Half-Day Maras Moray Tour Private Service

The Half-Day Maras Moray Tour offers a unique private service that allows visitors to explore the stunning Maras Salt Mines and the captivating Moray Ruins. Priced from $88.00, this tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, along with a professional guide fluent in English and Spanish. Participants can explore the ancient salt evaporation techniques and agricultural practices, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to uncover the rich history and cultural heritage of the Cusco region. With free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that…

Good To Know

• A private half-day tour that visits the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins, two major attractions in the Cusco region of Peru.
• Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a professional English/Spanish-speaking guide, and admission to the Moray site.
• Offers insights into the region’s cultural heritage, sustainable salt-harvesting techniques, and agricultural experimentation at Moray.
• Tour duration is approximately half a day, with an hour spent at each site.
• Tour is priced from $88.00 with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

The Half-Day Maras Moray Tour is a private service that takes visitors to explore two of Peru’s most fascinating archaeological sites.

This 90% recommended tour starts from Cusco and provides hotel pickup and drop-off. Priced from $88.00, the tour lasts half a day and allows travelers to freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

At the Maras Salt Mines, guests can witness the ancient terraced ponds used for salt evaporation, while the Moray Ruins offer a glimpse into a unique open-air crop laboratory with circular depressions up to 30 meters deep.

The tour is led by a local guide and is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a personalized experience.

Itinerary Highlights

This tour features two iconic Peruvian archaeological sites. First, the Maras Salt Mines showcases ancient terraced ponds used for salt evaporation from a natural underground stream. Visitors can admire the scenic view of hundreds of rectangular ponds, a natural painting-like landscape. Next, the Moray Ruins consist of three distinctive amphitheater-like depressions believed to be an open-air agricultural laboratory. Researchers think these circular terraces, up to 30 meters deep, were used to study the effects of different microclimates on crops.

Site	Duration	Admission
Maras Salt Mines	1 hour	Free
Moray Ruins	1 hour	Not Included

Maras Salt Mines

Nestled in the Andean highlands of Peru, the Maras Salt Mines date back to pre-Incan times. This ancient site features a series of terraced ponds that utilize a natural underground salt-rich spring to produce salt through evaporation.

Visitors can witness the intricate process, with hundreds of rectangular ponds resembling a natural painting. The salt-harvesting method has remained largely unchanged for centuries, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Spending an hour exploring the Maras Salt Mines provides a captivating and visually stunning experience, allowing travelers to appreciate the ingenuity and sustainability of this time-honored practice.

Moray Ruins

Composed of three coliseums, the Moray Ruins are believed to have served as an open-air crop laboratory, with circular depressions up to 30 meters (98 feet) deep designed to study the effects of different microclimates on agricultural production.

The varying depths of the depressions created temperature differences of up to 15°C (27°F), allowing the Incas to experiment with growing crops in diverse environmental conditions.

Visitors can spend approximately one hour exploring the site, which features an admission ticket that’s not included in the tour price.

The unique layout and purpose of the Moray Ruins make it a fascinating and educational stop on the Maras Moray tour.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, along with the services of a professional guide who can provide insights in both English and Spanish.

The Cusco tourist ticket required for entry to Moray is also included. Plus, the Maras entrance fee of 8 soles is covered.

For those interested, a lunch option is available upon request for an additional 50 to 60 soles.

The private tour format ensures a personalized experience, though it’s worth noting that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though most travelers should be able to participate.

Guided Experience

A local guide leads this private tour, providing insider tips and a personalized experience for first-time visitors to the region.

The guided experience allows you to explore the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins at your own pace, learning about the history and significance of these remarkable sites.

With the guide’s expertise, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the centuries-old evaporation techniques used in the salt ponds and the purpose behind the intriguing circular depressions at Moray.

The private format ensures you receive the guide’s undivided attention, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an informative and enjoyable day exploring these unique Peruvian landmarks.

Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised this half-day tour, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 11 reviews.

The majority, 8 out of 11 reviews, gave the tour 5 stars, highlighting the informative and enjoyable experiences.

Two more travelers rated it 4 stars, while only one gave it 3 stars.

Reviewers noted the need for separate entrance fees for the Moray ruins and Maras salt mines, but overall, they were satisfied with the guided experience and the tour’s value.

The private format and insider tips from the local guide contributed to the positive reception among first-time visitors to the Cusco region.

Pricing and Availability

This half-day Maras Moray tour is priced from $88.00, with the final cost varying based on the group size.

The tour offers a private service, which ensures a personalized experience for travelers.

Pickup and drop-off at the hotel, as well as a professional tour guide fluent in English and Spanish, are included in the price.

Visitors should note that the Cusco tourist ticket required for the Moray entrance and the Maras entrance fee of 8 soles aren’t covered in the tour cost.

Lunch is available upon request for an additional 50 to 60 soles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may be suitable for children, though it’s best suited for older kids. The Maras Salt Mines and Moray ruins involve moderate hiking, and the entrance fees are not included. Parents should consider their children’s interests and abilities before booking.

Can We Customize the Tour to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to travelers’ preferences. The private service allows for flexibility in the itinerary and duration. Tour operators are willing to accommodate special requests within the tour’s overall scope.

How Do We Get to the Starting Point of the Tour?

The tour company provides hotel pickup and drop-off, so travelers don’t need to worry about getting to the starting point. They’ll be transported directly to the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins for the guided tour.

Are There Any Special Requirements for the Tour?

There are a few special requirements for the tour. It’s not wheelchair accessible, though most travelers can participate. Visitors must purchase separate entrance tickets for the Moray ruins and Maras salt mines.

Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. The tour includes scenic views of the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins, providing excellent photo opportunities for visitors. However, respect should be shown for other participants and any restrictions at the sites.

The Sum Up

The Maras Moray Tour offers a captivating half-day adventure exploring the picturesque Maras Salt Mines and enigmatic Moray Ruins. With personalized insights from a knowledgeable guide, travelers can explore the region’s ancient salt production and agricultural practices. Conveniently priced and with free cancellation, this private tour provides an ideal introduction to the Cusco area for first-time visitors.