Half-Day Maras and Moray in Sacred Valley Cusco

The "Half-Day Maras and Moray in Sacred Valley Cusco" tour offers travelers a chance to explore two remarkable Incan sites steeped in history and cultural significance. Visitors can explore the intriguing mysteries of Moray’s concentric terraces and witness the centuries-old salt extraction process at the Maras Salt Mines. With a professional guide, transportation, and all necessary inclusions, this five-hour excursion promises an enriching journey through the stunning Sacred Valley. But the true allure lies in the insights and experiences that await those who embark on this captivating adventure.

Good To Know

• This half-day tour from Cusco visits the archaeological site of Moray and the Maras salt mines, providing insights into Inca agricultural practices and traditional salt production.

• The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, lunch, and entrance tickets to the Moray and Salineras sites, offering a comprehensive experience.

• Moray’s concentric terraces were likely used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation, showcasing their engineering prowess and understanding of microclimates.

• The Maras Salt Mines feature over 5,000 individually-owned salt pools, where locals have been harvesting salt using traditional methods for generations.

• The tour duration is 5 hours, with a maximum of 15 travelers, offering a personalized and immersive exploration of the Sacred Valley’s historical and cultural wonders.

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Half-Day Maras and Moray in Sacred Valley Cusco," is provided by Peru Andes Top, a tour operator based in Cusco, Peru.

It lasts 5 hours and has a maximum of 15 travelers. The tour starts at 8:30 am, with the meeting point at the Plaza Mayor de Cusco, in front of the Cathedral of Cusco, and ends at the Plaza San Francisco in Cusco.

Included in the tour are hotel pickup (optional), transportation, a professional guide, lunch, and entrance tickets to the Moray archaeological site and the Salineras salt mine.

Inclusions

This tour includes hotel pickup (optional) for the convenience of travelers.

Transport, a professional guide, and lunch are also provided. Plus, the tour includes two types of admission tickets: a partial tourist ticket for Moray (70 soles, purchased on-site) and an entrance ticket to the Salineras Salt mine (10 soles, purchased on-site).

Tips are optional. The tour caters to a maximum of 15 travelers and lasts approximately 5 hours, starting at 8:30 am from the Plaza Mayor de Cusco, in front of the Cathedral of Cusco, and ending at Plaza San Francisco, Cusco.

Preparation and Recommendations

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s recommended that participants wear long pants, warm clothing, and a waterproof jacket or raincoat for protection against the elements.

Visitors should also bring sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, as well as a sun hat to shield themselves from the strong Andean sun. Plus, a water bottle is advised to stay hydrated during the tour.

The sites visited, Moray and Maras, are historical and cultural gems, so participants are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the stunning landscapes and architectural wonders.

Pricing and Booking Information

The tour is priced from $18.00 per person. Travelers can reserve the tour now and pay later, providing flexibility.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

With a total of 7 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 3.0 across platforms like Viator and Tripadvisor. Notable feedback includes issues with booking confirmation, positive comments on the archaeological sites, and praise for the guide’s performance and group dynamics.

While the prices for alpaca and vicuña products are high, the tour offers an interesting insight into the manufacturing process.

Reviews and Feedback

According to the available reviews, the Half-Day Maras and Moray in Sacred Valley Cusco tour has received a mixed response. While some travelers praised the archaeological sites and the insights into the local manufacturing processes, others noted issues with booking confirmation. The tour’s overall rating is 3.0 out of 5, based on reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor. The table below provides a more detailed breakdown of the feedback:

Feedback	Positive	Negative	Neutral
Moray and Maras sites	✓	–	–
Booking confirmation	–	✓	–
Guide performance	✓	–	–
Pricing of local products	✓	–	–
Group dynamics	✓	–	–

Exploring Moray

Moray is an extraordinary archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, just a short distance from the town of Maras.

The site features a series of concentric terraces, which were likely used by the Inca Empire for agricultural experimentation and to study the effects of different microclimates on crop growth.

Visitors can descend into the stone-lined depressions, marveling at the intricate engineering and the stunning vistas that unfold below.

The terraces’ varying depths and orientations create a range of temperature and humidity conditions, providing valuable insights into the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of agricultural practices.

Exploring Moray is a unique opportunity to glimpse into the ingenuity and innovation of this ancient civilization.

Visiting the Maras Salt Mines

After exploring the captivating Moray archaeological site, the tour continues to the Maras Salt Mines, another remarkable testament to the Inca’s ingenuity.

The Maras Salt Mines are a complex of over 5,000 small, individually-owned salt pools that have been in use since the time of the Inca Empire.

Visitors can observe:

1. The gradual process of salt extraction, where water from a nearby spring is channeled into the pools and left to evaporate, leaving behind the valuable salt crystals.
2. The striking visual of the salt pools, cascading down the hillside in a patchwork of bright white and turquoise hues.
3. The traditional methods employed by local workers to harvest and process the salt, passed down through generations.

Highlights of the Experience

The highlight of the experience is the opportunity to witness the ancient Inca engineering and agricultural practices that have been preserved at the Moray archaeological site.

Visitors can marvel at the circular terraces, which were used by the Incas as an agricultural research station to experiment with different crops and microclimates.

Next, the tour takes guests to the stunning Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pans have been in use since Inca times.

Witnessing the locals harvesting salt using traditional methods provides a unique insight into the region’s history and culture.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide shares fascinating details, enhancing the overall understanding of these remarkable archaeological wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Sites Independently Without a Tour?

Yes, visitors can visit the Maras and Moray sites independently without a tour. Both sites are open to the public and can be accessed on your own, though a guide may provide helpful context and insights.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour provider offers an option to extend the duration. Travelers can choose a full-day tour that includes additional sites or activities in the Sacred Valley for a higher price.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Information in Multiple Languages?

The tour guides typically provide information in multiple languages, such as English and Spanish, to accommodate the diverse needs of travelers. This allows them to share insights and histories effectively with participants from various backgrounds.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs?

The overview indicates there are no additional fees or hidden costs beyond the listed inclusions. The price covers transport, guide, lunch, and entry tickets to Moray and Maras salt mines, though tips are optional.

How Physically Demanding Is the Tour for Participants?

The tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking and hiking over uneven terrain. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition, but the tour doesn’t require an extremely high fitness level. Proper attire and footwear are recommended.

The Sum Up

The "Half-Day Maras and Moray in Sacred Valley Cusco" tour offers an immersive experience for travelers interested in Incan history and culture. With visits to the remarkable archaeological site of Moray and the stunning Maras Salt Mines, participants can enjoy an insightful journey through these captivating attractions in the Sacred Valley, accompanied by a professional guide and with transportation, lunch, and entrance tickets included.