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Visit the stunning Maras Salt Mines and the archaeological center of Moray, two of the main attractions in the Cusco region. Touring these ancient salt pans offers a unique experience that cannot be found elsewhere, as they stretch along the side of a mountain for several kilometers in the Maras Valley, creating a picturesque view.
During the tour, visitors will learn about the history and culture of the ancient Inca (Quechua) civilization, as well as traditional salt collection methods. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the experimental agricultural terraces from the top of Moray. This tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about an advanced Inca civilization. Don’t miss the chance to explore these beautiful and ancient salt pans!
To begin our Tour to Moray and Maras Salt Mines, we will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 08:00 am. and then head to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines in our transportation. Along the way, you will see beautiful Andean landscapes surrounded by trees and wildlife.
First, we will visit the archaeological center of Moray, which is located 38 km from the city of Cusco. Moray is considered an Inca agricultural laboratory built in the form of rings composed specifically of four muyus or circles, which are concentric terraces. The deepest is an 80-meter depression, with the lowest terrace having a diameter of 36 meters.
Within the terraces, temperature variations range from 0.5 to 1.5°C per terrace, allowing for up to 20 different types of microclimates. It is said that the purpose of this archaeological center was to cultivate products that did not naturally grow in this area.
Next, we will visit the Maras Salt Mines. As the name suggests, these are salt mines formed by around 3,000 small ponds, each producing approximately 50 to 80 kilos of salt per season. It is believed that they served the Incas by supplying this mineral to Cusco and its surroundings. These ponds are fed by an underground saline spring, and this natural process takes nearly two months for a cultivation season. Maras salt is highly sought after, and the highest quality is pink mineral salt, which also has medicinal properties. Don’t forget to purchase some along our path, as there are various products made from this salt.
Undoubtedly, these two locations have a rich history and interesting facts that our guide will share with you along the way. After visiting and touring these spectacular sites, our transportation will pick you up, and we will return to the city of Cusco, where our tour concludes at approximately 14:00 hours, completing our Tour to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.
“Illapa Peru Trip” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.
Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.
We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.
At “Illapa Peru Trip,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.
To ensure a more personalized experience at “Illapa Peru Trip,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.
Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “Illapa Peru Trip” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.
We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!
Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “Illapa Peru Trip” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:
“Illapa Peru Trip” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.
We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.
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BOOK NOWOur private service is 100% personalized and all-inclusive. It includes entrance tickets to all the sites you will visit.
The tour generally includes transportation from Cusco, a bilingual guide, entry fees to the Moray archaeological site and Maras Salt Mines, and sometimes lunch, depending on the package.
The tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours, including travel time from Cusco and visits to both sites.
Booking at least one or two days in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages, though children and older adults may need assistance on uneven terrain.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, layered clothing, comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and cash for purchases or extra fees.
The dry season, from May to September, offers the most stable weather and clearer views, making it the best time to visit.
The hike is light to moderate, with some descent and ascent along circular terraces, but it is manageable for most visitors.
Yes, visitors can view the Maras Salt Mines from a nearby viewpoint, though access to the pools is restricted.
Local handmade products like textiles and pink salt from the salt mines are popular purchases in Maras.
Yes, many operators offer the option to combine Maras and Moray with other Sacred Valley sites, like Chinchero or Urubamba.
Yes, bathrooms are available at both Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, though it’s wise to bring toilet paper.
Yes, spending at least one or two days in Cusco for acclimatization is advisable, as Maras and Moray are at 3,000 to 3,500 meters above sea level.
Dress in layers with light clothing for the day and a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. A raincoat is recommended during the rainy season.
Generally, you’ll spend around 1 hour at Moray and 45 minutes at the Maras Salt Mines, allowing ample time for exploration and photos.
Yes, Maras and Moray can be visited independently, though a guided tour provides valuable historical and cultural insights.
Recommendations for the Maras Moray Half Day Tour
The one-day tour to Maras and Moray is an excellent option to explore some of the most impressive archaeological sites and landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Below are some key recommendations to help you enjoy your visit to the fullest.
Climate on the Maras Moray Tour
The climate in Maras and Moray is similar to Cusco, with seasonal variations and temperatures depending on the altitude.
Tips on How to Dress for the Maras Moray Tour
Proper attire is key to being comfortable and protected while visiting these archaeological sites.
Restrictions on the Maras Moray Tour
While this tour is accessible to most travelers, there are some important restrictions to consider.
Physical Preparation for the Maras Moray Tour
The Maras Moray Tour does not require extensive physical preparation, but it is important to be in good shape to fully enjoy the tour.
Health Recommendations for the Maras Moray Tour
Taking care of your health during the tour is essential to avoid complications due to altitude and climate.
Altitudes on the Maras Moray Tour
The tour takes place in high-altitude areas, so it is important to be prepared for possible altitude effects.
Temperatures During the Maras Moray Tour
Temperatures during the tour can vary significantly depending on the time of day and the season.
