Discover two of the most unique and visually stunning sites in the Sacred Valley on this convenient half-day tour. Perfect for those looking to explore beyond the main ruins, this journey takes you to the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory, and the dazzling, ancient salt mines of Maras. It’s a trip that showcases the incredible ingenuity of the past and the living traditions of the present.
Tour Duration: Approximately 6 hours.
Start Time: 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
End Time: Approximately 2:00 PM
Difficulty: Easy (A relaxed-pace tour with some walking on uneven ground).
Maximum Altitude: 3,500 meters (11,500 ft) at Moray
The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel between 8:00 and 8:30 AM. We will head out of Cusco towards our first destination, enjoying the incredible mountain scenery and picturesque landscapes along the way.
Our first stop is the fascinating Archaeological Site of Moray. Here, you will have a guided visit to explore the massive, concentric circular terraces that were once a major agricultural research center for the Inca culture. Your guide will explain how these terraces created different microclimates, allowing the Incas to experiment with and domesticate various crops.
After exploring Moray, we will travel to the nearby colonial-style town of Maras. From there, we continue to the breathtaking Maras Salt Mines. This truly wonderful place features over 3,000 salt ponds, or deposits, which cascade down the mountainside and are still harvested by the local population using traditional, pre-Inca methods.
To conclude the tour, we will board our tourist transportation for the return journey to Cusco. We expect to arrive at approximately 2:00 PM, ending the tour at the Plaza de Armas, leaving you in a central location to enjoy your lunch and the rest of your afternoon.
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It’s important to bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes as you will be walking through uneven terrains at both Moray and the Salt Mines. The weather can vary, so it’s also advisable to wear light clothing during the day and have something warmer for the cooler afternoon temperatures.
The tour typically takes around 6 hours. You’ll be picked up from your hotel between 8:00 and 8:30 am, with the tour concluding around 2:00 pm when you return to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
Yes, separate tickets are required for each site. The general ticket purchased for other attractions in the area might not include the Salt Mines, so be sure to buy the correct tickets in advance or at the entrance to each site.
The tour involves walking through the terraces of Moray and the Salt Mines, which can be physically demanding due to the uneven surfaces and elevation. However, the pace is generally relaxed, and most people in good health can manage it comfortably.
Yes, the tour includes an opportunity to interact with the local community in Maras. You’ll have the chance to learn about their traditions, purchase handcrafted products, and experience a slice of their daily life.
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