Cusco: Maras and Moray Half Day Tour

The Cusco: Maras and Moray Half Day Tour takes visitors on an enriching journey through the Inca Empire’s legacy. Exploring iconic sites like Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras salt mines, this tour offers a captivating blend of culture and historical insights. Led by professional bilingual guides, participants explore the ancient farming techniques and traditional weaving practices that defined this remarkable civilization. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to uncover the wonders of Peru, this half-day excursion promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the Inca’s engineering feats and enduring impact on the region.

Key Points

• This half-day tour from Cusco explores the iconic Inca sites of Moray and Maras, providing insights into ancient agricultural techniques and the historical salt mines.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a bilingual guide, with highlights such as textile weaving in Chinchero and the unique terraces of Moray.
• The tour duration is approximately 7 hours, with pickup around 8:00 am and drop-off near Plaza de Armas around 3:00 pm.
• Pricing starts at 463 Kuwaiti Dinar per person, including entrance fees, with a flexible cancellation policy and weather-dependent tour operation.
• The tour requires moderate physical fitness and is not suitable for wheelchair users or hearing-impaired individuals, with weather conditions potentially impacting the itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This half-day tour offers visitors a chance to explore two of Cusco’s most iconic Inca sites – Moray and the Maras salt mines.

Running for 7 hours, the tour departs from hotels near Cusco’s city center and is led by English and Spanish-speaking guides.

Priced from 463 Kuwaiti Dinar per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a professional bilingual guide.

Highlights include learning about textile weaving in Chinchero, experiencing Inca agricultural techniques in Moray, and visiting the ancient salt mines of Maras.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a convenient and immersive way to discover these renowned Inca landmarks.

Itinerary Details

The tour commences with a pickup around 8:00 am from hotels near Cusco’s historic center.

Guests will then travel to Chinchero, where they’ll visit textile interpretation centers and learn about the region’s rich weaving traditions.

Next, the group will explore the Inca agricultural experimental site of Moray, known for its unique terraces and microclimates.

After Moray, the tour continues to the ancient salt mines of Maras, featuring over 3,000 natural salt wells dating back 110 million years.

The tour concludes with a drop-off near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas around 3:00 pm.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors will discover impressive Inca constructions as they explore the Moray site, an agricultural experimental center featuring terraced concentric circles that created microclimates.

In Chinchero, they’ll learn about traditional Andean textile weaving techniques.

At the ancient Maras salt mines, they’ll witness over 3,000 natural salt wells dating back 110 million years, historically significant since the Inca Empire.

This half-day tour provides an immersive experience into the Inca Empire’s advanced agricultural and engineering feats, as well as the region’s cultural heritage, from textile production to salt extraction.

It’s an opportunity to uncover the impressive legacy of the Tahuantinsuyo.

Inclusions and Pricing

As part of the Cusco: Maras and Moray half-day tour, travelers can expect a comprehensive package that includes hotel pickup near the historic center, round-trip transportation, and the services of a professional bilingual guide. The tour also covers partial entrance fees for the Moray site (S/. 70.00 or $20.00) and the salt mines of Maras (S/. 15.00 or $5.00). However, food is not included in the tour price. The tour is priced from Kd463 per person, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours for a full refund.

Inclusions	Cost
Hotel Pickup	Included
Round-trip Transportation	Included
Professional Bilingual Guide	Included
Moray Entrance Fee	S/. 70.00 or $20.00
Maras Salt Mines Entrance Fee	S/. 15.00 or $5.00
Food	Not Included

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Tour Duration and Cancellation

The Cusco: Maras and Moray half-day tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with pickup at around 8:00 am near the city center and return to Cusco around 3:00 pm near the Plaza de Armas.

Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, as it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides peace of mind for those who may need to adjust their plans.

However, it’s important to note that the tour is weather-dependent and will only occur under suitable conditions or as weather permits.

Guide and Pickup Services

Equipped with a professional bilingual guide, the Cusco: Maras and Moray tour provides an enriching experience for travelers. The guide contacts guests minutes before pickup, ensuring a seamless start to the adventure.

This personalized service allows the guide to address any questions or concerns, setting the tone for a well-informed and enjoyable tour.

• Knowledgeable guides provide in-depth information about the historical and cultural significance of the destinations.

• Pickup from hotels near the city center ensures convenient access to the tour.

• Live interpretation in both English and Spanish caters to the diverse language needs of the group.

• Punctual pickup and drop-off times ensure a smooth and efficient itinerary.

Accessibility and Requirements

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or hearing-impaired individuals.

Participants must be able to walk on uneven terrain and navigate steep staircases. The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Visitors should bring their passport as it’s required for entry to certain sites.

Weather conditions can impact the tour, so it will only proceed in sunny weather or as permitted by the elements.

The tour’s itinerary and inclusions are subject to change without notice.

It’s important to review the tour details carefully and ensure it meets one’s accessibility needs before booking.

Weather Considerations

Weather can play a significant role in the success of this tour. The Cusco: Maras and Moray Half Day Tour is weather-dependent, and will only occur in sunny weather or as weather permits.

Travelers should be aware of the following considerations:

• The tour may be canceled or postponed due to inclement weather, such as heavy rain or snow.
• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended, as the tour involves walking outdoors.
• Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are advisable, as the high-altitude environment can be quite sunny and exposed.
• Staying hydrated is crucial, as the tour takes place in a mountainous region with varying microclimates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

Food is not included in the tour, so participants are welcome to bring their own snacks or packed meals. However, there are no formal dining options available during the tour’s duration.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour has no specific age restrictions. It is suitable for travelers of all ages, though it may not be the best choice for very young children or those with mobility issues. The tour involves some walking and moderate activity.

Is Photography Allowed at the Sites?

Photography is generally permitted at the sites visited on the tour. Guests are encouraged to capture the impressive Inca constructions, textile weaving, and ancient salt mines. However, it’s advised to follow any site-specific rules regarding photography.

Can I Leave the Group During the Tour?

Participants generally must remain with the group during the tour. Leaving the group is typically not permitted, as it could disrupt the itinerary and compromise the guide’s ability to provide a seamless, secure experience for all attendees.

How Much Walking Is Involved in This Tour?

This tour involves a moderate amount of walking. Guests can expect to walk for approximately 1-2 miles throughout the day, with some uneven terrain at the salt mines and terraced areas. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Recap

The Cusco: Maras and Moray Half Day Tour offers an immersive exploration of Inca heritage. Participants explore the region’s rich cultural tapestry, witnessing traditional textile weaving, examining ancient farming practices, and marveling at the historic Maras salt mines. With knowledgeable guides and a comprehensive itinerary, this tour provides an enriching glimpse into the enduring legacy of the Inca Empire.

You can check if your dates are available here: