Maras Salt Mines & Moray – Half Day
Duration
6 Hours
Max People
15
Min Age
4+
Pickup
Hotel - Bus
Tour Details
Maras Salt Mines & Moray – Half Day Tour
Discover two of the most unique landscapes in the Sacred Valley on this half-day excursion. This tour combines ancient Inca engineering with stunning natural salt pans, making it the perfect choice for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.
Tour Overview
Our journey takes us west of Cusco towards the traditional district of Maras, located in the Urubamba province. Situated on a massive high-altitude plateau, this scenic region offers breathtaking views of the Urubamba mountain range, including the majestic snow-capped peaks of WaqayWillka («La Veronica», 5,682 m.a.s.l. / 18,641 ft.) and Chicon (5,530 m.a.s.l. / 18,143 ft.).
Highlights
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Moray Agricultural Terraces: Explore the breathtaking concentric circular terraces that served as a highly advanced agricultural laboratory for the Incas, creating multiple microclimates to experiment with different crops.
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Maras Salt Mines (Salineras): Marvel at over 3,000 evaporation ponds managed by local families since pre-Inca times. Note: To preserve the purity of the salt, access is restricted to the designated panoramic viewpoints, which offer spectacular photo opportunities.
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Stunning Andean Landscapes: Enjoy a scenic drive across the plateau, surrounded by local farming fields and imposing glacial peaks.
Trip details
Maximum Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,483 ft (Moray Terraces)
Duration: Half Day (approx. 6 hours)
Schedule: Departs 08:20 AM | Returns 02:30 PM
Service Type: Shared Group or Private Transport
Group Size: 15 – 20 Guests max.
Level of Difficulty: Easy / Short Walkson sites
Language: English / Spanish (Professional Guide)
Destination: Sacred Valley / Archaeological sites
Places to Visit: Maras Town, Salt Mines (Salineras) & Moray Terraces.
Activity: Family, Photography, Cultural & Nature Tour.
Recommendations
Original passport or physical ID.
Valid ISIC student card (if you booked with a student discount).
Comfortable walking shoes and waterproof clothing (depending on the season).
Light clothes for walking and a light jacket for the breeze on the plateau.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
Camera or smartphone with extra batteries for great panoramic photos.
Cash in small denominations (preferably Peruvian Soles for local entrance fees and souvenirs).
Personal snacks and a bottle of water.
Included/Excluded
- Tourist Transport.
- Professional English speaking tour guide.
- Buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant.
- Tickets (BTC) for Archaeological sites – MORAY
- Entrance fee to the salt mine (S/. 10)
- Beverages.
- Phone Calls.
- Snack.
Tour Plan
Tour Itinerary: Ancient Labs & Spectacular Salt Pans
Our Maras and Moray half-day tour begins with a scenic morning drive across the Sacred Valley’s high plateau, offering incredible views of the Urubamba mountain range. Your first stop is the mesmerizing archaeological site of Moray, a fascinating complex of concentric terraces that served as an advanced Inca agricultural laboratory. Here, your guide will reveal how ancient engineers mastered distinct microclimates to cultivate crops from different regions, making this a must-see highlight among Cusco day tours.
Next, we journey to the legendary Maras Salt Mines (Salineras), a spectacular canyon featuring over 3,000 evaporation ponds managed since pre-Inca times. You will witness the stunning contrast of the pinkish-white salt pans from the best panoramic viewpoints—perfect for capturing postcard-quality photos. This efficient 6-hour Sacred Valley half-day trip gets you back to Cusco by 02:30 PM, leaving your afternoon completely free to enjoy the imperial city at your own pace.
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