Excursion to Moray & Maras – Salt Mines

Venture out on a captivating excursion to explore the rich cultural heritage of Peru’s Moray and Maras salt mines. Departing from Cusco, travelers will explore the remarkable manmade circular depressions of Moray, showcasing the Incas’ advanced agricultural practices. The journey then continues to the centuries-old salt mines of Maras, where salt has been harvested for generations. With guided tours, round-trip transportation, and meals included, this 7-hour tour offers a personal and insightful experience, leaving you eager to uncover more about this fascinating region.

Good To Know

• This 7-hour excursion from Cusco explores the Moray archaeological site and the centuries-old Maras salt mines, with round-trip transfers, a guide, and meals included.
• Moray features man-made depressions used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, showcasing their advanced farming practices and microclimates.
• The Maras salt mines allow visitors to explore thousands of salt ponds and purchase artisanal salt and unique souvenirs.
• The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to physical activities, and it is not wheelchair accessible.
• The excursion has an overall positive rating of 4.5/5 based on 5 reviews, with some minor logistical concerns noted.

Tour Overview

On this excursion, travelers will visit the archaeological site of Moray and the Maras salt mines, two of Cusco’s popular attractions.

The tour departs from Cusco hotels at 8:00 AM and returns around 3:00 PM, lasting approximately 7 hours.

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the excursion is priced from $18.00 per person, varying based on group size.

Travelers will explore the unique Inca agricultural laboratory at Moray and the terraced salt mines of Maras, with guided tours at each site.

The tour includes round-trip transfers, an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide, entrance fees, and meals.

Itinerary

Departing from the hotel at 8:00 AM, the excursion first takes travelers to the archaeological site of Moray.

Here, visitors will explore the Inca’s manmade circular depressions, which served as an agricultural laboratory. The guided tour of this unique site lasts approximately 40 minutes.

Next, the group will travel 30 minutes to the Maras salt mines.

Here, they’ll embark on a 1-hour guided tour, with the opportunity to shop for bags of salt and souvenirs.

Moray

The manmade circular depressions at Moray are an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory, where they conducted experiments to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops.

During the 40-minute guided tour, visitors can explore these intriguing terraces that descend over 500 feet. The temperature difference between the top and bottom can be as much as 15°C, allowing the Incas to simulate various microclimates.

This unique site offers a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices and their understanding of climate. Visitors are free to wander and admire the impressive scale and symmetry of this engineering marvel from the ancient world.

Maras

After visiting the ancient agricultural site of Moray, the tour continues on to Maras, located just 30 minutes away.

Here, travelers will discover the stunning Maras salt mines, a centuries-old production site. The guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour, allowing ample time to:

1. Explore the thousands of salt ponds, each meticulously maintained by local workers.
2. Browse the on-site shops for bags of artisanal salt and unique souvenirs.
3. Appreciate the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the shimmering white salt ponds.

The return journey to Cusco follows the same scenic route, capping off a day of cultural discovery and immersion in Peru’s rich heritage.

Inclusions

For this excursion, the tour package includes round-trip transfers from Cusco hotels, a knowledgeable tour guide, and air-conditioned transportation.

Entrance fees to the Moray and Maras sites are also covered. Travelers can expect a hassle-free experience, as meals are provided during the tour.

The inclusion of these key elements ensures a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of the ancient Inca agricultural site and the iconic salt mines.

This package caters to most travelers, offering a convenient and enriching way to discover these remarkable Peruvian landmarks.

Additional Information

This excursion isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers due to the physical nature of the activities involved.

However, most other travelers can participate.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so individuals with limited mobility may face challenges.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The key additional information includes:

1. Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
2. Most travelers can participate.
3. Not wheelchair accessible.

Reviews

With a total of 5 reviews, the tour to Moray and Maras has earned an impressive 4.5/5 rating. The majority of travelers were delighted, leaving 4 out of 5 stars. However, one reviewer reported issues with the pickup and drop-off times, which is something to consider.

Rating	Number of Reviews
5 stars	4
4 stars	0
3 stars	0
2 stars	1
1 star	0

Directions

To reach the Moray and Maras tour sites, travelers depart their Cusco hotels at 8:00 AM.

The journey takes approximately 30 minutes to the first destination, Moray. At Moray, visitors explore the ancient Inca agricultural laboratory for around 40 minutes, guided by a knowledgeable tour guide.

After Moray, the group travels 30 minutes to the Maras salt mines. Here, they spend an hour on a guided tour, with the opportunity to purchase bags of salt and souvenirs.

Finally, the tour returns to Cusco via the same route, completing the approximately 7-hour excursion.

1. Depart Cusco hotels at 8:00 AM
2. Visit Moray for 40 minutes
3. Tour Maras salt mines for 1 hour

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom facilities at the Moray and Maras sites, allowing travelers to take breaks as needed during the excursion. Travelers can use the restrooms at these designated locations along the route.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. It’s a good idea to bring a water bottle and any personal snacks you might want during the excursion.

Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travelers with limited mobility. Most travelers can participate, but pregnant individuals should avoid the tour.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour operator encourages travelers to capture the unique landscapes and cultural sites along the way. Just be mindful of any restrictions or areas where photography may be limited.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Guests should avoid wearing anything too formal or revealing, as they’ll be spending time outdoors exploring historic sites.

The Sum Up

The Excursion to Moray and Maras Salt Mines offers a captivating journey through Peru’s cultural heritage. Travelers explore the remarkable Incan agricultural site of Moray and the centuries-old Maras salt mines, with guided tours, transportation, and meals included. The experience ensures a personal touch and insightful exploration of these stunning Peruvian landscapes. It’s a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of this region.