Discover the ingenious agricultural marvels of Peru’s Sacred Valley on the Moray and Salinera de Maras Half Day tour. This captivating 6-hour excursion takes visitors to two remarkable sites – the circular farming terraces of Moray, believed to be an agricultural laboratory, and the stunning hillside salt terraces of Maras, where traditional salt-harvesting techniques have been preserved for centuries. With round-trip transportation from Cusco and a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a rich cultural experience amidst breathtaking landscapes. What secrets and insights await those who embark on this captivating journey through Peru’s past?
Key Points
- Offers a 6-hour guided tour exploring the Moray archaeological site and the Salinera de Maras salt terraces in the Sacred Valley of Peru.
- Departs daily at 8:30 AM from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, with round-trip transportation and a professional guide included.
- Moray features Inca-era circular farming terraces, while Maras showcases centuries-old salt-harvesting practices by the local community.
- Highly rated tour with 4.5 stars and a Badge of Excellence, praised for knowledgeable guides and cultural insights.
- Entrance fees to Moray and Salinera de Maras not included, but the tour provides a comprehensive experience of these significant cultural sites.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cusco
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Location and Duration
- Departure and Rating
- Moray Archaeological Center
- Maras Salt Terraces
- Inclusions and Pricing
- Meeting and Pick-up
- Accessibility and Cancellation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
- Are Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
- Can We Extend the Tour to Visit Any Other Attractions?
- Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
- Can We Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Salt at the Sites?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The Moray and Salinera de Maras Half Day tour offers a 6-hour exploration of two remarkable sites in Cusco, Peru, departing daily at 8:30 AM.
Rated 4.5 stars based on 34 reviews, this tour earns a Badge of Excellence for its excellent quality.
Visitors will discover the archaeological center of Moray, featuring iconic circular farming terraces, and the hillside salt terraces of Maras, known for their distinct mineral-rich salt.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Plaza de Armas and a professional guide, though entrance fees to the sites are additional.
With a flexible pick-up option, this half-day adventure is a must-do for those seeking a unique cultural experience in the Sacred Valley.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Location and Duration
The Moray and Salinera de Maras Half Day tour takes place in Cusco, Peru, and lasts for 6 hours.
Departing daily at 8:30 AM, this tour allows visitors to explore two remarkable sites in the Sacred Valley.
First, they’ll visit the archaeological center of Moray, known for its unique circular farming terraces that resemble a Roman amphitheater. This Inca site was used as an agricultural laboratory.
Next, the tour heads to Maras, where travelers will witness the hillside salt terraces, which produce a distinct, mineral-rich salt.
The tour provides round-trip transportation from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for participants.
Departure and Rating
Departing daily at 8:30 AM, this tour has earned a 4.5-star rating based on 34 reviews, showcasing its exceptional quality.
The tour’s Badge of Excellence further underscores its outstanding performance and the consistently high level of satisfaction among past participants.
Customers have praised the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, who bring the Moray archaeological site and the Maras salt terraces to life with their insightful commentary.
While a few reviewers have mentioned some minor service issues, the overwhelming sentiment is one of excitement and appreciation for this immersive glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage.
For those seeking a memorable half-day adventure in the Sacred Valley, this tour comes highly recommended.
Moray Archaeological Center
Nestled within the stunning Andean landscape, the Moray archaeological center features a series of remarkable circular farming terraces that evoke the grandeur of a Roman amphitheater, offering a captivating glimpse into the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.
These terraces, thought to have been used as an agricultural laboratory, were designed to create microclimates, allowing the Incas to experiment with different crops and growing conditions.
Visitors can wander through the impressive concentric terraces, marveling at the intricate engineering and the breathtaking vistas that surround them.
The Moray site provides a fascinating window into the Incas’ advanced agricultural practices and their deep understanding of the natural world.
Maras Salt Terraces
Just a short distance from the awe-inspiring Moray archaeological site lies the captivating Maras salt terraces, a unique and centuries-old marvel that continues to enchant visitors to the Sacred Valley.
Cascading down the hillsides, these intricate salt-harvesting ponds have been meticulously constructed and maintained by the local community, producing a distinctive, mineral-rich salt prized for its exceptional flavor.
Visitors can explore the terraces, learning about the traditional salt-making process and witnessing the local workers carefully harvesting the salt by hand.
The stunning visual contrast of the white salt against the surrounding ochre-colored hills makes for a truly unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the enduring traditions and ingenuity of the Peruvian people.
Inclusions and Pricing
The tour package includes round-trip transportation from Plaza de Armas in Cusco and a professional guide to accompany visitors throughout the experience.
However, entrance fees to Moray (70 soles) and Salinera de Maras (20 soles) aren’t covered in the tour cost and must be paid separately.
Travelers will have the opportunity to explore the unique archaeological site of Moray, which features circular farming terraces used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory.
They’ll also visit the stunning hillside salt terraces of Maras, known for producing mineral-rich salt with a distinct flavor.
While meals aren’t included, the tour provides a comprehensive experience exploring two of the region’s must-see attractions.
Meeting and Pick-up
The tour meeting point is at the water fountain in the center of Plaza de Armas in Cusco, and pick-up is flexible, allowing participants to board the vehicle at any of the listed stops. This arrangement provides convenience for travelers, as they can choose the most accessible location to join the tour.
The guide will ensure everyone is accounted for before departing. Throughout the journey, the tour leader will offer informative commentary, enhancing the overall experience.
Travelers can look forward to a hassle-free transportation service that takes them directly to the key destinations, Moray and Salinera de Maras, without the need to navigate the route independently.
Accessibility and Cancellation
Notably, this tour may not be accessible for all travelers, as it isn’t wheelchair-friendly and infants must sit on laps.
Plus, pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions are generally not recommended to participate in this experience.
However, the tour offers a flexible pick-up option, allowing travelers to board at any of the listed stops.
On top of that, the tour comes with a generous cancellation policy, providing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins. This allows travelers to plan with confidence, knowing they can make adjustments if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Group Size for This Tour?
The tour group size is not specifically mentioned in the provided information. Group sizes for tours can vary, so the exact number is not known. It’s recommended to inquire with the tour provider for details on the typical group size for this experience.
Are Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour information does not mention any discounts for seniors or students. Pricing is standard for all participants, with separate admission fees required for the Moray and Salinera de Maras sites.
Can We Extend the Tour to Visit Any Other Attractions?
Yes, the tour can be extended to visit additional attractions in the Sacred Valley. Participants can inquire about customizing the itinerary to include other nearby sites, such as Ollantaytambo or Chinchero, for an additional fee.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
There are typically restroom facilities available at the major stops along the tour, such as the Moray archaeological site and the Maras salt terraces. Travelers can use these facilities during the scheduled breaks throughout the half-day experience.
Can We Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Salt at the Sites?
Visitors can typically purchase additional souvenirs and salt at both the Moray archaeological site and the Salinera de Maras salt terraces. On-site vendors often sell local handicrafts, textiles, and the distinctive Maras salt.
Moray and Salinera De Maras Half Day
“It was beautiful. The price was great. However, the guide would in the whole 4 hours not shut up once. We were going crazy. There was no need to st…”
Recap
The Moray and Salinera de Maras Half Day tour offers a remarkable opportunity to explore two of Peru’s captivating historical sites.
Visitors will discover the ingenious farming terraces of Moray and the stunning salt terraces of Maras, all while enjoying round-trip transportation and the insights of a knowledgeable guide.
This tour provides a rich cultural experience amidst breathtaking landscapes, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the Sacred Valley.
