Cusco: Tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines in a Day

Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, serves as the gateway to some of Peru’s most captivating natural and cultural wonders. One of the must-do day trips from this vibrant city is the tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines. At just $29 per person, this 6-hour adventure offers travelers a chance to enjoy the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes. From the impressive agricultural terraces of Moray to the iconic salt ponds of Maras, this tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. And with round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable bilingual guide, visitors can sit back, relax, and uncover the secrets of this remarkable corner of Peru.

Key Points

• Explore the Inca’s advanced agricultural techniques at the circular terraces of Moray, reaching depths of 150 meters.
• Experience the authentic salt harvesting process at the Maras Salt Mines, where salt is hand-collected.
• Tour the colonial town of Maras and learn about Andean traditions and architecture.
• Enjoy round-trip air-conditioned transportation and a bilingual guide throughout the 6-hour tour.
• Benefit from a flexible cancellation policy and a "pay later" option for the $29 per person tour price.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines offers an opportunity to explore the fascinating Incan agricultural and salt production practices in the Sacred Valley of Peru.

Priced from $29 per person, the 6-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and visits to the key sites.

Travelers can explore the circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the salt ponds of Maras, where salt is harvested by hand.

The tour also includes a stop in the colonial town of Maras.

Participants can conveniently reserve the tour now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Maras, Moray, and Salt Mines Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from the Centro Histórico, the historic center of Cusco.

Travelers then take a 1-hour bus ride to the Maras Salt Mines. They’ll explore this unique site where salt has been produced by hand for centuries.

Next, they’ll visit the colonial town of Maras for 30 minutes.

The tour then continues to Moray, where they’ll take a guided tour of the spectacular Inca agricultural terraces reaching depths of 150 meters.

Highlights of the Tour

Exploring the Incan agricultural terraces of Moray, with their captivating circular design reaching depths of 150 meters, offers a unique glimpse into the advanced farming techniques employed by the Inca civilization.

The tour also takes visitors to the salt mines of Maras, where salt is produced by hand, providing an authentic cultural experience.

Highlights of the tour include:

1. Learning about Inca history and agricultural practices from a knowledgeable, bilingual guide.
2. Visiting the colonial town of Maras, which showcases Andean traditions and architecture.
3. Enjoying round-trip transportation, air-conditioning, and personalized assistance throughout the tour.

Included and Excluded Services

The tour package includes round-trip transportation to most Cusco hotels, a bilingual tourist guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, a first aid kit, and 24/7 personalized assistance from the agency.

Entrance fees to Moray and the Salinas de Maras are also covered. However, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, or snacks.

Plus, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, and pets, luggage, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.

Visitors should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience of Incan history and Andean traditions.

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Important Information for Travelers

Travelers should be aware of several important considerations when booking this tour.

First, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, so those with mobility challenges may need to seek alternative options.

Plus, pets, large bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

Finally, visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sun protection, and their passport or ID card to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Pickup Location and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup from the Centro Histórico, the historic center of Cusco. From there, travelers embark on a 1-hour bus or coach journey to reach the Maras Salt Mines. The transportation provided is air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable ride. A first aid kit is also available on board, adding an extra layer of safety and care for the participants.

Pickup Location	Transportation	Travel Time
Centro Histórico	Bus/Coach	1 hour
Maras Salt Mines	–	–
Maras	–	30 minutes
Moray	–	1 hour
Centro Histórico	–	–

Throughout the tour, the agency provides personalized assistance and 24/7 support, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all travelers.

Guided Tours and Extra Fees

During the tour, participants have the opportunity to delve deeper into the sites through guided tours.

At the Maras Salt Mines, a guided tour is available for an additional fee, allowing visitors to explore the intricate system of evaporation ponds and learn about the traditional salt production process.

Similarly, a guided tour of Moray can be arranged, providing insights into the Inca’s advanced agricultural techniques and the circular terraces.

To enhance the experience, the tour includes:

1. A guided tour of the Maras Salt Mines (extra fee applies)
2. A guided tour of Moray (extra fee applies)
3. A 30-minute visit to the colonial town of Maras.

Cancellation Policy and Payment Options

Travelers can opt to cancel their tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case plans change. This no-hassle policy allows customers to book with confidence.

Plus, a "reserve now, pay later" option is available, providing more payment convenience. The tour is priced at a reasonable $29 per person, making it an affordable way to explore Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines.

With round-trip transportation and a bilingual guide included, the tour represents a great value for visitors seeking an immersive Inca cultural experience in the Sacred Valley region near Cusco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Visit Other Sites?

Yes, you can modify the tour itinerary to visit other sites. The tour operator may accommodate requests to include additional locations, subject to availability, time constraints, and any applicable fees.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring the Sites Independently?

The tour allocates 30 minutes for exploring Maras and 1 hour each for guided tours of the Maras Salt Mines and Moray. Visitors have limited time to explore the sites independently within the provided itinerary.

Are Child Discounts or Family Packages Available for This Tour?

There’s no mention of child discounts or family packages for this tour. The pricing information provided only specifies the per-person rate, suggesting such discounts may not be available. Guests should inquire with the tour operator for any potential options.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour information notes that food, drinks, and snacks are excluded from the tour inclusions, allowing you to pack your own provisions for the day.

Is There Any Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add on Activities?

According to the tour details, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the duration or add activities. However, travelers can inquire with the tour operator about customizing the itinerary to meet their specific needs and interests.

Recap

The Cusco day tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Peru’s rich Incan heritage and stunning natural landscapes. At just $29 per person, the tour provides round-trip transportation, guided visits, and the chance to learn about traditional agricultural techniques and salt production. It’s an affordable and comprehensive way to experience the highlights of this captivating region.

You can check if your dates are available here: