Are you planning a trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru and wondering if it is worth visiting Maras and Moray? The answer is yes. But in this article we will not tell you what most articles tell you, here you will discover everything that nobody tells you about these two impressive places that combine history, nature and a unique scenic beauty.
From the ancient circular agricultural laboratories of Moray to the ancient salt flats of Maras, this corner of Peru hides secrets that many tourists overlook. We will also tell you how to get there, what to see, when to go, how much entrance fees are, where to eat (yes, including chef Virgilio Martinez’s famous MIL restaurant) and much more.
Where are Maras and Moray in Peru?
Both are located in Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the region of Cusco, Peru.
Moray:
Located 50 km (31 miles) from the city of Cusco and about 7 km (4.3 miles) from the town of Maras.
Salt Mines of Maras:
They are located just 10 km (6.2 miles) from the archaeological site of Moray, on the side of a mountain.
Both destinations are usually visited on the same excursion from Cusco or Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, which makes them an excellent stop on a route through the Sacred Valley.
Altitude and Climate
Moray altitude:
3,500 meters above sea level (11,483 feet).
Height of Maras:
3,380 meters above sea level (11,089 feet).
Maras Moray Weather:
The weather in this Andean zone is temperate during the day and cold at night. During the day, the temperature usually varies between 15°C and 22°C (59°F to 72°F), but can drop below 5°C (41°F) at night, especially in the dry season months (April to October).
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (April to October): This is the best time, during this time the salt production at the Maras Salt Mines is fully active.
Rainy season (November to March): Fewer tourists, but the salt ponds often turn brownish or muddy in color due to the constant rain and runoff.
Recommendation: visit between May and September, when the landscape is green and the weather is ideal for spectacular photos.
Where is Maras Moray Located ?
From Cusco: 39 km 24.2 mi 1 hour approx.
From Urubamba:20 km 12.4 mi 30 minutes
From Ollantaytambo: 50 km 31 mi 1 hour
From Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes): 120 km 74.5 mi 3.5 to 4 hours (combined train + car)
Moray
Moray is a group of concentric circular terraces used by the Incas as a center for agricultural experimentation. The terraces create microclimates that could vary up to 15°C between the top and bottom, allowing different types of crops to be grown in one place. Discover more info about the Moray ruins here.
Entrance: Included in the Partial or General Tourist Ticket.
Price: S/70 PEN ($18 USD)
Salt Mines of Maras
The Salineras or the Salt Falts of Maras consist of thousands of white salt ponds built on terraces on the side of the mountain, which are filled with salt water from a subway spring. As the water evaporates in the sun, the salt is collected manually, as the ancients did. See more info about the Salt Mines in Peru here.
Separate entrance: S/20 PEN ($6 USD)
Where to Eat in Maras Moray – Mil Centro
One of the most memorable experiences in the area is Mil Centro restaurant, a world-class restaurant created by Virgilio Martinez (of the famous Central restaurant in Lima).
- Located near the ruins of Moray, this space offers:
- Signature cuisine based on Andean ingredients and ancestral techniques.
- Dining experience that connects with the environment and culture
- Spectacular view of the Andes
Note: Reservations required in advance.
Maras: A Quiet Colonial Town in the Sacred Valley
Maras is a small colonial town located in the heart of the Sacred Valley in Urubamba province, at about 3,380 meters above sea level (11,089 feet). It is known mainly for its proximity to two of the most impressive tourist attractions in the area: the salt flats of Maras and the archaeological ruins of Moray.
Location
- Province: Urubamba
- Region: Cusco
- Distance from Cusco: 39 km (24.2 miles)
- Altitude: 3,380 masl (11,089 ft)
What to See in Maras
Though Maras town is small, there are some highlights to see:
Maras Colonial Plaza
Maras features a peaceful main square, flanked by colonial-style buildings with stone facades and adobe walls. It’s a quiet place to relax, enjoy the mountain air, or start a walk through the surrounding countryside.
San Francisco de Asís Church
Built in the 16th century, this church is a fine example of colonial Andean architecture. Inside, you’ll find baroque altarpieces and religious paintings influenced by the Cusco School of Art, a blend of European and native styles.
Should You Stay in Maras?
While Maras is worth visiting, it’s not the best place to stay, and here we tell you why:
- It’s isolated, with minimal tourist services and no nightlife.
- Accommodation is scarce and very basic.
- The altitude (3,380 m) may be uncomfortable for some travelers.
- Nearby towns like Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, or Cusco are better bases with more comfort and options.
Conclusions: Maras Moray Peru
Maras and Moray are two jewels of the Sacred Valley in Peru that combine impressive landscapes, history and ancestral tradition. Moray, with its circular terraces, demonstrates the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Incas, while the salt mines in Maras offer a unique landscape and an ancient technique still in use by local families. The town of Maras, although picturesque and with a certain colonial charm, is not recommended for staying due to its altitude, isolation and lack of tourist services. For those seeking a more complete experience, the Mil Centro restaurant adds a first class gastronomic component. Together, these destinations offer an authentic look at Peru’s cultural legacy and are well worth including in any trip to the region.
