
- Tour Type
Cultural - Duration
Half Day - Elevation
3300 m – 3800 m - Difficulty
easy - Departure
Plaza Regocijo – Kusipata - Destination
Maras & Moray - Latitude
-13.3320 - Longitude
-72.1800
Gallery
Overview: Maras Moray Tour
In the lofty realms of the Peruvian highlands hides a mesmerizing secret, just a short trip away from the city of Cusco. Enter the realm of the Incas’ ingenious creations with the Maras Moray Tour, presented with enchantment by Magical Cusco Travel Agency.
Be prepared for a great full day tour. Dive deep into the heart of bygone Peruvian agriculture and stonework that has whispered through ages.
Behold the Moray ruins, a spectacle of concentric circles cascading down the earth, each layer a testament to the Incas’ mastery over mountainous terrains. These are not merely ruins. They are chapters of an agricultural epic, possibly the world’s first high-altitude farming lab, where each tier simulates a distinct climate zone.
A mere stone’s throw away, the legendary salt mines of Maras paint the mountainside with a shimmering patchwork of salt pools, an ancient irrigation masterpiece still breathing life into the local community.
Maras offers a unique travel experience. It’s a whisper of daily life from the Inca era, echoing the resilience of traditions through millennia.
Journeying through Maras and the Moray terraces is akin to stepping through a portal into another era. Your guide, a sage of the land’s lore, will navigate you through this historic panorama, offering insights that resonate with the soul of the Sacred Valley and its ongoing saga.
Why embark with Magical Cusco Travel Agency?
We ensure a seamless voyage through time. Our expert team will handle your ride through the scenic Sacred Valley and help you manage the tourist documentation. At Magical Cusco Travel Agency we enrich your experience with every detail of Maras Moray’s ancient allure.
This isn’t just a tour; it’s a passage back through centuries, a chance to touch the brilliance of the Incas and witness the undying echo of their legacy in the Sacred Valley. Come, let’s wander through history together.
Also, don’t forget to check our Tripadvisor reviews.
Location: Maras and Moray
Explore Maras and Moray, captivating spots in the Sacred Valley, located 80 km northwest of Cusco, Peru, at coordinates −13.3350 latitude and −72.1567 longitude. The Maras altitude sits at 3,380 m, while the Moray altitude reaches 3,500 m, framed by majestic Andean peaks. The Maras weather enhances the allure of its historic salt mines, and the Moray weather highlights the Inca ruins’ terraces. Nestled in this scenic region, it’s a cultural gem—perfect before a Sacred Valley Tour for a deeper Andean experience.
Weather: Maras and Moray
Discover the weather patterns of Maras and Moray. From May to November, dry seasons bring 10–20 °C days, ideal for exploring the Inca ruins and salt mines. December to April brings rain with 15–25 °C days, so pack a raincoat. Nights drop to 5 °C, offering crisp views—details echoed in The Climate of the Sacred Valley, perfect to review before a Cusco City Tour.
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional tour guide
- Transportation
- Briefing on Inca agricultural practices
- Visit to Salineras
- Photo stops
Excludes
- Partial ticket for the Sacred Valley (70 soles / 18.5 USD)
- Entrance ticket to Salineras (20 soles / 5.3 USD)
- Meals
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Moray Maras Peru Itinerary
Maras Moray Tour
Your adventure commences at 8:00 AM, with a pickup from your Cusco sanctuary. We’ll traverse the breathtaking vistas of the Sacred Valley, pausing for photos.
Our first step back in time is at Chinchero’s textile hub, followed by a stroll through picturesque Maras. We then delve into the architectural wonder of Moray, its agricultural terraces spiralling deep into the earth—a sight that holds your gaze in awe.
The journey continues to the ancient salt fields of the Salineras, sprawling across 3 square miles, where tradition meets the taste of time. Walk between salt pans and witness timeless extraction methods.
By 2:30 PM we return to Cusco, reflecting on a day rich with discovery.
Tour Statistics:
- Distance Covered: ≈ 80 km round trip from Cusco
- Highest Altitude: 3,500 m (Moray terraces)
- Lowest Altitude: 3,380 m (Maras town)
- Difficulty: Moderate (short hikes, high altitude)
Join us for an enchanting encounter with history, culture, and Peru’s mystical heartland.
Packing List
- Fleece jacket and light hiking pants
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Waterproof jacket, umbrella, or poncho (rainy season)
- Water
- Energy bars, candies, cookies, etc.
- Charged power bank (batteries drain quickly at altitude)
Advantages: Maras Moray Tour
Choosing the Maras Moray Tour with Magical Cusco Travel Agency offers unparalleled benefits:
- Dual Archaeological Immersion
Explore Moray’s ingenious climate-simulating terraces and Maras’ shimmering salt mines in one seamless journey. Witness living history where Inca agricultural science meets enduring tradition. - Cultural Depth Experts
Guides transform salt pans and circular terraces into captivating narratives. Their insights reveal how these sites functioned as ancient agricultural laboratories. - Optimized Half-Day Logistics
Hotel pickup, comfortable transport, and curated photo stops maximize your 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM experience. Focus on wonder while we handle navigation. - Sacred Valley Gateway
Perfect introduction to Andean landscapes before longer tours. Located just 80km from Cusco with breathtaking mountain backdrops at 3,500m elevation. - Living Cultural Tapestry
Observe salt-harvesting techniques unchanged since Inca times. The Salineras still support local communities, tradition in vibrant action. - TripAdvisor-Certified Excellence
Praised for seamless blending of education and awe. We turn stone circles into timeless stories that resonate beyond your visit.
