASH 1 day prior to the departure date or on the day of the activity on which you are picked up.

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 48 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. After this time, or in case you do not show up, no refunds will be given. For more information please contact us at info@comeseeperutours.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our frequently asked questions about this tour

We know you have questions about our tour, here we have some common questions from our customers, if you do not find your question contact us.

The main highlights of the Maras Moray tour from Ollantaytambo include visits to the Maras Salt Mines and the archaeological site of Moray with a Chicha tasting in Maras.

The Maras Moray tour from Ollantaytambo usually lasts for about half a day, however you can extend it to full day as you add more places to see into the itinerary.

At Moray, visitors can expect to see a series of concentric agricultural terraces believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation.

Yes, Our tour includes an additional stop at a local alpaca farm in Chinchero, offering visitors the chance to interact with the animals and learn about traditional textile production.

Considering your stay in Ollantaytambo, the probability of suffering from altitude sickness is minimal. However, we recommend staying well hydrated during the entire tour by drinking plenty of water.

The weather in the Sacred Valley area tends to be temperate, dry and warm for most of the year. However, the best time to visit Maras Moray is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. At this time, the skies are clear and temperatures are pleasant.

Our Maras and Moray day trip from Ollantaytambo does not cover entrance fees; they must be purchased on the day of the activity.

Discovering Ollantaytambo and Maras-Moray: A Guide for Travelers

Ollantaytambo and the sites of Maras and Moray are must-see destinations if you are staying in Ollantaytambo, rich in history and breathtaking scenery. This guide provides essential information for travelers wishing to explore these incredible places from Ollantaytambo.

Overview of Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo, located in Peru’s Sacred Valley, is an enchanting town that offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. It is famous for its impressive Inca ruins, including the magnificent Ollantaytambo fortress, which features intricate stone masonry and terracing. The town has attractive cobblestone streets, traditional adobe houses and a lively local market. Ollantaytambo also acts as a gateway to the world famous Machu Picchu, with train services departing from there.

History and significance

Ollantaytambo is one of the few places in Peru that preserves its original Inca urbanism, more than 50% of the buildings are still original from the Inca period. The city was an important military, agricultural and religious center during the Inca Empire and houses impressive archaeological ruins, if you are wondering if it is worth visiting Ollantaytambo and its surroundings then of course it is.

What to Expect

Travelers can explore cobblestone streets, traditional adobe houses and the ruins that dominate the city. The fortress has enormous stone terraces, elaborate temples and breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley.

Distance and Elevation

Distance from Cusco: Approximately 72 km (45 miles)
Altitude: Ollantaytambo is about 2,792 meters above sea level or (9,157 feet).

Best time to visit Ollantaytambo

The best time to visit Ollantaytambo is the dry season, from May to September. However, if you want to avoid the high tourist season, we recommend visiting Ollantaytambo in September and October. During these months, the skies are still clear and temperatures are mild, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the area.

Overview of Maras and Moray

Maras: The salt mines

The salt mines of Maras are a unique spectacle made up of thousands of salt evaporation ponds, dating back to pre – Inca times. Here the locals still extract salt using traditional methods which are still practiced today.

Moray: The agricultural terraces

Moray is an archaeological site known for its circular terraces, according to studies Moray could have been an Inca agricultural laboratory. The different microclimates of each level allowed different plants to adapt to higher altitudes, which makes it a fascinating place for history and agriculture lovers.

Distance and Elevation

Distance from Ollantaytambo to Maras: Approximately 10 km (6 miles)
Distance from Maras to Moray: Approximately 7 km (4.3 miles)
Elevation: Moray is about 3,500 meters above sea level, while Maras is about 3,300 meters.

Tips for travelers

Adaptation to altitude: If you visit Maras and Moray from Ollantaytambo no prior acclimatization is necessary as Ollantaytambo is at a lower altitude than Cusco. We recommend staying hydrated at all times during your exploration.
Transportation: Hire a local guide or join a tour for easier access to Maras and Moray. Public transportation options are available, but may be less convenient. We recommend taking a private tour from Ollantaytambo.
Cash: Carry cash to buy entrance tickets to Moray and the Salt Mines.
Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.

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