Maras Moray and Salineras From Ollantaytambo

Nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Maras Moray and Salineras tour from Ollantaytambo promises a captivating exploration of Peru’s rich agricultural heritage. Visitors can explore the unique circular terraces of Moray, believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory, before witnessing the stunning Salineras de Maras, where over 2,000 salt wells glisten under the sun. The journey also includes a visit to the Chinchero Textile Center, showcasing traditional dyeing techniques. With a professional guide to enrich the experience, this half-day tour offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of Andean agricultural practices. What secrets might these ancient sites hold?

Key Points

• The half-day tour from Ollantaytambo explores the archaeological wonders of Moray and the salt pans of Salineras, priced at $71.73 per person.
• The tour includes visits to Moray’s Inca circular terraces, the salt wells of Salineras de Maras, and the Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center.
• The tour duration is 1 day with pickup between 8 AM and 9 AM, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women.
• The tour includes pickup, transportation, entrance fees, and a professional guide who provides insights throughout the journey.
• Visitors can immerse in the region’s rich heritage and traditions, witness the salt-harvesting process, and purchase various salt products.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

For this half-day tour from Ollantaytambo, the price is $71.73 per person.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now, pay later option.

The tour lasts 1 day with pickup between 8 AM and 9 AM from your hotel or the Ollantaytambo train station.

The tour includes visits to the Moray Agricultural Archaeological Center and the Salineras de Maras salt wells.

You’ll also experience the Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center.

Entrance fees, tourist transport, and a professional guide are included.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women.

Participants should bring specific items and follow prohibited rules.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour takes visitors to several fascinating historical and cultural sites.

First, visitors explore the Moray Agricultural Archaeological Center, a unique Inca site featuring circular terraces believed to have been an agricultural laboratory with intricate irrigation systems and microclimates.

Next, the tour showcases the Salineras de Maras, a stunning landscape of over 2,000 salt wells that local families have exploited for generations.

Lastly, the Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center provides an opportunity to learn about the traditional dyeing techniques used to create vibrant wool and cotton textiles.

Throughout the journey, guests have the chance to enjoy the region’s rich heritage and traditions.

Inclusions

The tour package includes pickup from either the hotel or Ollantaytambo train station.

Plus, the price covers tourist transport and a professional guide to accompany participants throughout the day.

Entrance fees to the Moray archaeological site and the Salineras salt mines are also included, costing 70 soles for foreigners and 40 soles for Peruvians at Moray, and 10 soles at Salineras.

Participants should bring essential items like sunglasses, sun hats, cameras, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothing, cash, and their passport or ID card.

Certain items are prohibited, such as weapons, smoking, electronic devices, alcohol, littering, and fireworks.

Important Information

Certain individuals may find the tour unsuitable, such as wheelchair users or pregnant women.

Participants are advised to bring the following items:

• Sunglasses and sun hat to protect from the elements
• Camera to capture the stunning landscapes
• Sunscreen and water to stay comfortable
• Cash and their passport or ID card for necessary purchases and access

Please note that the use of weapons, smoking, electronic devices, alcohol, littering, and fireworks is prohibited during the tour.

The tour operates regardless of rain, and participants are encouraged to drink coca tea to aid with altitude acclimatization.

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Additional Notes

Although the tour operates regardless of rain, participants are advised to drink coca tea to aid with altitude acclimatization. This can help mitigate the effects of being at a higher elevation, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Additional Tips	Why	How
Bring cash	For purchasing salt products	Have small bills ready
Wear comfortable shoes	For walking on uneven terrain	Opt for hiking or walking shoes
Protect from sun	Avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion	Use sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses

Adhering to these recommendations can enhance the overall tour experience and help participants make the most of their visit to Maras, Moray, and Salineras.

Half-day Tour Exploration

On this half-day tour, visitors will explore the archaeological wonders of Moray and the captivating salt pans of Salineras.

At Moray, they’ll marvel at the Inca’s ingenious circular terraces, believed to be an agricultural laboratory.

Next, they’ll visit Salineras de Maras, where approximately 2,000 salt wells are exploited by local families.

The tour also includes a stop at the Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center, where participants can learn about natural dyeing techniques.

Throughout the day, a professional guide will provide insights, and you will enjoy pickup, transportation, and entrance fees.

With careful preparation and the right gear, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Discovering Ancient Agricultural Practices

The Inca civilization, renowned for its remarkable engineering feats, also left behind an intriguing legacy of agricultural innovation at the site of Moray.

This archaeological site features a series of concentric circular terraces, believed to have served as an experimental agricultural laboratory. The intricate system of irrigation channels and microclimates created by the terraces allowed the Incas to test and refine their agricultural techniques.

Nearby, the Salineras of Maras showcase another remarkable Inca achievement – a network of over 2,000 salt evaporation ponds still operated by local families today.

These ancient agricultural sites provide a glimpse into the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of their environment and their pioneering approach to food production.

Taking in Local Salt Production

Amid the vast expanse of the Andes, nestled in the heart of Peru, lies the remarkable Salineras de Maras. This centuries-old salt production site features an intricate network of over 2,000 salt wells, each carefully tended by local families.

Visitors can enjoy this captivating landscape, exploring:

• Glistening salt ponds, where the sun’s rays evaporate the mineral-rich water, leaving behind a bounty of pure, natural salt.
• Intricate pathways connecting the salt wells, showcasing the ingenious irrigation system developed by the Incas.
• Opportunities to purchase a variety of salt products, from traditional blocks to flavored salts.
• The chance to witness the salt-harvesting process, gaining insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

The tour is open to children, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The itinerary may not be suitable for young children, so parents should consider their child’s abilities and interests before booking the tour.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October when the weather is mild and sunny. However, the tour operates year-round, though rain may affect the experience during the wet season.

Can I Request a Private Tour?

Yes, travelers can request a private tour. Private tours offer more flexibility and personalized attention, though they may cost more than the standard group tour. Travelers should inquire about private tour options and pricing when booking.

How Long Is the Drive From Cusco?

The drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, where the tour departs, takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The tour itinerary highlights visits to Moray, Salineras, and the Chinchero Textile Interpretation Center.

Is Gratuity for the Guide Included?

No, the gratuity for the guide is not included in the tour price. Participants are expected to tip the guide separately based on the quality of the service provided during the tour.

Recap

The Maras Moray and Salineras tour from Ollantaytambo offers a captivating half-day exploration of Peru’s rich agricultural heritage. Visitors can discover the unique circular terraces of Moray, believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory, and then explore the stunning Salineras de Maras, where over 2,000 salt wells glisten under the sun. The journey also includes a visit to the Chinchero Textile Center, providing insights into traditional dyeing techniques.

You can check if your dates are available here: