On this tour to Moray and Maras salt pools you will enter the Sacred Valley to visit two curious places of the Inca civilization: the salt mines of Maras and the circular platforms of Moray. Let’s explore!
With our tour to Moray and Maras salt pools visit the three important archaeological centers that, normally, are not included in the classic tours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Start your trip in the city of Cusco (Peru) and visit:
The Inca agricultural experimental center of Moray. Located 7 km west of the town of Maras and at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. This archaeological zone stands out for its system of circular platforms that, in Inca times, served as an agricultural research center for the adaptation of plants to different ecological levels.
The traditional town of Maras. Located 74 km from the city of Cusco. It is an old colonial town that stands out for its noble coats of arms, of Indian nobles from the colony, which still shine on the lintels of some doors. During the colony, because it was very close to the Salt Mines of Salineras, it was an important political-administrative enclave.
The salt mines of Salineras. Made up of more than 3000 small wells that are dug into the steep side of a ravine. In these wells, following ancient methods, the salty water that emanates from the Qaqawiñay mountain spring is stored and crystallized.
Summary:
- Type of Tourism: Cultural and archaeological.
- Duration: half a day.
- Shared service.
- Period: April – December (best season), January – March (with restrictions).
What places do we visit on the Maras, Moray and Salineras tour?
Maras
The town of Maras will be our first point of visit; which was of great importance during the Viceroyalty, declared Villa de San Francisco de Asís (it was the main supplier of salt in the southern sierra), as demonstrated by the church and the large houses that still retain the shields of indigenous nobility on their facades.
Salineras de Maras
The Maras salt mines tour from Cusco is our second point belongs to the Maras town, which was of great importance during the Viceroyalty, it was the main supplier of salt to the southern sierra, as shown by the church and the large houses that still retain the shields of nobility indigenous on its facades.
The Maras salt mines tour from Cusco the visitor with the more than three thousand wells that they present and that are currently being worked by more than 360 families, who have inherited this custom and artisanal extractive work; The commercialization of the salt is in charge of the Maras Sal association, in charge of looking after the interests of the community since the end of the 80s.
Moray
Our visit ends by visiting the circular terraces of Moray, which are a sample of how Andean man challenged nature and took advantage of their geographical environment to use it for their benefit, these circular platforms served as an agricultural laboratory that allowed obtaining a great variety of species potato, corn, among other products.
Itinerary:
About the Cusco tourist ticket
The tourist ticket allows you access to the different places of interest in Cusco. You can buy it directly at each of the visiting sites, although we recommend you do it beforehand at Av. El Sol 103, Cusco, at the main office of Galerías Turisticas, to speed up the entries and take advantage of the time visiting the places. There are two types:
Complete tourist ticket:
- Peruvians: 70 PEN per person.
- Foreigners: 130 PEN per person.
Partial tourist ticket:
- Peruvians: 40 PEN per person.
- Foreigners: 70 PEN per person.
The integral tourist ticket is valid for all places in the three circuits, in a period of 10 days, while the partial tourist ticket is valid for only one of the three circuits, in a period of one or two days, depending on the circuit.
End of the tour to Moray and Maras salt pools.
IT INCLUDES:
- Income to Moras, Moray and Salineras.
- Round trip transfers.
- Private guide service
- Professional English – Spanish guide.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Hotel night in Cusco.
- Feeding.
- Other services not mentioned.
What to pack?
- Passport // ISIC card // DNI, mandatory.
- Raincoats for rain from December to April.
- Photographic camera and / or camcorder with extra battery.
- Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat.
- Extra money for additional personal expenses and / or gratitude.
What to wear?
- Light clothing during the tour.
Frequent questions:
When is the best time for Cusco Tours?
The dry season (from April to October) is the best time to visit Maras and Moray. The days are sunnier and there is less chance of rain during those months.
How to book the Maras salt mines tour from Cusco?
You can pay with up to 5 payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express or PayPal.
Can I suffer from altitude sickness in Cusco Tours?
Altitude sickness is a condition caused by the tourist’s lack of adaptation to high altitude climates. It is recommended to adapt to the climate of Cusco at least 1 or 2 days before the tour.
Is the Maras salt mines tour from Cusco dangerous?
The only problem during the tour can be caused by altitude sickness (headache, nausea, malaise). Otherwise the tour is safe and well organized.
Are the hours flexible?
Yes. At the request of the visitor, you can stay a few more minutes in a certain place after coordinating with the tour guide.
Until when are the admissions to Moray and Chinchero free?
Free entry to Moray and Chinchero are free only until 2020. It is a measure of the Peruvian State to reactivate tourism in Cusco.
Are the Cusco Tours allowed for all people?
No. Due to the emergency situation caused by Covid 19, people under 12 and over 65; They are prohibited from doing the tour (because they are vulnerable people).
Can I change the date of the tour?
Yes. Changes are allowed up to 3 days before the tour. Review our terms and conditions for penalties.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes. Cancellation of the tour is allowed up to 3 days before the service. Review our terms and conditions for the penalty.
Does the tour comply with the rules to prevent Covid 19?
Yes. The tour complies with hand disinfection, social distancing, use of masks and taking a temperature before the service. In addition, Cusco received an international seal that recognizes it as a ‘Safe destination’.