Considerations: Maras Moray Tour
For the safest and most enjoyable experience, keep in mind:
- Dual Entrance Requirements
Separate tickets needed: Sacred Valley (70 soles) + Salineras (20 soles). Carry cash, cards rarely accepted at sites. - Layered Altitude Prep
Reaches 3,800m (12,467 ft), acclimatize 1-2 days in Cusco. Move gently and hydrate constantly despite “easy” rating. - Sun-Rain Dual Guard
Strong UV demands hats/sunscreen. Rainy season (Dec-Apr) requires waterproof jackets, weather shifts rapidly. - Punctual Morning Start
8:00 AM pickup ensures full site immersion. Delays reduce time at photogenic Chinchero textile stop. - Meal Planning Essential
No meals included; bring snacks/water. Limited vendors en route, energy bars recommended. - Footwear for Uneven Paths
Comfortable shoes crucial for Moray’s terraced descent and salt mine trails. Flat stones can be slippery.
FAQs
1. How long is the Maras and Moray tour?
The Maras Moray Tour lasts from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., offering a Maras Moray half day tour across 80km from Cusco. It provides a rich exploration of the region’s heritage, perfect for a quick yet fulfilling experience.
2. Do I need to be in good physical shape to join the tour?
The Maras Moray Tour involves moderate walking, suitable for average fitness levels given the Maras altitude and Moray altitude (3,380m-3,500m). Acclimating beforehand ensures a comfortable visit to the area’s historic sites.
3. Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the Maras Moray Tour welcomes families, with its gentle pace and educational stops like the Maras salt mines tour. The Maras Moray half day tour duration makes it enjoyable for kids, setting the stage for a Sacred Valley Tour.
4. What should I bring on the tour?
For the Maras Moray Tour, pack comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water to cope with the Moray altitude. A camera is ideal to capture the stunning Maras weather and the region’s ruins under clear skies.
5. Can I book a private Maras and Moray tour?
Yes, a Maras Moray Private Tour is available through our Reduced Groups, offering a personalized Maras Moray tour from Cusco. Customize your itinerary to focus on Chinchero or the salt mines, enhancing your trip before Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour.
6. What if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?
The Maras Moray Tour proceeds in most weather conditions, but safety is key. Severe Moray weather may lead to rescheduling, as recommended in the Climate of the Sacred Valley for optimal planning.
7. Is the Maras and Moray tour guided?
Yes, a knowledgeable guide accompanies the Maras Moray Tour, sharing insights into the Maras Moray Peru history and the ruins. Their expertise elevates your journey through this Andean landscape.
8. What is the history of Maras Moray?
The Maras Moray history reveals Maras’ pre-Inca salt production and Moray’s innovative agricultural terraces. These Inca ruins Maras Moray, shaped by local climate, highlight Inca ingenuity, a must-know before Cusco City Tour.
9. How far is Maras from Moray?
Maras and Moray are just 5-10km apart, a short distance that enriches your Maras Moray day trip. The proximity offers stunning views across the Maras altitude, making it a seamless exploration.
10. What is the best time of year to visit Maras?
The best time for a Maras Moray tour from Cusco is May to November, with dry Maras weather and comfortable 10-20°C days. This season is ideal for exploring the Inca ruins Maras Moray, per the Climate of the Sacred Valley.
11. What is the altitude of Maras and Moray?
The Maras altitude is 3,380m, while the Moray altitude reaches 3,500m, offering a moderate challenge. Acclimating ensures you enjoy the Maras Moray Chinchero tour and its historic sites fully.
12. What sites are included in the Maras and Moray tour?
The Maras Moray Tour includes Chinchero, the Maras salt mines tour, and Moray’s terraces, all key Inca ruins Maras Moray. This Maras Moray half day tour covers 80km, immersing you in the region’s history.
13. Can I combine the Maras and Moray tour with Machu Picchu?
Yes, pair your Maras Moray Tour with Machu Picchu 1 Day Tour for a broader Andean adventure. The Moray altitude prepares you for Machu Picchu’s elevation seamlessly.
14. Are meals included in the Maras and Moray tour?
Meals are not included in the Maras Moray Tour. Bring snacks for the 80km Maras Moray half day tour to stay energized while exploring the Inca ruins Maras Moray.
15. What kind of transportation is provided?
The Maras Moray Tour offers comfortable transport for the 80km Maras Moray tour from Cusco. This ensures a smooth Maras Moray day trip to the salt mines and ruins.
16. Is photography allowed during the tour?
Yes, photography is welcomed on the Maras Moray Tour. Capture the Moray weather landscapes and Inca ruins Maras Moray at scenic stops, creating lasting memories of your trip.
17. What does Moray mean in Quechua?
“Moray” might mean “cornfield” or “circle” in Quechua, reflecting its terraced Inca ruins Maras Moray. This detail of Maras Moray Peru history adds depth to your Maras Moray day trip before Humantay Lake Tour.
18. Are there restrooms available during the tour?
Restroom stops are limited on the Maras Moray Tour. Plan ahead for the 80km Maras Moray half day tour, especially at the higher Moray altitude sites.
19. Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, Chinchero offers souvenirs on the Maras Moray Tour, with textiles reflecting Maras Moray Peru history. Shop during your Maras Moray Chinchero tour before heading to Cusco City Tour.
20. What other tours can I combine with Maras and Moray?
Combine your Maras Moray Tour with Sacred Valley Tour for an extended Maras Moray tour from Cusco experience. The Maras altitude and Inca ruins Maras Moray complement this broader adventure.