Cusco: Tour to Maras and Moray | Half Day |

Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, offers an abundance of cultural and historical treasures waiting to be explored. One such captivating experience is the half-day tour to Maras and Moray, where visitors can enjoy the stunning landscapes and ingenious agricultural practices of the Inca civilization. From the mesmerizing circular terraces of Moray to the vibrant salt mines of Salineras, this intimate excursion promises to unveil the region’s rich heritage. But the true highlight lies in the chance to witness the traditional weaving techniques of Chinchero village, providing a unique glimpse into the enduring cultural tapestry of Cusco. With limited participant slots, this tour presents an opportunity to uncover the secrets that make this destination so captivating.

Key Points

• A half-day tour from Cusco to the archaeological sites of Moray and Maras, lasting approximately 6 hours and costing $20 per person.
• The tour includes visits to the circular Inca terraces of Moray, the Maras salt mines, and the traditional textile village of Chinchero.
• Group size is limited to 15 participants for a more intimate experience, with hotel pickup and round-trip transportation provided.
• The tour is offered in both English and Spanish and features the services of a professional bilingual guide.
• Partial entrance fees to Moray and the Maras salt mines are included in the tour price.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This half-day tour from Cusco takes visitors to the archaeological complex of Moray and the salt mines of Maras. The tour lasts around 6 hours and costs from $20 per person, with a group size limited to 15 participants.

Guests will be picked up from their hotel in the historic center and embarked on a 1-hour 20-minute journey. At Moray, they’ll explore the Inca’s circular terraces used for agricultural experimentation.

Next, they’ll visit the pre-Inca Salineras, or Maras salt mines, with over 3,500 salt ponds. The tour also includes a stop in the town of Chinchero, known for its Andean textile preservation.

With free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour offers flexibility and convenience.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a hotel pickup from the historic center of Cusco, embarking on a 1-hour 20-minute journey to the archaeological complex of Moray.

This unique site features circular Andean terraces that were used for agricultural conditioning by the Incas.

After exploring Moray, the tour then visits the Salineras or Sal de Maras, a pre-Inca salt mine with over 3,500 salt ponds filled by saltwater channels.

The return trip includes a stop at the village of Chinchero, known for preserving traditional Andean textile techniques.

The approximate return time to Cusco is 2:00 PM.

Inclusions

The tour includes a hotel pick-up from near or within the historic center of Cusco, as well as round-trip transportation.

Visitors will also have the services of a professional bilingual guide.

The tour includes the following:

• Partial tourist entrance to the archaeological site of Moray, which costs S/. 70.00 or $20.00 per person.
• Entrance to the salt mines of Maras, with a cost of S/. 15.00 or $5.00 per person.
• The tour price is from $20.00 per person, with a group size limited to 15 participants.
• Languages offered are English and Spanish.

Booking Information

To book the tour, visitors can check availability for the starting times.

The tour company requires the correct contact number with country code and WhatsApp for communication.

For last-minute bookings, customers should confirm availability by email with the supplier.

The tour has a "reserve now & pay later" option, allowing travelers to book their spot without paying upfront.

This flexibility in travel plans can be beneficial for those who need to firm up their itinerary.

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Important Notes

What makes this tour to Maras and Moray so unique is the opportunity to experience the beautiful landscapes and the mystery of the Inca terraces.

The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to reserve your spot now and pay later.

Some key things to note:

• The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
• The tour is offered in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience.
• You can cancel your reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing added flexibility.
• The tour includes hotel pickup from the historic center, making it convenient for travelers.

Exploring Moray

One of the highlights of the tour is exploring the archaeological complex of Moray. This ancient site features a series of circular Andean terraces, which were used by the Inca for agricultural experimentation and conditioning. The terraces are arranged in a unique concentric pattern, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. As visitors wander through the site, they can observe the different microclimates and soil compositions within the terraces, which the Inca used to test and optimize their crop cultivation techniques.

Feature	Description	Significance
Circular Terraces	Concentric, bowl-shaped terraces	Allowed the Inca to test different microclimates and soil conditions for agriculture
Andean Architecture	Expertly engineered structures	Demonstrated the Inca’s advanced understanding of engineering and agriculture
Agricultural Experimentation	Site used for crop cultivation tests	Helped the Inca develop more efficient and productive agricultural practices

Discovering Salineras

After exploring the remarkable Inca terraces of Moray, the tour continues to another captivating site – the Salineras, or Sal de Maras.

This pre-Inca salt mine features over 3,500 individual salt ponds, each filled by intricate saltwater channels. Visitors can wander through the striking landscape, taking in the colorful ponds and the natural evaporation process that has been used for centuries to harvest salt.

The Salineras offer a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and traditional methods of salt production. The tour also includes a stop in the Chinchero village, known for its preservation of Andean textile techniques, providing a well-rounded cultural experience.

• Centuries-old pre-Inca salt mine
• Over 3,500 individual salt ponds
• Saltwater channels fill the ponds
• Traditional salt harvesting methods on display

Cultural Immersion in Chinchero

The tour also includes a stop in the Chinchero village, where visitors can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Known for its well-preserved Andean textile techniques, Chinchero offers a glimpse into the traditional weaving practices of the Inca Empire. Tourists can observe local artisans demonstrating their craft, from spinning wool to dyeing fabrics with natural pigments.

The village’s colonial-era church and bustling marketplace add to the cultural experience, allowing travelers to interact with the community and gain a deeper understanding of Cusco’s indigenous roots.

This stop on the tour provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the enduring traditions that have shaped the Andean way of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Transportation Is Provided?

The tour provides round-trip transportation to and from the hotel near or within the historic center. Guests are picked up and returned to their hotel as part of the tour package.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally suitable for children, as it includes transportation and a guided exploration of archaeological sites. However, the long journey and hiking involved may not be suitable for very young children. It’s best to check with the tour provider for specific child-friendly policies.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s important to note that no food or beverages are provided as part of the tour package, so guests will need to plan accordingly.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment or Clothing?

For this tour, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and light layers are recommended. No special equipment is needed, but bringing water and snacks is advised. The terrain can be uneven, so proper footwear is important.

Are There Any Medical Facilities or Services Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any on-site medical services, but the guide is trained in first aid. Participants should disclose any medical conditions beforehand. There are nearby towns with medical facilities that can be accessed if needed during the tour.

Recap

This half-day tour to Maras and Moray offers a unique glimpse into Cusco’s captivating history and culture. Visitors will be awestruck by the Inca’s agricultural ingenuity at Moray, fascinated by the vibrant salt ponds of Salineras, and immersed in the traditional weaving techniques of Chinchero. With convenient hotel pickup and a small group size, this intimate excursion provides a well-rounded introduction to the region’s remarkable natural and cultural treasures.

You can check if your dates are available here: