Maras, Moray and Salt Mines

Maras, Moray and Salt Mines Tour

With our Maras, Moray and Salt Mines Tour, you will discover the stunning landscapes and cultural richness of the Sacred Valley.
Explore the ancient circular terraces of Moray, admire the thousands of salt pools at the
Maras Salt Mines, and visit the picturesque town of Maras.
This route combines history, tradition, and nature in a unique experience that showcases the best of the Andean landscape.

Places you will visit on this tour:

🟢 Moray (circular terraces)
An impressive set of circular agricultural terraces used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, with different microclimates that allowed farming experiments.

🟢 Maras Salt Mines
Thousands of stepped salt pools that have been worked by hand since pre-Inca times. You will learn about the harvesting process and have the chance to buy local salt.

🟢 Town of Maras
A charming Andean village with traditional streets and an active community that keeps ancestral customs alive.

🟢 Chinchero Weavers
Stop in Chinchero to learn about traditional textile work and meet local weavers who preserve ancestral techniques.

Schedule:

🕗 Start: 8:00 AM
🕒 End: 3:00 PM

Itinerary – Maras, Moray and Salt Mines Tour

Itinerary Overview

🕒 Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.📍 Meeting Point: Pickup at your hotel or an agreed point in Cusco.

⏳ Duration: Half day – approximately 7 hours.

Detailed Itinerary – Maras, Moray and Salt Mines Tour

1

08:00 a.m.

Pickup from your hotel in Cusco

Our transportation will pick you up punctually at your accommodation or meeting point to head toward the Sacred Valley.
Enjoy the views of the Andean landscape along the way.

2

Moray

Explore Moray (circular terraces)

We will visit the circular terraces of Moray, where your guide will explain how this Inca agricultural laboratory worked
and the importance of its microclimates in ancestral farming.

3

Maras

Visit the town of Maras

Walk through Maras to briefly get to know the town, its people, and its surroundings. Opportunity to see daily life and buy local handicrafts.

4

Salt Mines

Maras Salt Mines

Tour the impressive salt pond system, learn about the traditional extraction process, and enjoy time to explore and take photographs.

5

Free time

Free time at the Salt Mines

Time to buy artisanal salt, take photos, and walk among the pools while observing the local work.

6

Chinchero

Stop in Chinchero (weavers)

Brief stop to meet local weavers, watch traditional weaving demonstrations, and learn about ancestral textile techniques.

7

Return

Return to Cusco

Return to the city with an estimated arrival at 3:00 p.m., where drop-off will be provided at the agreed point or in the historic center.

8

End

End of the tour

Arrival at the return point and end of the service.

What is included and not included in the Maras, Moray and Salt Mines Tour

Included

Shared transportation (round trip from Cusco)
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
Drop-off in downtown Cusco
Assistance throughout the tour

Note: If you are planning to take other tours in Cusco, it is recommended to buy the Full Tourist Ticket, since it includes Moray and other archaeological sites.

Not included

Personal expenses
Tips (optional)
Entrance to Moray
Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines

Salt Mines Entrance Fee (Maras)

S/15 per person (residents of Peru)
S/20 per person (non-residents)

Tourist ticket:

🎟️ Partial: S/ 70 per person
🎟️ Full: S/ 130 per person

Additional Details

General information

Total duration: Approximately 7 hours.
Difficulty level: Low — suitable for most visitors and families.
Recommended season: All year round; avoid heavy rain if you prefer dry paths.

Recommendations

Arrive on time: It is recommended to be ready at the meeting point 10 minutes before pickup.
Clothing and footwear: Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing; mornings can be cold and midday can be very sunny.
Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Hydration: Bring water and light snacks.
Local shopping: Bring some money in soles if you want to buy Maras salt or handicrafts in Chinchero.

Accessibility and safety

Accessibility: The tour includes short walking distances; people with reduced mobility may require assistance.
Safety: Follow the guide’s instructions and respect the working areas at the salt mines.
Cultural respect: Ask permission before photographing local people and respect their space and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions – Maras, Moray and Salt Mines Tour

How far are Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines from Cusco?

The attractions are located approximately **45 minutes to 1 hour** from Cusco, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Can I visit Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines on my own?

Yes, you can take transportation to Maras and then a taxi to Moray and the Salt Mines.
However, many travelers prefer the organized tour because it is faster, safer, and more economical.

How much time do we spend at each place?

• Moray: **Approximately 40 minutes**
• Salt Mines: **Approximately 35 minutes**
• Maras Town: **10–15 minutes**, depending on group availability

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour requires **short walks**, mainly in Moray and at the Salt Mines viewpoints.
It is not a demanding route and is suitable for all ages.

When is the best time to do the Maras Moray tour?

The best season is from **April to November** (dry season).
During this time, the colors of the Sacred Valley are more vivid and the weather is more stable.

What should I bring to the Maras Moray Tour?

It is recommended to bring:
• Light clothing and a windbreaker
• Sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Water and snacks
• Camera
• Cash for entrance fees and purchases