Tours Tradicionales Cusco

Maras and Moray Tour – Discover the Inca Laboratories and Salt Mines

The Sacred Valley of the Incas has wonders in the heights that are wrapped in mysticism and knowledge.

From

US$ 22.00

per person

4.9 +120
Maras and Moray Tour – Discover the Inca Laboratories and Salt Mines

Moray and Maras Salt Mines – Cultural Tour

  • Duration: 7 hours approx.
  • Tour start: From Cusco
  • Guide language: Spanish / English
  • Difficulty level: Easy – Intermediate
  • Maximum altitude: 3,780 m.a.s.l. (Chinchero)

Description

A journey to the heart of ancestral Inca knowledge

This cultural tour through the Sacred Valley will take you to discover two of the most fascinating archaeological and historical jewels of the Peruvian Andes. An experience that combines millenary history, ancestral engineering and breathtaking landscapes, perfect for those seeking to connect with the living legacy of the Inca civilization.

We will begin our adventure in Moray, an extraordinary archaeological site that functioned as a sophisticated Inca agricultural laboratory. This complex is formed by concentric circular terraces that descend up to 150 meters deep, creating multiple microclimates with temperature differences of up to 15°C between the upper and lower levels. The Incas used this ingenious infrastructure to experiment with more than 250 plant species, adapting them to different altitudes and climatic conditions before cultivating them throughout the empire. Walking through these terraces is like entering an ancient research center where Andean wisdom reached amazing levels of agricultural knowledge.

We will continue our tour to the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, also known as the "Maras Salt Mines". This impressive ensemble brings together more than 3,000 evaporation pools or ponds that spread like a white mosaic on the mountainside. What is extraordinary about this place is that the salt extracted here is more than 110 million years old, coming from an underground spring of salt water that emerges from the depths of the Qaqawiñay mountain. Local families keep this pre-Hispanic tradition alive from ancestral times, working manually on each pool with techniques transmitted from generation to generation.

The extraction process is completely artisanal: salt water is channeled to shallow pools where, under the Andean sun, it slowly evaporates leaving high-quality pink salt crystals, rich in minerals and valued both nationally and internationally. The visual contrast between the bright white of the salt, the green of the surrounding mountains and the blue of the sky creates one of the most photogenic landscapes in the Sacred Valley.

This tour is much more than a tourist visit: it is an immersion in the ancestral knowledge that allowed the Incas to master agriculture in one of the most diverse territories on the planet, and a living testimony of how Andean communities continue to preserve their millenary traditions. At the end of the tour, we will return to Cusco carrying with us not only memorable photographs, but also a deep connection with the history, culture and nature of the Andes.

Highlighted sites of the tour

Places we will visit

  • Moray: Archaeological complex with circular terraces that functioned as an Inca agricultural laboratory, where more than 250 plant species were experimented with using artificial microclimates with temperature differences of up to 15°C.
  • Maras Salt Mines: Impressive set of more than 3,000 salt pools in continuous exploitation since pre-Hispanic times. The extracted pink salt is 110 million years old and comes from a natural underground spring, being processed artisanally by local families who keep this ancestral tradition alive.

Why choose this experience?

What makes this tour special

  • Integrated history and nature: Combines Inca ingenuity with extraordinary natural landscapes in a single cultural tour.
  • Unique places in the world: Ideal for travelers seeking to discover uncommon and less crowded sites.
  • Connection with ancestral knowledge: Brings you closer to the living legacy of Inca wisdom in agriculture and traditional mining.
  • Exceptional photographic experience: Perfect for photography lovers seeking to capture unique landscapes and living culture in action.
  • Authentic culture: Observe how local communities continue to work with millenary techniques transmitted through generations.

Tour Description

Discover the most enigmatic landscapes of the Sacred Valley with this Maras and Moray tour. Visit the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, the ancient salt mines of Maras, and the picturesque town of Chinchero. A cultural, natural, and photogenic experience that will connect you with the ancestral history of Cusco.

