Peru Off-The-Beaten-Track: Maras, Moray, and Salineras From Cusco

Venture off the typical tourist trail and discover the authentic wonders of Peru’s Andes region. This day tour from Cusco takes you to the captivating sites of Maras, Moray, and Salineras – hidden gems that offer a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. Explore intriguing salt mines, explore the engineering marvels of Inca agricultural terraces, and wander through a charming colonial town, all while soaking up breathtaking vistas. With an expert local guide by your side, you’ll uncover the stories behind these remarkable landmarks and learn about Peru’s timeless allure. Get ready to experience the real beauty that lies beyond the beaten path.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Cusco showcases authentic Peruvian history and culture, focusing on lesser-known attractions like Maras, Moray, and Salineras.
• Visitors can explore the Salineras De Maras, an ancient salt mining site where local families harvest salt using traditional techniques.
• The Inca agricultural research site of Moray, featuring concentric circular platforms, allows visitors to appreciate Inca ingenuity and crop experimentation.
• The tour includes a visit to the scenic mountain village of Maras, with opportunities to explore colonial architecture, local markets, and enjoy a picnic lunch.
• The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness levels, but may not be suitable for those with severe medical conditions or mobility issues.

Overview of the Tour

The full-day off-the-beaten-track tour from Cusco provides insight into Peru’s authentic history and culture.

Departing from central Cusco, it takes visitors to the lesser-known attractions of Maras, Moray, and Salineras. The tour includes round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable local guide who shares informative commentary throughout the day.

Highlights include exploring the pre-Inca salt mines of Salineras, discovering the intriguing Inca agricultural research center of Moray, and enjoying scenic views of the mountainous landscape in the colonial town of Maras.

With included snacks, lunch, and admission tickets, this tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to experience Peru’s off-the-beaten-path wonders.

Exploring the Salineras De Maras

Perched at an impressive elevation of 3,000 meters above sea level, the Salineras de Maras represent a mesmerizing pre-Inca salt production site.

Over 600 local families harvest salt using ancestral techniques, producing the renowned Maras salt. Visitors can explore this unique landscape and learn about the intricate process:

• Saltwater is channeled into a series of small evaporation ponds
• The ponds are individually owned and maintained by local families
• As the water evaporates, salt crystals form on the pond beds
• The salt is then manually harvested and processed for sale
• The vivid colors of the ponds create a visually stunning scene

The Salineras de Maras offer a glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage and traditional ways of life.

Understanding the Inca Agricultural Site of Moray

Situated just a short distance from the Salineras de Maras, the Inca site of Moray fascinates visitors with its remarkable series of concentric circular platforms.

Believed to have been an agricultural research center, Moray’s unique design allowed the Incas to simulate up to 20 different microclimates. This enabled them to experiment with various crops and growing techniques across the different levels.

Today, visitors can explore these intriguing ruins, marveling at the Incas’ ingenuity and advanced understanding of agriculture.

The site’s admission ticket is included in the tour, and visitors typically spend around an hour exploring this captivating Inca wonder.

Discovering the Colonial Town of Maras

After exploring the captivating Inca site of Moray, the tour makes its way to the charming colonial town of Maras.

This scenic mountain village offers a glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can:

• Stroll through the town’s picturesque streets lined with colonial architecture
• Visit the historic Maras Church, a testament to the region’s religious past
• Enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains
• Browse local handicrafts and artisanal products at the town’s markets
• Interact with the friendly local residents, gaining insight into their daily lives

This stop on the tour provides a welcome respite from the more famous attractions, allowing travelers to enjoy the authentic charm of rural Peru.

Inclusions and What to Expect

The tour includes a range of inclusions that ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.

Travelers will benefit from the expertise of a local professional guide who provides insightful commentary throughout the day. Pickup and drop-off in central Cusco are included, along with snacks and a picnic lunch to refuel during the excursion.

While gratuities aren’t included, an additional $6 fee applies for pickups outside the downtown area. The tour starts at 8:30 am and ends back at the meeting point in Plaza Mayor de Cusco.

With positive reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics, this off-the-beaten-track adventure is recommended for travelers with moderate physical fitness.

Meeting Point and Pickup Details

The meeting point for this off-the-beaten-track tour is Plaza Mayor de Cusco, located at Del Medio 123, Cusco 08000, Peru.

Prior coordination with the tour provider is required to arrange pickup times. The tour starts at 8:30 am and ends back at the meeting point.

Travelers should keep in mind the following:

• Tour pickup is available from central Cusco locations only.
• An additional $6 fee applies for pickups outside the downtown area.
• Punctuality is crucial, as the tour can’t wait for late arrivals.
• Travelers should be ready and waiting at the meeting point before the scheduled departure time.
• Clear communication with the tour provider is essential for a smooth pickup and start to the day.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this off-the-beaten-track tour, with an overall rating of 5.0 stars across 6 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the knowledgeable local guides, well-organized logistics, and enjoyable interactions with the local community.

The tour is recommended for travelers with moderate physical fitness, though it may not be suitable for those with severe medical conditions.

Suitability and Physical Fitness

This tour may not be suitable for all visitors. While the scenery and culture are unparalleled, the moderate physical demands of the itinerary may pose challenges for some travelers.

The tour involves:

• Walking on uneven terrain for extended periods
• Ascending and descending steep staircases and hills
• Navigating high-altitude environments with lower oxygen levels
• Carrying one’s own supplies and belongings throughout the day
• Potential exposure to hot, dry, or inclement weather conditions

Individuals with severe medical conditions, mobility issues, or low fitness levels should carefully consider their ability to participate comfortably.

The rewards of this off-the-beaten-track experience make it a compelling choice for travelers with a reasonable level of physical capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cameras and Photography Allowed at the Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the Salineras de Maras, Moray, and Maras sites. Visitors are encouraged to capture the stunning landscapes and unique cultural features during the tour. However, it’s always wise to check with the guide for any site-specific photography policies.

What Language(S) Does the Tour Guide Speak?

The tour guide speaks Spanish and English, allowing them to provide informative commentary in the languages most visitors understand. This ensures a seamless and enriching experience throughout the excursion.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated During the Tour?

The tour accommodates dietary requirements. Travelers can notify the tour provider of any dietary restrictions, and the tour will include suitable snacks and lunch options to cater to those needs.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer customization options, but you can extend the duration by requesting additional time at each attraction. However, this would require prior coordination with the tour operator and may incur extra costs.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation and refund policy allows full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours prior to the tour. Shorter notice may result in partial refunds or no refund, subject to the tour provider’s discretion.

Recap

This off-the-beaten-track tour from Cusco provides a unique opportunity to experience the authentic beauty and rich cultural heritage of Peru. Visitors will be captivated by the stunning salt mines of Salineras, the innovative Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, and the charming colonial town of Maras. With a knowledgeable local guide, travelers can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and gain insights into ancient techniques, making for an unforgettable cultural journey.