The Maras Moray Half Day Tour from Urubamba, Peru, offers an immersive experience into the region’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage. For $108 per person, travelers can explore the stunning Maras Salt Mines and the unique Moray archaeological site, accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Along the way, they’ll enjoy breathtaking landscapes, learn about ancient salt extraction methods, and savor the traditional Andean beverage, chicha. While the tour promises an engaging five-hour adventure, there’s more to discover about the valley’s fascinating history and the local traditions that have endured for generations.
Key Points
- This half-day tour from Urubamba explores the ancient Maras Salt Mines and the Moray archaeological site, highlighting Inca agricultural practices and offering photo opportunities.
- The tour is priced from $108 per person, lasts 5 hours, and includes private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a private group experience.
- Highlights include tasting traditional Andean chicha, visiting local points of interest, and immersive exploration of the archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley.
- The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and participants should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and a daypack.
- Transportation and guide services are included in the tour price, allowing participants to focus on the cultural and historical aspects without transportation concerns.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Maras Moray Half Day Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the salt mines of Maras and the unique concentric terraces of Moray, two remarkable archaeological sites in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
Priced from $108.00 per person, the 5-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
The tour includes private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a private group experience.
Highlights include visiting the ancient salt pools, learning about traditional extraction techniques, and tasting a traditional Andean beverage.
Participants must bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and a daypack, as the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Maras.
Itinerary and Highlights
The Maras Moray Half Day Tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of two captivating archaeological sites in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
The tour first visits the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools are terraced into the hillside, and ancient extraction techniques are still employed.
Next, the tour explores the remarkable Moray site, featuring a series of concentric terraces that were used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas.
Throughout the tour, visitors stop at local points of interest to photograph the stunning landscapes and gain cultural insights.
The experience is completed with a tasting of the traditional Andean beverage, Chicha.
Transportation and Group Details
Private transportation is included as part of the Maras Moray Half Day Tour. Participants will be picked up from their hotel in Urubamba and transported throughout the tour in a private vehicle.
An English-speaking guide will accompany the group, providing insights and information along the way. This is a private group experience, ensuring a more personalized and immersive tour.
The transportation and guide services are included in the tour price, making it a convenient and hassle-free way to explore the Maras Salt Mines and Moray archaeological site.
Participants can sit back, relax, and focus on the cultural and historical aspects of the tour.
Additional Information
One key piece of additional information is that the tour can start either in the morning (between 8 am and 1 pm) or in the afternoon (between 1 pm and 5 pm), allowing travelers to choose the time that best fits their schedule.
Lunch isn’t included as this is a half-day tour, but an optional visit to an alpaca farm can be added if the tour ends in Cusco.
It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and participants should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and a daypack.
Plus, the following are prohibited:
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Pregnant women
Important Notes
Typically, the Maras Moray Half Day Tour can start either in the morning between 8 am and 1 pm or in the afternoon between 1 pm and 5 pm, allowing travelers to choose the time that best fits their schedule.
It’s important to note that lunch isn’t included since this is a half-day tour. Plus, the tour can end in Cusco, but an extra cost will be incurred for the drop-off service.
Pregnant women are advised against participating in this tour. Participants must bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and a daypack.
Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the tour.
Maras Salt Mines
The Maras Salt Mines, located near the town of Maras, showcase an ancient and captivating method of salt extraction.
Thousands of salt pools, carved into the mountainside, have been in use since the Inca Empire. Visitors can witness the meticulous process of harvesting salt, which involves the natural evaporation of salty spring water.
The stunning visual appeal of the multi-hued salt pools is truly mesmerizing.
Exploring the Maras Salt Mines provides:
- A glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region
- An appreciation for traditional farming techniques
- Breathtaking photo opportunities amid the natural landscape
- Insights into the enduring sustainability of the salt production
Moray Archeological Site
After exploring the remarkable Maras Salt Mines, the Moray Archeological Site offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the agricultural innovations of the Inca Empire. Located just a short distance from the salt pans, Moray features a series of concentric terraces descending into a natural sinkhole. This unique setting was used by the Incas as an experimental agricultural laboratory, allowing them to test different crops and growing conditions. Visitors can wander through the site, taking in the stunning views and imagining the ingenious Inca farmers at work.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Terraces | Concentric terraces descending into a natural depression |
| Inca Agricultural Lab | Used to test different crops and growing conditions |
| Natural Sinkhole | Moray’s unique setting in a natural sinkhole |
| Views | Stunning vistas of the surrounding Andean landscape |
| Inca Ingenuity | Showcases the advanced agricultural practices of the Inca Empire |
Cultural Experiences
Alongside the archaeological wonders, the Maras Moray Half Day Tour offers visitors a unique cultural experience.
Travelers will have the opportunity to taste traditional Andean chicha, a fermented corn beverage. Plus, the tour includes stops at local points of interest, allowing for deeper cultural insights and stunning photography.
The experience is enhanced by an English-speaking guide who shares their knowledge and expertise. Participants can expect:
- A chance to enjoy Andean traditions and practices
- Engaging conversations with the knowledgeable guide
- Opportunities to capture the vibrant cultural landscape
- A memorable taste of the region’s iconic chicha drink
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Preferences?
Yes, the tour can be customized to fit the customer’s preferences. Customers can discuss their specific interests and needs with the tour operator to create a personalized experience within the tour’s overall itinerary and duration.
What Is the Safety Record of the Tour Operator?
The tour operator has a strong safety record, with no major incidents reported. They prioritize guest safety through well-maintained vehicles, experienced guides, and adhering to industry standards. Customers can feel confident in the operator’s commitment to a safe and enjoyable experience.
Are There Any Physical Activity Restrictions for Participants?
There are some physical activity restrictions for participants. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and participants must wear comfortable shoes and bring a daypack as there’ll be walking involved at the sites.
How Do I Get to the Meeting Point for the Tour?
The tour includes private transportation from the participant’s Urubamba hotel. They’ll then be taken to the tour’s starting point. The guide will coordinate the pick-up and transfer logistics to ensure a seamless experience.
Can I Book the Tour for a Larger Group or Private Party?
The tour can accommodate larger groups or private parties. It’s a private group experience with included private transportation and an English-speaking guide, allowing for a customized and personalized tour.
Recap
The Maras Moray Half Day Tour from Urubamba, Peru, offers an immersive exploration of the region’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage. Travelers can witness the stunning Maras Salt Mines, the unique Moray archaeological site, and savor the traditional Andean beverage, chicha, during this engaging five-hour adventure. With private transportation and an English-speaking guide, this tour provides a comprehensive and insightful experience into the Sacred Valley’s remarkable history and traditions.
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