Things you should know about this tour

Pick-up from Your Accommodation

You will have the opportunity

  • TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
  • Comfortable Clothing: Light layered clothing. The weather in the Sacred Valley is variable during the day but can cool down. Bring a light jacket or sweater.
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes. Trekking boots are not required, but shoes with non-slip soles are recommended for irregular surfaces at archaeological sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
  • Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV protection sunglasses, hat or cap. Solar radiation is intense in the Sacred Valley.
  • Cash: Bring soles to purchase the Tourist Ticket (approx. S/70 partial, S/130 complete), lunch at Sacred Valley restaurants (approx. S/25-50), voluntary tips, and purchases at Pisac market.
  • Hydration: Water bottle. Staying hydrated is important during the full day tour at altitude.
  • Backpack or Bag: Small or medium backpack to carry water, camera, documents, snacks, market purchases, and personal items.
  • Camera or Phone: Essential to capture Pisac terraces, Ollantaytambo fortress, typical Andean market, and impressive Sacred Valley landscapes. Bring extra battery or powerbank.
  • Medications: If you are sensitive to altitude, bring altitude sickness pills (Sorojchi pills). Also personal medications.
  • Weather: Temperate temperatures (10-20°C) in the Sacred Valley. Can be sunny with wind. Bring layered clothing.
  • Documents: ID or original Passport (mandatory to access archaeological sites with Tourist Ticket) and cash in soles.
  • Acclimatization: It is recommended to be in Cusco at least 1 day before the tour to adapt to the altitude. Drinking coca tea and avoiding excessive efforts helps with acclimatization. This tour is ideal as preparation for Machu Picchu.
  • Tourist Ticket: Can be purchased at the first site or previously at authorized offices. Required to enter Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
  • Schedule: The tour starts at 8:00 AM and lasts approximately 8 hours. Take advantage of the whole day for natural light photography at different Sacred Valley sites.
  • Time at each site: Listen carefully to the guide to make the most of the history and culture of each place. Respect the established times at each stop.
  • Lunch: Not included. There are restaurant options in the Sacred Valley (budget approx. S/25-50). You can consult with the guide for recommendations.
  • Pisac Market: Ideal for buying handicrafts, textiles, ceramics, and local products made by Andean artisans. Bring extra cash and be prepared to bargain politely.
  • Cultural Interaction: Take the opportunity to observe and respect local customs and the daily life of Andean communities in the Sacred Valley.
  • Heritage Respect: Do not touch or climb on archaeological walls. They are cultural heritage that must be preserved for future generations.
  • Photography: Allowed at all sites. Ideal for Inca architecture photography, Sacred Valley landscapes, agricultural terraces, and panoramic views from Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
  • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • Is previous experience or good physical condition necessary? No, it is not necessary. The Sacred Valley tour has an easy to intermediate difficulty level, with short walks at each archaeological site. It is accessible for all types of travelers, including seniors and families with children. It is only recommended to be acclimatized to the altitude of Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l.).
  • What does this tour include? It includes tourist transportation to/from your hotel in Cusco, certified multilingual professional guide (Spanish, English and Portuguese), pick-up and transfer to all Sacred Valley archaeological sites included in the tour, and permanent assistance during the tour. It does not include the Tourist Ticket or lunch.
  • What services are NOT included? The Cusco Tourist Ticket (required to enter Pisac and Ollantaytambo - approx. S/130 complete or S/70 partial), lunch (available at Sacred Valley restaurants for approx. S/25-50), drinks and snacks, voluntary tips for guide and driver, insurance, or additional personal expenses are not included.
  • How long does the tour last and what is the maximum altitude? The tour lasts 1 full day (Full Day), approximately from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (08 hours approx.). The maximum altitude is 3,762 m.a.s.l. at Chinchero and Sacred Valley sites. Departure time is at 8:00 a.m.
  • How many days do I need to be in Cusco before the tour? It is recommended to be in Cusco at least 1 day before to acclimatize to the city's altitude (3,400 m.a.s.l.). Taking things easy on the first day, staying well hydrated, and drinking coca tea helps with adaptation. This tour is ideal as preparation before visiting Machu Picchu.
  • What places will we visit during the tour? You will visit the main sites of the Sacred Valley: Pisac (archaeological complex with terraces, temples, and typical Andean market where Inca history merges with local culture), and Ollantaytambo (ancient Inca city and fortress, testimony of Inca urban planning and scene of important historical events). It is an experience that combines archaeology, living Andean culture, and unique landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
  • IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BOOKING
  • Total duration: Full Day (08 hours approximately).
  • Departure: 8:00 a.m. with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
  • Maximum altitude: 3,762 m.a.s.l. (Chinchero and Sacred Valley sites).
  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Documentation: ID or original Passport is mandatory.
  • Acclimatization: Recommended to be in Cusco at least 1 day to adapt to the altitude before the tour.
  • Guide language: Spanish, English and Portuguese subject to availability.
  • Service type: Group with comfortable and safe tourist transportation.
  • Entrance fees: Complete or partial Tourist Ticket required to enter archaeological sites (not included).
  • Restrictions: Tour accessible for most travelers. Some sites have stairs, terraces, and irregular surfaces.
  • Weather: Temperate climate in the Sacred Valley (10-20°C). Can be cool at high altitudes. Bring light layered clothing.
  • Clothing: Comfortable clothes, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.
  • Lunch: Not included. Restaurant options available in the Sacred Valley.
  • Experience: Ideal to learn about traditional Andean life, Inca archaeology, and as preparation to visit Machu Picchu.
  • End: Return to your hotel in Cusco approximately at 5:00 p.m.

You will have the opportunity

mapa_detalle

Information pending: Map image

Tour rates and options

extreme adventure

This tour is offered in shared and private service depending on the size of your group.

"Check 24 hours before to confirm availability and avoid setbacks".

Shared Service
Price Book
Shared Service Price per traveler
$22.00 USD
Private service
Price Book
Group of 2 - 3 people Price per traveler
$79.00 USD
Group of 4 - 7 people Price per traveler
$69.00 USD
Group of 8+ people Price per traveler
$55.00 USD

Schedule office appointment

Urb. Dolorespata, Jr. Paititi F 3ª 270, Santiago-Cusco

1 WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPERIENCE?

  • Breathtaking panoramic view of the Sacred Valley
  • No prior experience required
  • Safe activity: favorable topography and certified equipment
  • An exciting and different experience
  • Perfect for adventure, nature and unforgettable memories in Cusco
  • Horseback or trekking options
  • Daily departures all year round
  • Oxygen support and first-aid kit

2 WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

  • We are tour operators in Cusco
  • Professional and responsible work
  • 100% tourist vehicles
  • Safety for our visitors
  • Your trip will be the best experience
  • 100% responsible
  • Care for the environment
  • Commitment to service quality