Uncover the captivating history and remarkable engineering of Peru’s ancient Inca civilization on this half-day tour of the Maras salt mines and Moray Inca site. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, visitors can explore the breathtaking salt ponds of Maras and the impressive concentric terraces of Moray, both showcasing the Incas’ impressive mastery of their environment. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this excursion promises to reveal fascinating insights that may just leave you eager to learn more.
About Your Stay
- Explore the Maras salt ponds and the Moray Inca site during a half-day excursion from Cusco, Peru.
- Pricing starts at $26 per person and the tour accommodates up to 16 travelers.
- Includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a specialized guide, and all entrance fees.
- Witness the centuries-old salt evaporation process and the unique concentric terraces of Moray.
- Suitable for most travelers, but infants must sit on laps; free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior.
Tour Overview

The Maras and Moray Salt Mines tour offers a half-day excursion that explores these fascinating archaeological sites. Priced from $26.00, the tour can accommodate up to 16 travelers and has a 4.0 rating based on 4 reviews.
Included in the experience are hotel pickup within Cusco’s historic center, round-trip bus transportation, a specialized guide, and entrance fees. Pickup is available from hotels in the historic center, while those outside the area meet at Plazoleta Regocijo.
The tour departs at 8:30 am and features flexible booking, with the option to reserve now and pay later. Despite not being wheelchair-accessible, the experience is suitable for most travelers, including infants who must sit on laps.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Inclusions and Pickup Details

The tour package includes pickup from hotels located within Cusco’s historic center.
Roundtrip tourist bus transfers are provided, as well as a specialized tourist guide. Entrance tickets to the parks are also included.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
For those staying outside the historic center, the meeting point is at Plazoleta Regocijo.
The tour starts promptly at 8:30 am, and confirmation is received upon booking.
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps, but most travelers can participate.
Exploring Maras Salt Mines
Visitors on the Maras and Moray Salt Mines tour can expect to explore the remarkable Maras salt mines, a centuries-old system of salt evaporation ponds nestled in the Andes mountains.
The salt mines are a stunning sight, with thousands of small, terraced pools carved into the hillside, each one a different shade of white, pink, or yellow. Guided by a knowledgeable local, travelers will learn about the history and traditional methods of salt extraction that have been used here for generations.
They’ll have the opportunity to walk through the salt mines, see the workers in action, and even purchase some of the unique, artisanal salt products.
Discovering Moray Inca Site
After exploring the captivating Maras salt mines, the tour proceeds to the Moray Inca site – an extraordinary archaeological wonder nestled in the Andes. Once a sophisticated agricultural research center, Moray features a series of concentric terraces that descend into a vast, natural amphitheater. The scale and complexity of this site are truly awe-inspiring.
| Fascinating Facts | Moray Inca Site |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) |
| Purpose | Agricultural experimentation |
| Unique Feature | Concentric terraces |
Visitors can wander through the terraces, marveling at the Inca’s advanced understanding of microclimates and their ability to cultivate a diverse array of crops. This captivating site offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and innovation of the Inca civilization.
Tour Highlights and Activities

Captivating the senses, the Maras and Moray Salt Mines tour offers a unique glimpse into the Inca’s masterful engineering and agricultural prowess.
Visitors will explore the dramatic salt ponds of Maras, where salt has been harvested for centuries. Then, they’ll venture to the mysterious Moray site, home to impressively large circular terraces that were used for agricultural experimentation.
Along the way, the specialized tourist guide provides insights into the fascinating history and cultural significance of these remarkable sites.
With round-trip transportation and all entrance fees included, this half-day tour is an excellent way to discover two of Peru’s most captivating Inca wonders.
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Practical Information

The tour begins with a pickup from hotels in Cusco’s historic center, with a meeting point at Plazoleta Regocijo for those staying outside the area.
This half-day tour has a maximum of 16 travelers and departs at 8:30 am. The price starts at $26.00 and includes a specialized tourist guide, round-trip transportation, and entrance tickets.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and a reserve now, pay later option is available. Most travelers can participate in this tour.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Travelers can reserve their spot on the Maras and Moray Salt Mines tour now and pay later. The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This provides flexibility for travelers’ plans.
The tour has a maximum of 16 participants, ensuring an intimate group experience. Pickup is available from hotels within the Historic Center of Cusco, or travelers can meet at the Plazoleta Regocijo if their hotel is outside the area. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Most travelers can participate in this half-day excursion to explore the stunning Maras and Moray salt mines.
Questions About Your Stay

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, typically from May to October. This offers clear skies, mild temperatures, and optimal conditions for exploring the unique Maras and Moray salt mines.
Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour operator generally offers a set itinerary, but guests can inquire about customizing the experience to suit their interests and needs. Flexibility may be limited, but the operator is likely willing to accommodate reasonable requests within the tour’s scope.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?
Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. The tour provider ensures that participants have access to clean and well-maintained restrooms at strategic points throughout the excursion for their convenience.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
Yes, there is a discount for children and seniors on this tour. Children under 12 receive a 20% discount, while seniors 65 and older receive a 10% discount off the regular tour price.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drink?
According to the tour details, travellers are free to bring their own food and drinks. The tour doesn’t provide any meals, so bringing snacks and beverages is allowed and can be a convenient option for the half-day excursion.
Maras and Moray Salt Mines | Half Day |
Final Verdict On This Stay
This half-day tour offers an enriching exploration of two remarkable Inca sites, the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Inca Site. Guests will experience the captivating salt evaporation ponds of Maras and the impressive concentric terraces of Moray, marveling at the Inca’s engineering prowess. With hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and a knowledgeable guide, this excursion promises a personalized and immersive experience in Peru’s cultural heritage.


















