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Science and Salt: Welcome to Maras and Moray
Are you looking for a fascinating experience that combines ancient ingenuity and natural landscapes? The Maras and Moray tour is one of the most visual and cultural routes near Cusco. In just half a day, you will discover how the Incas mastered agriculture and geography. It is the perfect trip for those with little time but a lot of curiosity about the Andes. You will walk through circular terraces that look like they are from another planet. You will also see thousands of white salt ponds shining under the mountain sun. This experience connects you with ancient traditions that remain alive thanks to local communities. Get ready to capture spectacular photographs and learn the secrets of Inca engineering.
Tipo de Servicio
Shared or private
Duración
Approx. 6 hrs.
Tipo de viaje
Cultural and Scenic
Disponibilidad
Every day
Itinerario
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08:00 am – 08:30 am | Hotel Pick-up: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin our journey. We will travel toward the Sacred Valley, enjoying beautiful Andean landscapes along the way.
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Moray: Our first stop will be this archaeological complex famous for its circular terraces. The guide will explain how the Incas used this place as an experimentation center. They created different microclimates to successfully grow various Andean products. You will have enough time to take the guided tour and capture spectacular photographs of the circles.
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Maras Salt Mines: We will continue to the famous salt mines made up of more than 3,000 salt ponds. These ponds have been mined artisanally from pre-Inca times to the present day. You will learn about the traditional extraction process and its importance for the local communities of Maras. You will enjoy a light walk along the viewpoint to appreciate this impressive white landscape.
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01:30 pm – 02:00 pm | Return to Cusco: After enjoying these landscapes, we will begin the return journey. The tour ends in the historic center of the city of Cusco.
Incluye
- Tourist transportation to and from the site.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Complete guided tour of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.
- Basic first-aid kit for your safety.
- Permanent assistance throughout the entire tour.
No Incluye
- Cusco Tourist Ticket: Essential to enter the Moray complex.
- Entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines: Paid directly at the entrance.
- Food, drinks, or personal expenses such as souvenirs.
- Optional tips for the team.
Recomendaciones
To make the most of your cultural experience near Cusco, we suggest the following:
- Clothing and Footwear: Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing during the day. Bring a light jacket as Andean mornings can be chilly. Use sneakers or comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
- What to Bring: Always carry your ID or valid passport. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap.
- Hydration: Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the tour.
- Weather: The weather can change quickly. If traveling between November and March, bring a rain poncho due to the rainy season.
- Acclimatization: Although this is not high-altitude trekking, you will be above 3,000 m (9,842 ft). It is recommended to spend at least one day in Cusco to acclimate before this tour.
- Photography: Ensure your camera or phone is fully charged. The Moray terraces and Maras Salt Mines offer spectacular views for your photos.
- Cash: Carry cash to pay for entrance fees and personal purchases.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Payment is made directly at the site. The entrance fee is not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket, so you must bring cash in soles.
The difficulty level is Easy. You walk along defined paths and viewpoints. This tour is suitable for people of all ages.
It is believed that its shape allowed the simulation of up to 20 different microclimates. This helped the Incas acclimate plants from the jungle or the coast to the Andean altitude.
The tour ends at approximately 02:00 p.m. You will have the afternoon free to have lunch in Cusco and continue exploring the city.
Yes! It is famous for being a natural pink salt with high mineral content. You can buy small bags of gourmet salt during the visit to the salt mines.
