Embarking on an excursion to the ancient Inca sites of Moray and Maras in Peru offers travelers a captivating glimpse into the past. This tour provides a comprehensive experience, guiding participants through the unique circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the traditional salt mines of Maras. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a small group size, visitors can expect personalized attention and a deeper understanding of Inca history. Priced affordably at just $18, this tour promises a rewarding cultural adventure. Intrigued by the prospect of uncovering the secrets of these remarkable archaeological wonders? Let’s delve further into the details of this excursion.
Key Points
- This guided tour explores the ancient Inca sites of Moray and the Maras salt mines in Peru, providing insight into Inca agricultural practices and traditional salt harvesting.
- The tour is operated by MachuPicchu Journey and lasts approximately 7 hours, with hotel pickup at 8 AM and return around 3 PM.
- The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, air-conditioned transportation, and admission to both Moray and Maras, priced from $18 per person.
- At Moray, visitors can see the unique circular terraces that were used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, with distinct microclimates.
- The tour at Maras showcases the individual salt ponds and traditional salt-harvesting techniques, with an opportunity to browse local shops for salt products and souvenirs.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cusco
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary: Moray
- Itinerary: Maras
- Inclusions
- Important Information
- Reviews
- Group Size
- Price Breakdown
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
- Is There a Designated Resting Spot During the Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
- Can I Receive a Refund if I Cancel at the Last Minute?
- How Many Stops Are There in Total During the Excursion?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The Excursion to Moray & Maras is a popular tour from Cusco, Peru that explores two renowned ancient sites – the circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the historic Maras salt mines.
This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, is operated by MachuPicchu Journey and offers personalized attention.
Priced from $18 per person, the tour includes a knowledgeable guide, air-conditioned transportation, and admission tickets.
After a hotel pickup at 8 AM, visitors will spend 40 minutes exploring the Moray site before continuing to the Maras salt mines for a 1-hour guided tour.
The tour concludes with an approximate 3 PM return to Cusco.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary: Moray
After hotel pickup at 8 AM, the tour begins with a visit to the circular depressions of Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory.
This unique archaeological site features a series of large, terraced circular depressions, each with its own microclimate.
The guided tour provides insight into how the Incas used these depressions to experiment with crop cultivation at different temperatures and elevations.
Visitors can explore the different levels, marveling at the ingenuity of the Inca engineers who constructed this intricate system.
The guided tour of Moray lasts approximately 40 minutes, allowing time to fully appreciate this fascinating remnant of the Inca civilization before moving on to the next destination, the Maras salt mines.
Itinerary: Maras
Following the visit to Moray, the tour proceeds to the Maras salt mines, situated approximately 30 minutes away.
Travelers embark on a guided tour spanning around 1 hour, where they can explore the mesmerizing sight of thousands of small, individual salt ponds carved into the mountainside.
After the tour, visitors have the opportunity to browse through the local shops, purchasing salt products and souvenirs before the return journey to Cusco, which is expected to arrive around 3:00 pm.
The Maras salt mines offer a unique and captivating experience, allowing travelers to witness the traditional salt-harvesting techniques that have been practiced in the region for centuries.
Inclusions
This tour includes a knowledgeable tour guide, an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, and admission tickets for the sites visited.
Travelers can expect a comprehensive experience with all necessary logistics covered. The tour guide will provide valuable insights and commentary throughout the excursion, ensuring participants gain a deeper understanding of the ancient Inca sites.
The air-conditioned vehicle will ensure a comfortable journey between Moray and Maras. Admission tickets to both locations are included, eliminating the need for travelers to worry about securing entry.
Important Information
The tour has several important details travelers should be aware of before booking. Confirmation is provided upon booking, ensuring participants have the necessary details to join the excursion.
While the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals, it’s open to most travelers, as it isn’t wheelchair accessible. Customers have the flexibility to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the tour starts at no additional cost.
Reviews
Travelers have shared a range of experiences with the Moray & Maras excursion, with the majority praising the tour for its educational value and well-organized execution. Of the five reviews, four were five-star ratings, highlighting the tour guide’s knowledge and the opportunity to learn about the ancient Inca agricultural practices and salt production. However, one two-star review noted a delayed pickup and confusion over the drop-off location, which points to some room for improvement in the tour’s logistics. The Moray & Maras excursion seems to be a rewarding experience for those seeking an insightful glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage.
| Review Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| 5 stars | 4 |
| 4 stars | 0 |
| 3 stars | 0 |
| 2 stars | 1 |
| 1 star | 0 |
Group Size
A defining aspect of the Moray & Maras excursion is its small group size, capping at a maximum of 15 travelers to ensure personalized attention from the tour guide.
This intimate group setting allows the guide to provide a more customized experience, catered to the specific interests and needs of each traveler.
Some key benefits of the small group size include:
-
Enhanced interaction and engagement with the guide
-
Ability to ask more questions and receive tailored responses
-
Easier navigation through sites without feeling lost in a large crowd
-
Opportunities for closer observation of the cultural and historical details
-
An overall more intimate and immersive tour experience overall.
Price Breakdown
Along with the small group size, the pricing for the Moray & Maras excursion is a key consideration for travelers.
The tour starts from $18.00 per person, though the exact cost varies depending on the group size, as larger groups can benefit from discounted rates.
The tour is operated by MachuPicchu Journey, a reputable company, and the price includes a guided tour, air-conditioned transportation, and entrance fees.
While meals are included, the admission ticket for Moray is an additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Travelers are typically allowed to bring their own food and drinks on tours. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand as some may have restrictions or recommendations regarding outside food and beverages.
Is There a Designated Resting Spot During the Tour?
The tour itinerary doesn’t mention a designated resting spot. However, the small group size and 1-1.5 hour durations for each site visit suggest there may be opportunities for brief rest breaks during the tour if needed.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour does not have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the walking involved.
Can I Receive a Refund if I Cancel at the Last Minute?
Yes, you can receive a full refund if you cancel the tour at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
How Many Stops Are There in Total During the Excursion?
The excursion has a total of 2 stops. Travelers will visit the ancient agricultural site of Moray and then travel to the nearby Maras salt mines for a guided tour and shopping time.
Excursion to Moray & Maras – Salt Mines
Recap
The Excursion to Moray & Maras provides a captivating journey into Peru’s ancient Inca heritage.
Visitors explore the unique agricultural terraces of Moray and the traditional salt mines of Maras, guided by knowledgeable experts.
With comfortable transportation, personalized attention, and a reasonable price point, this tour offers cultural enthusiasts an immersive and rewarding experience.
The compact itinerary and small group size ensure a comprehensive and enriching exploration of these remarkable Inca sites.
