Exploring the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru, the Morning Half Day Maras and Moray Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the Inca Empire’s agricultural innovations. Visitors journey to the mysterious Moray terraces, where experimental crop cultivation techniques are unveiled, before witnessing the centuries-old salt production methods at the Maras salt ponds. With expert bilingual guides leading the way, this comprehensive tour provides an enriching cultural experience. However, the true allure of this excursion lies in the secrets it holds, waiting to be discovered by those who dare to venture forth.
Key Points
- Explore the Sacred Valley near Cusco, visiting the Moray agricultural terraces and the historic salt ponds of Maras on a half-day tour.
- Enjoy personalized service with a small group size, and transportation and entrance fees included in the tour package.
- Gain insights into the Inca’s advanced understanding of agriculture and climate through the unique design of the Moray terraces.
- Witness the centuries-old salt harvesting practice at the Maras ponds, showcasing the cultural and historical significance of this site.
- Conveniently start and end the tour at your accommodations in Cusco, with the option to pay later and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Inclusions and Pricing
- Pickup and Drop-off
- Guide and Language
- Moray Agricultural Terraces
- Maras Salt Ponds
- Booking Process
- Cancellation and Payment
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
- Can We Stop for Lunch or a Snack During the Tour?
- Do the Maras Salt Ponds Have Any Specific Cultural Significance?
- Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
- How Strenuous Is the Walking Involved in the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
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Tour Overview
This half-day tour takes visitors on an exploration of two remarkable sites in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru.
First, it visits the agricultural terraces of Moray, built by the Incas in natural sinkholes. Guests can marvel at the unique stepped design and imagine how the Incas used it for crop experimentation.
Next, the tour explores the historic salt ponds of Maras, which have been in use since Inca times. Travelers will see the gradual process of salt extraction from the natural salt springs.
The tour is limited to small groups, ensuring personalized service and a more intimate experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Inclusions and Pricing
The tour package includes pickup from your accommodation in Cusco and drop-off at Plaza Regocijo, just a 2-block walk from the main square.
You’ll have a professional guide available in both English and Spanish to provide personalized service. Transportation is included, as well as the required Tourist Ticket for Moray at S/70.00 per person and the entrance fee for the salt mines at S/15.00 per person.
The tour starts at 8:30 am, and you’ll receive confirmation at the time of booking. Infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, and a reserve now, pay later option is available, with the lowest price starting at €33.13 per person.
Pickup and Drop-off
According to the information provided, the tour operators will pick up participants from their accommodations in Cusco and drop them off at Plaza Regocijo, just a 2-block walk from the main square.
This ensures a convenient start and end to the tour, allowing travelers to easily explore the city center before or after their Maras and Moray adventure. The pickup and drop-off service is included in the tour price, providing a hassle-free experience for guests.
Whether staying in a hotel, hostel, or vacation rental, the tour operators will ensure a smooth transportation experience to and from the iconic sites of the Sacred Valley.
Guide and Language
Along With the convenient pickup and drop-off service, the tour provides professional guides who are available to participants in both English and Spanish. This ensures that all guests can fully understand and engage with the historical and cultural information provided throughout the tour.
The guides’ expertise allows them to effectively explain the significance of the Inca agricultural terraces in Moray and the salt ponds of Maras, delivering an informative and immersive experience.
Key benefits of the multilingual guides include:
- Ability to cater to diverse language preferences
- Deeper insights into the site’s history and importance
- Opportunity for interactive Q&A sessions
- Personalized attention and support for each guest
Moray Agricultural Terraces
Exploring the Moray Agricultural Terraces, visitors discover a remarkable Inca engineering feat nestled in natural sinkholes.
These concentric circular terraces were used by the Incas as an agricultural research station, allowing them to experiment with different crops and microclimates.
Descending through the terraces, guests can observe the intricate system designed to control temperature, irrigation, and soil quality.
The Incas’ innovative use of the natural landscape demonstrates their advanced understanding of agriculture and climate.
Exploring this unique archaeological site offers a glimpse into the Incas’ sophisticated farming practices and their ability to adapt to the region’s challenging environmental conditions.
Maras Salt Ponds
The Maras salt ponds, an enduring legacy of Inca ingenuity, dot the rolling landscape outside Cusco.
These centuries-old salt ponds, built into a natural sinkhole, have been in use since the Inca Empire. Visitors can explore the intricate system of over 3,000 small, terraced ponds where salt is still harvested by hand.
The experience offers:
- A glimpse into the past, as the ponds have been in operation for over 500 years.
- Stunning visual contrast, with the white salt ponds against the green hills.
- Insight into sustainable practices, as the Incas developed this efficient salt harvesting system.
- A connection to the local culture, as salt production remains an important economic activity.
Booking Process
Travelers can easily book the Half Day Maras and Moray Tour through the tour provider’s website or by contacting them directly.
The booking process is straightforward, with options to reserve now and pay later. Confirmation is received upon booking, and passport information is required for all participants.
The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start time. Pickup from Cusco accommodation and drop-off at Plaza Regocijo are included, along with professional English/Spanish-speaking guides and transportation.
The tour has a maximum group size of 15 guests, ensuring personalized service. Pricing starts at €33.13 per person, with the lowest price guarantee.
Cancellation and Payment
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour’s start time, providing flexibility for travelers.
The tour also offers a "Reserve now and pay later" option, making it easier to secure a spot.
Regarding payment, the tour provides the lowest price guarantee, starting at €33.13 per person. This ensures customers receive the best value for their money.
Plus, the tour follows these guidelines:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
- Reserve now and pay later option available.
- Lowest price guarantee starting at €33.13 per person.
- Confirmation received at the time of booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour does not have a strict dress code. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended. Layers are advised as the weather can be cool, especially in the higher elevations of the tour.
Can We Stop for Lunch or a Snack During the Tour?
The tour does not include any stops for lunch or snacks. However, guests are free to bring their own food and refreshments to enjoy during the tour. There are no designated meal breaks provided.
Do the Maras Salt Ponds Have Any Specific Cultural Significance?
The Maras salt ponds have significant cultural importance, as they’ve been in use since Inca times. The salt mining process here has been passed down through generations, maintaining the traditional methods and livelihood of the local community.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
The tour does not have any specific restrictions on photography during the visit to the Maras salt ponds. Visitors are generally allowed to take photos throughout the tour, subject to following any guidelines provided by the tour guide.
How Strenuous Is the Walking Involved in the Tour?
The walking on the Maras and Moray tour is moderately strenuous, involving some steep inclines and uneven terrain. However, the tour is designed for most travelers, with frequent stops and breaks to rest and take in the sights.
Morning: Half Day Maras and Moray Tour
“The half-day tour was perfect for learning about both of these fascinating parts of Peru. The Moray agricultural terraces were so interesting and …”
Recap
The Morning Half Day Maras and Moray Tour offers a captivating exploration of Peru’s iconic agricultural and salt-producing sites. Guests can admire the Incas’ innovative farming techniques at Moray, then witness the traditional salt-harvesting methods at Maras. With personalized guidance from knowledgeable bilingual guides, this tour provides an enriching glimpse into the region’s remarkable cultural heritage.
