Maras and Moray Tour from Cusco: Salt Mines & Inca Terraces

Day Trip

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Cusco, Peru

Duration

7 Hours

Language

English

Group Size

10 Peopele

Tour Overview

Experience the wonders of Inca innovation and Andean culture on this captivating Maras and Moray tour from Cusco. This half-day adventure takes you through some of the Sacred Valley’s most visually and culturally impressive sites, offering a deep look at ancient agricultural techniques, artisanal traditions, and unique landscapes.


Start your journey at the Chinchero Textile Center, where local artisans demonstrate traditional Andean weaving techniques passed down for generations. You'll gain insight into the symbolism and significance behind each colorful design, offering a hands-on connection to the culture of the highlands.

Next, visit the Moray Archaeological Site, home to giant circular terraces that once served as an agricultural laboratory for the Incas. Your guide will explain how these ancient structures created microclimates that allowed experimentation with crop growth—a testament to Inca engineering and environmental mastery.


Continue on to the Maras Interpretation Center and salt market, where you’ll learn about the historic and cultural role salt has played in the region. Then explore the breathtaking Maras Salt Mines, a stunning network of thousands of white salt pools flowing down the mountainside. Still harvested using traditional methods, these mines provide a glimpse into both the past and present of Andean life.


Why Choose This Tour?

  • Visit two of the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites in one day
  • Learn about Inca agricultural innovation at Moray
  • Marvel at the surreal beauty of the Maras Salt Mines
  • Discover local culture at the Chinchero Textile Center
  • Perfect for those short on time but rich in curiosity

Tour highlights

  • Explore the unique Inca terraces at Moray and their role in agricultural research
  • Visit the striking Maras Salt Mines and see traditional salt harvesting in action
  • Discover the cultural heritage of Andean textiles in Chinchero
  • Enjoy scenic drives through the Sacred Valley’s highland landscapes
  • Perfect half-day tour from Cusco with cultural depth and natural beauty

Whats Included

  • Private transportation
  • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or accommodation in Cusco
  • Permanent bilingual tour guide
  • Entrance ticket to Moray Archaeological Site
  • Entrance ticket to Maras Salt Mines
  • Visit to Chinchero Textile Center and Maras Salt Interpretation Center
  • Bottled water

  • Anything not specified in the program
  • VAT (IGV) for Peruvian nationals or local businesses
  • Personal expenses and optional purchases

Know before you go (faq's)

How long is the Maras and Moray tour from Cusco?

 The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with pickups beginning at 8:00 a.m. and returning in the afternoon.


Is the Maras and Moray tour suitable for families?

 Yes, it’s an excellent option for families and travelers of all ages due to its short walking distances and educational stops.


Are entrance tickets included in the tour price?

 Yes, entrance fees to both the Moray Archaeological Site and the Maras Salt Mines are included.


Is there shopping available on the tour?

 Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to shop for handmade textiles in Chinchero and local salt products in Maras.


What should I bring on the tour?

 We recommend wearing light layers, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring local currency if you plan to shop.

Itiniray

  • Chinchero Textile Center: Start your day discovering Andean weaving traditions with local artisans. Watch them create intricate patterns using natural dyes and ancient techniques, and gain insight into the cultural meaning behind each design.
  • Moray Archaeological Site: Next, travel to Moray to explore its impressive circular terraces. Learn how the Incas used this site as an agricultural laboratory, creating different microclimates to experiment with crop cultivation.
  • Maras Interpretation Center and Salt Market: Continue to Maras, where you'll learn about the history of salt in the Andes and its role in local culture at the Interpretation Center and browse the salt market for unique products.
  • Maras Salt Mines: Finally, visit the stunning salt evaporation ponds—thousands of terraced pools that glisten in the Andean sun. Observe traditional salt harvesting techniques and marvel at this surreal landscape.
  • Return to Cusco: Enjoy a comfortable drive back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.

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