Sacred Valley: Maras and Moray

The Sacred Valley‘s Maras and Moray sites offer a captivating glimpse into the Inca’s ingenuity and cultural heritage. At Moray, visitors can explore the impressive circular terraces that served as a botanical laboratory, showcasing the Incas’ advanced agricultural techniques. Meanwhile, the Maras salt mines, with their nearly 3,000 pink salt pools, highlight the historical significance of salt extraction to the local economy. Together, these sites provide a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions, inviting travelers to uncover the hidden secrets that have long fascinated explorers and historians alike.

Key Points

• The Sacred Valley tour explores the ancient Inca sites of Moray, with its massive circular terraces believed to be a botanical laboratory, and Maras, home to nearly 3,000 pink salt pools.

• The tour provides opportunities to learn about the Inca’s advanced agricultural techniques and the historical significance of salt extraction to the Inca economy.

• Scenic highlights include breathtaking views of the Urubamba Valley, with its rolling hills, winding rivers, and snow-capped peaks, offering ample photography opportunities.

• The tour includes transportation, a professional bilingual guide, a delectable buffet lunch, and admission to the Moray terraces and Maras salt mines.

• The tour offers a seamless experience with a flexible cancellation policy and the option to reserve now and pay later, starting from COP8,500 per person.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Sacred Valley tour of Maras and Moray offers an 8-hour exploration of the region’s striking natural features and Incan legacy. Priced from COP8,500 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Participants can reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

The itinerary includes visiting the archaeological site of Moray, where the Incas used enormous circular terraces as an agricultural laboratory. The tour then travels to the picturesque town of Maras, where visitors can hike and explore the famous salt mines, a significant part of the Inca economy.

Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy scenic views of the Urubamba Valley and opportunities to capture unique photographs.

Itinerary Details

Pickup begins at 08:00 hrs from the designated meeting point, kicking off the day’s exploration of the Sacred Valley.

The first stop is the massive circular and semicircular agricultural terraces of Moray, believed to have been used as a botanical laboratory by the Incas.

After exploring this unique site, the tour continues to the colonial-style town of Maras, arriving around 12:00 hrs for a picnic lunch amidst the stunning landscapes.

The afternoon is spent exploring the Maras salt mines, where nearly 3,000 pink salt pools have been in use since the Inca era, a significant part of their economy.

Scenic Views

During the tour, visitors are treated to breathtaking vistas of the Urubamba Valley, a picturesque landscape dotted with rugged mountains and lush green fields.

From the viewpoints, travelers can admire the sweeping panorama of this stunning region. The tour allows for ample opportunities to capture the natural beauty on camera, with the dramatic scenery providing a stunning backdrop.

Whether it’s the rolling hills, the winding rivers, or the snow-capped peaks in the distance, the scenic views throughout the Sacred Valley are truly awe-inspiring and a highlight of the tour.

Botanical Laboratory

One of the most remarkable sites within the Sacred Valley is Moray, an extraordinary archaeological wonder that served as a botanical laboratory for the Incas.

This unique site features enormous circular and semicircular agricultural terraces, which the Incas used to study the effects of different environmental conditions on crops.

By growing a variety of plants at different elevations and microclimates, the Incas were able to develop advanced agricultural techniques and expand their empire.

Today, visitors can explore these ancient terraces and marvel at the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Salt Extraction

After exploring the remarkable Moray site, visitors make their way to the nearby town of Maras. Here, they discover nearly 3,000 individual salt pools where pink salt is extracted, a practice that has been significant to the Inca economy for centuries. The salt wells, formed millions of years ago, are arranged in a stunning visual display. Visitors can observe the traditional salt-harvesting methods still in use today, where workers manually collect the salt by scooping it from the pools.

Pool Size	Salt Yield	Harvesting Frequency
Small	10-20 kg	Daily
Medium	20-50 kg	Every 2-3 Days
Large	50-100 kg	Weekly

The salt extracted from these ancient mines continues to play a vital role in the local economy and cultural heritage of the region.

Cultural Heritage

The colonial-style town of Maras has long been a hub of cultural heritage, with its salt mines playing a vital role in the local economy for centuries.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved architecture and winding streets, seeing the traditions and customs of the region.

The town’s historic significance is evident in its churches, plazas, and markets, where locals continue to practice age-old crafts and trades.

Beyond the salt mines, Maras offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural tapestry, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of its people in the face of changing times.

This unique blend of past and present makes Maras a truly captivating destination for those seeking to experience the cultural heritage of the Sacred Valley.

Inclusions

This tour’s inclusions encompass the essentials for a comprehensive exploration of the Sacred Valley‘s captivating sites.

Transportation to and from Cusco and Sacred Valley hotels, as well as a professional bilingual guide, are provided.

Enjoy a delectable buffet lunch as you soak in the stunning landscapes.

Admission tickets grant access to the remarkable Moray terraces and the centuries-old Maras salt mines.

While tips and personal expenses aren’t included, all the key elements for an enriching experience are covered, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the region’s cultural and natural wonders.

Reservation Information

Travelers can easily reserve their spot on this immersive tour of the Sacred Valley’s Maras and Moray. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the option to reserve now and pay later.

To book the tour:

1. Check availability for starting times and participant selection.
2. Reserve your spot with no upfront payment.
3. Pay for the tour when you’re ready, with prices starting from CKD 8,500 per person.

This 8-hour tour provides transportation, a professional bilingual guide, a buffet lunch, and all entrance tickets, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience exploring the stunning Moray and Maras salt mines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Maras and Moray?

The best time to visit Maras and Moray is during the dry season, typically from May to October. This period offers ideal weather conditions and fewer crowds, providing an optimal experience to explore these remarkable Inca sites.

Can I Visit the Salt Mines at Maras on My Own?

Yes, visitors can explore the Maras salt mines on their own. However, it’s recommended to join a guided tour to learn more about the historical significance and extraction process of the salt pools.

Are There Any Specific Clothing or Equipment Recommendations?

The tour provider recommends wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to capture the unique salt wells and stunning landscapes.

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Sacred Valley Activities?

Yes, you can combine this Maras and Moray tour with other Sacred Valley activities. Many tour operators offer packages that include visits to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and other popular sites in the region.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Level Requirements for the Tour?

There are no specific age or fitness level requirements for this tour. Participants of all ages and abilities can join, as the activities involved are suitable for most people. However, some light hiking is required, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended.

Recap

The Sacred Valley’s Maras and Moray sites offer a captivating blend of Inca engineering, agricultural innovation, and cultural heritage. Visitors can marvel at Moray’s terraced botanical laboratory and the Maras salt mines, seeing the region’s awe-inspiring landscapes and enduring traditions. This unique experience provides a glimpse into the ingenuity and sophistication of the Inca civilization.

You can check if your dates are available here: