Embark on an immersive morning half-day tour of Maras and Moray, where you’ll uncover the Incas’ innovative farming techniques. Explore the remarkable agricultural terraces of Moray and the ancient salt ponds of Maras with a knowledgeable guide. This personalized adventure offers convenient pickup from your Cusco accommodation and concludes with drop-off at the Plaza Regocijo. With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, you’ll explore the captivating history of these historical sites. What secrets will these remarkable landscapes unveil?

About Your Stay

Morning: Half Day Maras and Moray Tour - About Your Stay

  • Discover the ancient salt ponds of Maras and the unique agricultural terraces of Moray on a half-day tour in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
  • Explore the Inca engineering marvels with a local guide and gain insights into their advanced farming techniques.
  • Enjoy a personalized experience with a maximum group size of 15 travelers and round-trip transportation from Cusco.
  • Includes entrance fees to the Moray archaeological site and the Maras salt ponds.
  • Tour duration is half a day, starting at 8:30 am and ending at the Cusco main square.

Tour Overview

Morning: Half Day Maras and Moray Tour - Tour Overview

What does the half-day Maras and Moray tour entail?

This tour takes visitors on an exploration of the stunning natural and historical sites in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Guests will visit the agricultural terraces of Moray, built by the Incas in natural sinkholes.

They’ll also explore the salt ponds of Maras, which have been in use since Inca times. The group size is kept small, with a maximum of 15 travelers.

Pickup and drop-off services are provided, along with transportation, professional English and Spanish-speaking guides, and entrance fees.

The tour starts at 8:30 am and lasts for half a day, with confirmation received at booking.

Inclusions

Morning: Half Day Maras and Moray Tour - Inclusions

The tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Cusco and drop-off at Plaza Regocijo, just 2 blocks from the main square. You’ll also enjoy the services of a professional guide fluent in both English and Spanish, as well as transportation throughout the tour. The entrance fees are included, covering the Tourist Ticket for Moray (S/70.00 per person) and the Salt Mines (S/15.00 per person).

Included
Pickup from accommodation
Drop-off at Plaza Regocijo
Professional English/Spanish guide
Transport
Entrance fees

Tour Details

The tour starts at 8:30 am. Participants receive confirmation upon booking.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests must be able to navigate uneven terrain. Passport information is required for all participants, and infants must sit on laps.

Most travelers can participate, with a maximum group size of 15. The tour is operated by PVTravels, a trusted provider in the region.

Participant Information

Most travelers can participate in this half-day tour of Maras and Moray. The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers, operated by PVTravels. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Participant Type Allowed?
Adults Yes
Children Yes
Infants Yes, must sit on laps
Wheelchair Users No, not wheelchair accessible

The tour is suitable for most visitors, though individuals with mobility issues may find it challenging due to the uneven terrain. Passport information is required for all participants.

Pricing and Cancellation

Morning: Half Day Maras and Moray Tour - Pricing and Cancellation

The price for this half-day tour of Maras and Moray starts from $35.00 per person.

PVTravels, the tour operator, offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility.

Travelers can also choose the reserve now and pay later option, which allows them to secure their spot without immediate payment.

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, this small-group tour ensures a more personalized experience.

Given the positive 5.0-star rating from a previous review, this tour appears to be a popular and well-received offering in the Sacred Valley region of Peru.

Salt Ponds of Maras

Morning: Half Day Maras and Moray Tour - Salt Ponds of Maras

One of the key highlights of this tour is the opportunity to visit the salt ponds of Maras.

These ancient salt ponds have been in use since Inca times and continue to be an important source of salt for the region. Visitors can wander among the hundreds of small, terraced ponds and witness the traditional process of salt extraction.

The ponds are fed by a salt spring, and as the water evaporates, the salt is left behind. Travelers can observe the local workers harvesting the salt, which is then processed and sold.

The salt ponds offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s longstanding history and traditional practices.

Agricultural Terraces of Moray

Nestled within the picturesque Sacred Valley, the agricultural terraces of Moray captivate visitors with their unique, concentric circular design.

These terraces, built by the Incas, were used as a sophisticated agricultural laboratory. Each terrace represents a different microclimate, allowing the Incas to experiment with various crops and cultivation techniques.

Descending deeper into the natural sinkholes, the temperature can vary by as much as 15°C, demonstrating the Incas’ advanced understanding of agronomy.

Visitors can explore these well-preserved terraces, marveling at the Incas’ ingenuity and the stunning natural setting that surrounds them.

Guided Exploration

Morning: Half Day Maras and Moray Tour - Guided Exploration

Guests join a knowledgeable guide to explore the unique terraces of Moray. The guide leads the group through the ancient agricultural site, sharing insights into the Incas’ advanced farming techniques.

Visitors marvel at the intricate, concentric circular terraces built into a natural sinkhole. The guide explains how the Incas utilized the site’s microclimate to grow a variety of crops.

Afterward, the group travels to the salt ponds of Maras, still in use since Inca times. The guide provides historical context as guests observe the traditional salt-harvesting process.

Throughout the tour, the guide ensures a seamless and informative experience for all participants.

Questions About Your Stay

What Is the Language of the Tour Guide?

The tour guide is fluent in both English and Spanish, providing a seamless experience for travelers from different linguistic backgrounds to explore the agricultural wonders of Moray and the salt ponds of Maras.

How Long Is the Drive From Cusco to the Tour Sites?

The tour includes pickup from accommodations in Cusco and drop-off at Plaza Regocijo, about a 1.5-hour drive from the tour sites of Moray and Maras in the Sacred Valley, according to the provided details.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Duration?

The tour provider does not offer a customizable tour duration option. The tour is a fixed half-day excursion with a set start time of 8:30 am and drop-off at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.

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

Yes, participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour details do not mention any restrictions on bringing personal snacks or beverages. Travelers can pack a light lunch or refreshments to enjoy during the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps. Most travelers can participate, and the maximum group size is 15. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This half-day tour offers a captivating exploration of Maras and Moray, two remarkable Incan sites. Visitors will discover the ancient salt ponds of Maras and the intriguing agricultural terraces of Moray, guided by a knowledgeable expert. With convenient transportation and a personalized experience, this tour provides an immersive glimpse into the Incas’ innovative farming techniques, making it a must-do activity for visitors to the Cusco region.