The stunning Andes mountains of Peru are home to two remarkable Inca sites that offer a glimpse into the ancient civilization’s ingenuity and resilience. Tucked away in the Sacred Valley, the salt mines of Maras and the terraces of Moray captivate visitors with their unique histories and breathtaking landscapes. Exploring these ancient wonders provides an opportunity to uncover the secrets of Inca engineering and witness the enduring traditions of local communities. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this tour promises to leave you awestruck and eager to discover more about Peru’s rich past.
Key Points
- Immersive tour offering exploration of the ancient Maras salt mines and the captivating Moray Terraces, a unique Inca agricultural site.
- Tour operated by TARVOS PERU TOURS, including round-trip transportation, professional bilingual guide, entrance tickets, and lunch.
- Maras salt mines feature traditional salt production methods and stunning salt pool reflections, while Moray Terraces showcase Inca engineering.
- Flexible booking and cancellation policy, with a maximum group size of 18 for a personalized experience.
- Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, with the tour starting at 8:30 AM and covering all the key highlights.
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Contents
- Key Points
- About the Tour
- Highlights of the Tour
- Visiting the Salt Mines
- Exploring the Terraces of Moray
- Transportation and Pickup
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Booking and Cancellation
- Tour Schedule and Logistics
- 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
About the Tour
The tour offers an immersive experience exploring the salt mines of Maras and the Moray Terraces, two remarkable sites in the Cusco region of Peru.
Operated by TARVOS PERU TOURS, the tour provides round-trip transportation, a professional bilingual guide, entrance tickets, and lunch.
Guests will visit the salt mines, where thousands of small pools have been used for salt production since Inca times, and the Moray Terraces, an ancient Inca agricultural experimentation site with concentric terraces.
The tour runs daily with a maximum of 18 travelers and can be booked with a flexible reservation and cancellation policy.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Highlights of the Tour
Highlights of the tour include exploring the captivating salt mines of Maras, where thousands of small, terraced pools have been used to harvest salt since the Inca era.
Visitors can:
- Witness the mesmerizing array of salt pools, each reflecting the sun’s rays to create a dazzling, crystalline landscape.
- Observe local workers maintaining the ancient system of salt production, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
- Admire the stunning natural setting, with the Andes mountains serving as a breathtaking backdrop.
- Discover the cultural significance of the salt mines, which have played a vital role in the region’s history and economy.
The tour also includes a visit to the remarkable Terrazas de Moray, ancient Inca agricultural terraces that showcase their advanced engineering and agricultural techniques.
Visiting the Salt Mines
Visitors to the captivating Salineras de Maras, or Maras salt mines, are greeted by a dazzling, crystalline landscape. Thousands of small, intricate salt ponds dot the hillside, each one carefully maintained by local families. Here, salt has been harvested since pre-Inca times, using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations.
| Maras Salt Mines | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Pre-Inca period |
| Production | Traditional methods |
| Ownership | Local families |
| Uniqueness | Intricate salt ponds |
| Sustainability | Generations-old process |
The meticulous process involves channeling spring water into the ponds, allowing the water to evaporate and leaving behind the valuable salt crystals. Visitors can observe the salt-harvesting activities and even purchase local salt products to take home as souvenirs.
Exploring the Terraces of Moray
Ascending the Moray terraces, visitors are met with a captivating sight – a series of enormous, concentric circular depressions carved into the landscape.
These terraces, believed to have been an Inca agricultural testing site, offer a glimpse into the ingenious agricultural practices of the ancient civilization.
The terraces feature:
- Descending levels, with each level slightly warmer than the last, simulating diverse microclimates.
- Intricate stone masonry, showcasing the Inca’s advanced engineering and construction skills.
- A central point where temperatures can vary by as much as 15°C (27°F) from the top to the bottom.
- Hypotheses that the terraces were used to experiment with crop cultivation at different elevations and temperatures.
Exploring the Moray terraces provides visitors with a profound understanding of the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of agriculture and climate.
Transportation and Pickup
The tour operator provides convenient pickup service for participants, with hotel pickup available at all hotels in Cusco’s historic center.
For those staying further out, an alternative meeting point is provided at Plaza Regocijo in central Cusco.
The tour begins at 8:30 AM, with the pickup and drop-off both occurring at the same location near Cusco’s main square.
The transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable journey to the Salineras de Maras and Terrazas de Moray sites.
With a maximum group size of 18 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience led by a knowledgeable, bilingual guide.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour package includes a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience.
The tour is inclusive of an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional bilingual guide, a first aid kit, and bottled water.
Plus, the tour covers the entrance tickets to the Salineras de Maras and the Terrazas de Moray, as well as a provided lunch.
The inclusions in this tour aim to create a seamless and worry-free experience for the travelers, allowing them to focus on exploring the natural wonders of the region.
Booking and Cancellation
Booking confirmation is received immediately upon reservation, allowing travelers to secure their spot with ease.
The tour offers a flexible payment option called "Reserve Now and Pay Later," giving customers the flexibility to book now and pay closer to the tour date.
On top of that, the tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing peace of mind for last-minute changes in plans.
The clear and straightforward booking process, coupled with the generous cancellation policy, ensures a hassle-free experience for those interested in exploring the captivating Salineras de Maras and Terrazas de Moray.
Tour Schedule and Logistics
The tour kicks off at 8:30 AM, providing ample time for travelers to explore the captivating Salineras de Maras and Terrazas de Moray.
The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey, while the professional bilingual tour guide brings the history and significance of these sites to life.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 18 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
Upon arrival, travelers will:
- Witness the stunning salt ponds of Maras, where salt has been harvested for centuries.
- Admire the intricate Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, believed to have been used for crop experimentation.
- Enjoy a provided lunch to refuel for the adventure.
- Return to the starting point at Plaza Regocijo, just a block from Cusco’s main square.
Tour to the Salt Mines of Maras and the Terraces of Moray
“Very well organized from pick-up to drop-off. Everything on time. Nora, our guide, was lovely. She spoke in English and Spanish. Lots of explanatio…”
Recap
The tour to the Salt Mines of Maras and Terraces of Moray offers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the enduring ingenuity of the Incas. Visitors can marvel at the captivating salt ponds, learn about traditional production methods, and explore the unique agricultural terraces, all while gaining deeper insights into the region’s rich history and heritage.
