Maras Moray (Day Trip)

The Maras Moray day trip offers an enriching exploration of Peru’s cultural heritage, featuring ancient salt mines and remarkable Inca agricultural terraces. Travelers embark on a scenic journey from Cusco, absorbing stunning Andean landscapes and insights into traditional salt mining and farming techniques. This intimate experience, limited to just 12 participants, provides a deep understanding of the region’s historical significance and agricultural innovations. With private transportation and a knowledgeable bilingual guide, visitors can uncover the secrets of this fascinating corner of the Andes.

Good To Know

• Explore the ancient pre-Incan salt mines of Salineras de Maras, showcasing traditional salt harvesting techniques.
• Discover the Inca Empire’s advanced agricultural practices at the circular terraced ruins of Moray.
• Enjoy a scenic drive from Cusco to Maras, passing through traditional Andean villages and landscapes.
• Benefit from a bilingual guide’s insights into the cultural and historical significance of these sites.
• Experience a personalized tour with private transportation and a maximum group size of 12 travelers.

Overview of the Tour

Exploring the rich cultural heritage of Peru, this day trip takes visitors on a captivating journey to the pre-Incan salt mines of Salineras de Maras and the enigmatic ruins of Moray.

Travelers will explore the fascinating history of salt mining and ancient agricultural practices, guided by knowledgeable bilingual experts.

The scenic drive from Cusco to the Maras township sets the stage for a memorable day of discovery.

With private transportation, entrance tickets, and a maximum group size of 12, this tour offers a personalized and immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the wonders of this remarkable region.

Key Inclusions

This Maras Moray day trip includes private transportation between the attractions, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.

The tour also provides a bilingual guide to share their knowledge about the cultural history, salt mining, and ancient agriculture of the region.

Entrance tickets are included, offering access to the partial (70 Soles) or complete (130 Soles) sites, as well as the Salinas entrance (10 Soles).

The key inclusions for this tour are:

• Private transportation
• Bilingual guide
• Partial or complete site entrance tickets
• Salinas de Maras entrance ticket
• Maximum group size of 12 travelers

Meeting Point and Pickup

The meeting point for this Maras Moray day trip is at Kinty Travel Cusco, located at Portal de Confituria 285-A in Cusco, Peru.

The tour activity starts at 8:30 am and ends back at the same meeting point. The tour is led by a bilingual guide and includes private transport between the Salineras de Maras salt mines and Moray ruins.

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of purchase. The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Additional Details

Travelers can expect a scenic journey from Cusco to the township of Maras, where they’ll visit the pre-Incan salt mines of Salineras de Maras and the ancient agricultural ruins of Moray.

The tour includes:

• Private transportation to and from the attractions
• A bilingual guide to provide cultural and historical insights
• Entrance tickets to the sites, with options for partial or complete access
• A maximum group size of 12 travelers for a more personalized experience
• Confirmation of the booking details received upon reservation

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s important to note that all sales are non-refundable.

Operated by Kinty Travel Cusco, the Maras Moray day trip offers a unique opportunity to explore Peru’s rich pre-Incan heritage.

Pricing and Reviews

According to the pricing information, the Maras Moray day trip can be booked from €24.23 per person.

The tour has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 6 reviews. However, there’s no breakdown of the individual star ratings, so it’s unclear if there were any positive or negative reviews.

Plus, the tour is non-refundable, meaning there are no refunds for cancellations.

While the price seems reasonable, the lack of detailed review information may be a consideration for some travelers when booking this excursion.

Exploring Salineras De Maras

Visiting the centuries-old Salineras de Maras salt mines offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. This ancient salt-harvesting site features a series of terraced ponds where saltwater evaporates to produce salt.

As you explore the salt pools, you’ll be struck by the stunning visual contrast of the bright white salt against the rust-colored earth. The experience allows you to:

• Learn about the traditional salt-mining techniques passed down for generations
• Witness the intricate system of canals that transport saltwater to the evaporation ponds
• Admire the natural beauty of the surrounding Andean landscape
• Understand the cultural and economic significance of salt production in Inca and colonial-era Peru
• Gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s enduring traditions and sustainable practices.

Discovering the Ruins of Moray

After exploring the captivating Salineras de Maras salt mines, visitors often continue their journey to the remarkable Moray ruins.

These ancient agricultural terraces, dating back to the Inca Empire, are a testament to the ingenuity and advanced farming techniques of the Inca civilization.

The concentric, circular terraces are believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation, allowing the Incas to study the effects of different microclimates on crop cultivation.

Visitors can wander through the ruins, marveling at the scale and complexity of this engineering marvel.

The Moray ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of their environment and their ability to adapt and thrive in the Andean landscape.

Scenic Journey to Maras Township

The scenic journey to the Maras township commences from the meeting point in Cusco. The private transport takes travelers on a scenic drive through the Andean countryside, offering stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys.

Along the way, the bilingual guide provides insights into the region’s cultural history and the significance of the salt mines and agricultural ruins. The trip includes:

• Breathtaking views of the Andes mountains
• Passing through traditional Andean villages
• Learning about the ancient salt mining techniques
• Exploring the impressive agricultural terraces of Moray
• Gaining a deeper understanding of the pre-Incan heritage

Upon arrival in Maras, visitors will have the opportunity to fully enjoy the region’s rich cultural and historical legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed at the Sites?

Yes, photography is allowed at the Salineras salt mines and Moray ruins. Visitors can capture scenic and cultural shots throughout the tour, though some restrictions may apply at certain areas to protect the archaeological sites.

Are There Any Gift Shops or Local Markets to Visit?

Yes, there are local markets and gift shops near the Salineras de Maras salt mines and Moray ruins. Visitors can browse local handicrafts, textiles, and other souvenirs to commemorate their visit to these ancient Inca sites.

What Should We Bring for the Day Trip?

Travelers should bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and water. It’s also a good idea to bring extra cash for optional purchases like snacks or souvenirs at local markets.

Are There Bathroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour includes bathroom facilities at the Salineras de Maras salt mines, allowing visitors to use the restrooms during the excursion. Portable restrooms may also be available at other stops along the tour route.

Can We Customize the Itinerary or Duration of the Tour?

Yes, the tour can be customized. Travelers can work with the tour provider to modify the itinerary or duration of the tour to meet their specific needs and interests. However, any changes may affect the pricing.

The Sum Up

The Maras Moray day trip offers an enriching experience, blending Peru’s cultural heritage with stunning Andean landscapes. Travelers can explore the ancient salt mines of Salineras de Maras, discover the remarkable agricultural terraces of Moray, and gain insights into traditional practices. With private transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this intimate tour provides a deep understanding of the region’s historical significance and innovative farming techniques.