Maras, Moray and Salt Mines
Maras, Moray and Salt Mines Tour
With our Maras, Moray and Salt Mines Tour, you will discover the impressive landscapes and cultural richness of the Sacred Valley.
Explore the ancient circular terraces of Moray, admire the thousands of salt pools in the
Maras Salt Mines, and visit the picturesque town of Maras.
This circuit 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 terraces used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas, with different microclimates that allowed agricultural experimentation.
🟢 Maras Salt Mines (salt ponds)
Thousands of stepped salt ponds exploited artisanally since pre-Inca times. You will learn about the salt collection process and can buy local salt.
🟢 Town of Maras
A cozy Andean village with traditional streets and an active community that preserves ancestral customs.
🟢 Chinchero Weavers
A stop in Chinchero to learn about traditional textile work and the local weavers who preserve ancient techniques.
Schedule:
🕗 Start: 8:00 AM
🕒 End: 3:00 PM
Itinerary – Maras, Moray and Salt Mines Tour
Itinerary Summary
🕒 Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 Meeting Point: Pickup from your hotel or agreed meeting point in Cusco.
⏳ Duration: Half day – approximately 7 hours.
Detailed Itinerary
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 journey and take in the Andean landscape.
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.
Visit to the town of Maras
A brief walk through Maras to learn about the town, its people, and its surroundings. A chance to observe daily life and purchase local handicrafts.
Maras Salt Mines (salt ponds)
A tour of the impressive salt pond system, explanation of the traditional extraction process, and free time to explore and take photos.
Free time at the Salt Mines
Time to buy artisanal salt, take photos, and walk among the ponds while observing local work.
Stop in Chinchero (weavers)
A brief stop to meet the local weavers, watch demonstrations of traditional weaving, and learn about ancestral textile techniques.
Return to Cusco
Return to the city, arriving around 3:00 p.m., with drop-off at the agreed point or in the historic center.
End of the tour
Arrival at the drop-off point and end of service.
What is Included and Not Included – Maras, Moray and Salt Mines Tour
Includes
- ✅ Shared transportation (round trip from Cusco)
- ✅ Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
- ✅ Drop-off in Cusco’s city center
- ✅ Assistance throughout the tour
Not included
- ❌ Personal expenses
- ❌ Tips (optional)
- ❌ Entrance fees to archaeological sites and access charges:
- Entrance to Salt Mines (Maras): S/ 15 per person (Peruvian residents)
- Entrance to Salt Mines (Maras): S/ 20 per person (non-residents)
- Cusco 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; avoid heavy rains 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 sunny.
- Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Hydration: Bring water and light snacks.
- Local purchases: Bring some soles if you want to buy Maras salt or handicrafts in Chinchero.
Accessibility and safety
- Accessibility: The tour includes short walks; people with reduced mobility may require assistance.
- Safety: Follow your guide’s instructions and respect the working areas at the salt mines.
- Cultural respect: Ask for 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
Is this tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes.
It is an easy tour and perfect for:
• Families
• Children
• Seniors
• Travelers who prefer simple routes
From: $24.00
Related Tours in Cusco
1 Day
Moderate Difficulty
Comprar Tour
Maras, Moray and Salt Mines
From: $24.00
From: $24.00
