Maras Moray (Day Trip)

The Maras Moray day trip from Cusco offers visitors a chance to explore the remarkable agricultural and salt-mining achievements of the Inca civilization. Combining stunning landscapes with cultural insights, this small-group tour provides a hassle-free experience through the Sacred Valley. Participants will marvel at the ingenious Inca terraces of Moray and the ancient salt-mining complex of Salineras de Maras, all while learning from a knowledgeable bilingual guide. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an enriching adventure, this tour promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of the Inca people.

Key Points

• Explore the ancient Inca agricultural site of Moray, featuring massive concentric terraces used for experimental farming and microclimates.
• Visit the Salineras de Maras, an expansive Inca-built salt mine with thousands of evaporation ponds producing salt for centuries.
• Enjoy a small-group day trip from Cusco to these two captivating archaeological sites, with transportation, entrance tickets, and a bilingual guide included.
• The tour provides insights into the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of Andean agriculture and salt production through these unique sites.
• The tour starts at 8:30 AM with pickup from the historic center of Cusco and includes scenic transportation to the first stop.

Tour Overview

This day trip from Cusco takes visitors to the Sacred Valley, where they can explore the Incan archaeological sites of Moray and Salineras de Maras (Salt Mines).

It’s a small-group tour with a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring personalized service from the bilingual guide.

At Moray, they’ll learn about the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices, while the Salineras de Maras showcases the traditional salt-making techniques.

The tour includes transportation, entrance tickets (partial or complete), and access to the Salineras de Maras.

Pickup is from the historic center of Cusco, with a start time of 8:30 AM.

Inclusions

The tour includes transportation provided by the operator.

A bilingual guide is also included to provide insights and commentary throughout the day’s exploration.

Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites are included, with two options available – a partial pass valid for 2 days at 70 Soles, or a complete pass valid for 10 days at 130 Soles.

Plus, the entrance fee to the Salineras (Salt Mines) is covered, which costs 10 Soles.

This combination of transportation, guides, and admission fees ensures a hassle-free and informative experience for participants during the day trip to the Sacred Valley.

Pickup Information

According to the information provided, hotel pickup is available from the historic center of Cusco.

The tour operator doesn’t offer pickup from private residences, such as Airbnb, or hotels outside the historic center.

The tour starts at 8:30 AM, so it’s important for participants to be ready at their designated pickup location on time. This ensures a smooth and timely start to the day trip.

Whether you’re staying in a hotel in the historic center or elsewhere, the tour company will arrange for your transportation to the first stop on the itinerary, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenery on the way.

Additional Details

Participants will receive confirmation upon booking the Maras Moray Day Trip. This small-group tour is not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate. The tour is operated by Machu Picchu Peru, a reputable provider. The tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance tickets, with an option to purchase a partial or complete ticket. Visitors will enjoy exploring the Incan archaeological sites of Moray and Salineras de Maras.

Confirmation	Accessibility	Operator	Entrance Tickets
Received upon booking	Not wheelchair accessible	Machu Picchu Peru	Partial (70 Soles, 2 days) or Complete (130 Soles, 10 days)

Pricing and Reviews

Starting at $16.00, the Maras Moray Day Trip offers a lowest price guarantee. This non-refundable tour doesn’t provide refunds for any cancellations.

However, with an overall 5.0-star rating from 3 reviews, it seems to deliver excellent value. Customers praise the knowledgeable bilingual guide, the personalized small-group experience, and the fascinating exploration of the Inca archaeological sites.

The tour includes entrance tickets, transportation, and access to the impressive Salineras salt mines. Whether you opt for the partial or complete ticket package, you’re sure to have an immersive and memorable day trip from Cusco to the Sacred Valley’s remarkable Inca wonders.

Exploring Moray

As the tour van winds its way through the picturesque Sacred Valley, travelers can’t help but be mesmerized by the sight of the Moray archaeological site.

The massive, ancient Inca agricultural terraces rise up in a series of concentric circular depressions, resembling a giant natural amphitheater. The guide explains that these remarkable structures were used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation, taking advantage of the microclimate differences between the terraces to grow a variety of crops.

Visitors have the chance to wander among the terraces, marveling at the impressive engineering feats of the Inca civilization. The site offers a unique glimpse into the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of agriculture and their ability to adapt to the challenging Andean environment.

Visiting Salineras

Leaving Moray behind, the tour then ventures to the stunning Salineras de Maras, an ancient salt-mining complex nestled in the Cusco highlands.

Visitors are captivated by the sight of over 5,000 salt evaporation ponds, each meticulously crafted by the Incas. The ponds glisten in the sun, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.

As the group explores the site, they learn about the intricate process of salt extraction, which has been practiced here for centuries.

The experience evokes a sense of:

1. Awe at the ingenious engineering of the Inca people.
2. Appreciation for the region’s rich cultural heritage.
3. Wonder at the natural beauty of the Andean landscape.
4. Gratitude for the opportunity to witness this remarkable site.

Highlights of the Tour

The Maras Moray Day Trip offers a captivating exploration of two remarkable Incan archaeological sites. Travelers will venture to the enigmatic Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory featuring concentric terraces that may have been used for crop experimentation. They’ll then journey to the Salineras de Maras, a stunning salt mine that has operated since Incan times. Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable bilingual guide provides insights into the sites’ historical significance and cultural richness.

Site	Highlights
Moray	• Unique circular agricultural terraces • Experimental farming theories • Stunning mountain backdrop
Salineras de Maras	• Thousands of salt-harvesting pools • Centuries-old salt production traditions • Picturesque valley setting

The Maras Moray Day Trip offers a captivating window into the ingenuity and legacy of the Inca civilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Children?

The tour is suitable for families with children, as it’s a small-group experience and the archaeological sites are generally accessible. However, it’s important to consider the children’s stamina and interest in historical sites.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Layers are advised as the weather can be cool, especially at the archaeological sites.

Are Any Meals or Snacks Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not include any meals or snacks during the day. Participants are responsible for bringing their own food and refreshments to sustain themselves throughout the tour’s duration.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book the tour for a private group. The tour provider offers small-group tours with a maximum of 15 participants, so you can arrange a private tour for your group.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t explicitly offer senior or student discounts. However, they may provide discounts upon request, so it’s best to inquire about any available deals when booking the tour.

Recap

The Maras Moray day trip from Cusco offers an enriching exploration of Inca heritage. Visitors can marvel at the remarkable agricultural terraces of Moray and the ancient salt-mining complex of Salineras de Maras while learning from a knowledgeable guide. This small-group tour combines stunning landscapes with cultural insights, providing a memorable and hassle-free experience in the Sacred Valley.