Half Day Private Service | Moray and Salineras De Maras |

Embark on an extraordinary half-day private excursion that unveils the captivating sites of Moray and Salineras de Maras. This immersive experience grants you the opportunity to explore the ancient Inca agricultural laboratory at Moray, marveling at its remarkable circular terraces, and the stunning 3,500 salt ponds at Salineras de Maras. With personalized transportation and a knowledgeable bilingual guide, you’ll uncover the cultural significance and breathtaking landscapes of these historic locations. Prepare to be enthralled as you uncover the secrets of these enchanting destinations, leaving you eager to discover more.

Key Points

• A private, half-day tour exploring the ancient Inca agricultural laboratory at Moray and the salt ponds of Salineras de Maras in the Sacred Valley.
• Customized itinerary with hotel pickup, bilingual guide, and transportation, offering a comprehensive and personalized experience.
• Discover the intricate Inca engineering and temperature variations at the Moray site, and observe the traditional salt harvesting process at Salineras de Maras.
• Includes a stop at Chinchero, known for its traditional Andean textiles, before returning to Cusco around 2:00 PM.
• Restrictions and safety considerations in place for certain individuals, with recommendations to ensure an enjoyable tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a half-day private service to explore the archaeological site of Moray and the Salineras de Maras salt ponds in the Sacred Valley.

The 6-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, tourist transportation, and a bilingual professional guide. Guests will visit Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces, and the Salineras de Maras, over 3,500 salt ponds carved into the mountainside.

The tour also includes a stop at the traditional Andean textile hub of Chinchero before returning to Cusco around 2 PM.

Priced from $65 per person, this private group experience allows for flexibility and personalized attention.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in the Sacred Valley, followed by a visit to the archaeological site of Moray.

This unique site features circular Andean terraces carved into the earth, which were used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas.

Next, the tour explores the Salineras de Maras, a remarkable set of over 3,500 salt ponds carved into the mountainside and filled by natural water channels.

The return trip includes a stop at Chinchero, known for its traditional Andean textiles.

The estimated arrival time back in Cusco is 2:00 PM.

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup near or in the historic center of Cusco, tourist transportation, and a bilingual professional guide.

Entrance fees to both Moray and Salineras de Maras are covered, costing $20.00 and $5.00 respectively.

The Moray site is an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces carved into the earth, while Salineras de Maras features over 3,500 salt ponds carved into the mountainside and filled by water channels.

After exploring these unique landmarks, the return trip includes a stop at the traditional Andean textile hub of Chinchero before an estimated arrival back in Cusco at 2:00 PM.

Important Information

Certain individuals may be unable to partake in this excursion, including pregnant women, those with heart problems, and wheelchair users. The tour itinerary involves visiting sites that may pose challenges for these groups. Plus, the excursion is contingent on favorable weather conditions, as it is only conducted on sunny days or when the weather permits.

Restrictions	Rationale
Pregnant Women	Strenuous nature of the tour
Heart Condition	Safety concerns
Wheelchair Users	Accessibility limitations

Participants should be aware of these limitations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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What to Bring

Participants should bring their passport or ID card to ensure proper identification and entry to the sites.

A camera is recommended to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture of Moray and Salineras de Maras.

Bringing water is essential, as the tour involves walking and exploring the sites under the sun.

It’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand for any personal expenses or souvenirs.

The terrain can be uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Layered clothing is advisable, as the weather can be variable in the Andes region.

Hotel Pickup and Transportation

Your tour experience begins with a convenient hotel pickup in the Sacred Valley area. A private vehicle and driver will transport you to the first stop, Moray. The tour includes the following transportation details:

Pickup Location	Duration	Vehicle Type
Hotel in Sacred Valley	6 hours	Private Car
Drop-off Location	Roundtrip	Bilingual Driver
Cusco (estimated)	Entrance Fees Included	Air-Conditioned

The transportation is included in the tour price, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey as you explore the archaeological wonders of Moray and the stunning salt ponds of Salineras de Maras.

Exploring Moray

After the scenic drive from the Sacred Valley, visitors arrive at the archaeological site of Moray.

This unique site consists of circular terraces carved into the earth, resembling an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory. The terraces, which descend into the earth in a series of concentric rings, were used by the Incas to study the effects of microclimates on crops.

Visitors can explore the different levels, marveling at the ingenious Inca engineering. The temperature variation between the top and bottom terraces can be as much as 15°C, demonstrating the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of agricultural practices.

Exploring Moray provides a glimpse into the Inca’s advanced agricultural techniques and their profound connection to the land.

Exploring Salineras De Maras

From Moray, the tour continues on to the remarkable Salineras de Maras, an awe-inspiring display of pre-Columbian engineering.

This ancient salt mine features over 3,500 salt ponds carved into the mountainside and filled by water channels. Visitors can wander through the maze of ponds, observing the locals harvesting salt by hand.

The stunning contrast of the white salt ponds against the arid landscape creates a truly breathtaking sight. Guests can explore the ponds, learn about the salt-making process, and even purchase artisanal salt products.

After this captivating visit, the tour includes a stop at the traditional Andean textile hub of Chinchero before returning to Cusco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider, who’ll gladly accommodate any special requests or changes within the tour’s scope to ensure a personalized experience.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Private Tour?

The maximum group size for this private tour is not specified. However, it is described as a "private group experience," indicating it is likely limited to a small number of participants for a more personalized tour.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour does not have any dietary restrictions. Travelers can bring their own snacks and water, as long as they do not require any special accommodations or facilities during the excursion.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour duration can be extended, but it would incur additional costs. Customers should consult with the tour operator to discuss options and pricing for extending the tour if needed. The standard tour duration is 6 hours.

Is There Any Additional Cost for a Multilingual Guide?

There’s no additional cost for a multilingual guide. The tour price covers the services of a bilingual (Spanish and English) professional guide, who will provide live commentary throughout the tour.

Recap

This half-day private service to Moray and Salineras de Maras offers an immersive experience into the Inca Empire’s agricultural legacy. Visitors can explore the remarkable circular terraces of Moray, an ancient Inca laboratory, and marvel at the stunning 3,500 salt ponds of Salineras de Maras. With a bilingual guide, personalized transportation, and breathtaking landscapes, this tour provides a comprehensive and captivating glimpse into the cultural significance of these historic sites.

You can check if your dates are available here: