Embark on a private half-day tour to Maras and Moray, two of the most fascinating archaeological sites located in the Sacred Valley of Peru. This exclusive tour will take you through ancient Inca agricultural terraces, stunning salt mines, and breathtaking landscapes that showcase the brilliance of Inca engineering and the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley.
The half-day tour to Maras Moray offers you the unique opportunity to explore two of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This private tour guarantees you a personalized experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Inca Empire.
Discover the ancient terraced fields of Moray:
Moray is one of the most fascinating Inca sites, with circular terraced fields that were used for experiments in growing crops at different altitudes. Learn how these terraces helped the Incas optimize crop cultivation in the diverse climate of the Andes.
Visit the salt mines of Maras: A living Inca tradition:
The salt mines of Maras, known locally as Salineras, have been producing salt for centuries. Over 5,000 salt basins still use the same ancient methods of salt extraction that have been passed down from pre-Inca cultures. This unique site offers a glimpse into the traditional craftsmanship of the Andes.
Explore the ruins of Chinchero:
Visit the ruins of Chinchero, an Inca site known for its beautiful terraces and the colonial-era Chinchero Church. Located at a higher elevation, Chinchero is known for its colorful textile traditions and its historical significance as a sacred site. This is an ideal stop to admire both Inca architecture and vibrant local culture.
Departure: 8:00 am or 12:30 pm from your hotel in Cusco
Discover three of the most iconic destinations in the Sacred Valley on this private tour to Maras, Moray, and Chinchero, designed for travelers seeking comfort, personalization, and deep cultural insights:
1. Private Pick-Up from Your Hotel in Cusco
Your private tour begins with hotel pick-up at your chosen time (8:00 AM or 12:30 PM). Your certified guide will welcome you and brief you about the journey ahead as we start driving into the Sacred Valley.
2. Moray – Inca agricultural laboratory.
Altitude: 3,450 m / 11,318 ft.
Travel time: approximately 1 hour from Cusco in our private vehicle.
We begin at the fascinating terraces of Moray, believed to have been an advanced Inca agricultural research center. Your private guide will explain how the different temperature levels on the circular platforms created unique microclimates that were used to experiment with various crops.
Highlights:
3. Maras Village and Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras)
Altitude: 3,385 m / 11,106 ft.
Travel time: 25 minutes from Moray.
Next, we will continue to the traditional Andean village of Maras, famous for its colonial-style streets and proximity to the salt mines.
At the Maras Salt Mines, you will see more than 3,000 salt pools that have been in use since pre-Inca times.
What you will experience on this private tour:
5. Return to your hotel in Cusco
After visiting Chinchero, we will return in your private vehicle directly to your hotel in Cusco. Estimated time of arrival:
You can enhance your private tour by:
You must consider that this tour takes place at a high altitude that is higher than the city of Cusco. You should pack for cold weather, as well as sunny and rainy days.
On our tours we use private vans; However, in the places visited it is necessary to walk on uneven terrain for an average of 30 minutes and bring appropriate footwear and clothing.
Here are some things you may want to pack for the Maras Moray and Chinchero tour:
You should always know about weather conditions before your visit to prepare for possible inclement weather. Bring any necessary medications or supplies if you have a special medical need.
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 2 Persons | $ USD 75.00 | Inquire Now |
| 3 Persons | $ USD 65.00 | Inquire Now |
| 4 Persons | $ USD 55.00 | Inquire Now |
| 5 Persons | $ USD 45.00 | Inquire Now |
| 6 Persons or more | $ USD 35.00 | Inquire Now |
Price of the Half-day tour to Maras Moray and Chinchero.:
Travelers ages 4 and up contact us for a special rate: info@perulocalexpeditions.com
A deposit of US$40 per person is required to book the Maras Moray and Chinchero tour. You can pay the remaining balance online or at our office in Cusco with any card and without reservation fees.
Places we visit on the Half-day tour to Maras Moray and Chinchero.
Moray (circular terraces)
Moray is located at about 3,385 m (11,105 ft). It is known for its unique circular terraces built in the Inca Empire.
These terraces at Moray are arranged in a series of concentric circles and are believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experiments.
Here we can also find Inca constructions and irrigation canals used to control the flow of water to the terraces and store agricultural products.
The town of Maras
It is also known as “City of the Portals”, because in this city there are many doors and arches from the colonial era, known in Spanish as “portadas”.
Maras salt mines
The Maras Salt Flats are a series of salt evaporation lagoons in the Sacred Valley located about 3,200 meters above sea level. These salt pools have been used since before the Incas until today.
These salt pools are located outside the city of Maras and cover an area of several hectares. There are thousands of small pools filled with salt water that comes from the underground. The water evaporates with the sun, leaving salt crystals that are collected by local families.
The salt produced is used for cooking and preserving food, as well as for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. The residents live from the production of this salt and everyone works as a community.
Chinchero (Land of the Great Weavers)
Chinchero is an Andean town located at 3,762 m altitude. It is known as the “Land of the Great Weavers” since many outstanding weavers live here who produce works of art with the wool of different camelids with ancestral techniques.
In Chinchero we can also find an archaeological site with a large colonial church called “Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat” built on the bases of an Inca temple.
The foundations of this church were made by the Inca ruler Tupac Yupanqui. The palace featured impressive masonry and a large central courtyard and was probably used for ceremonies.
In addition to this Chinchero is also known for its stunning views of the Andes Mountains and its bustling local markets where visitors can purchase textiles and other artisan products
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