Maras

The town of Maras is located in the department of Cusco, Peru. It is located about 30 kilometers northeast of the city of Cusco and belongs to the province of Urubamba in the region of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

History of Maras

The people were settled during the colonial period by Pedro Ortiz de Orué. Maras was occupied by citizens of Cusco brought from the Inca palaces and they were the ones who settled in small villages such as Maras and Sebastian. Maras was a very important center called the Villa de San Francisco de Asis, today Maras is a quiet village and little visited.

Climate in Maras

The weather in Maras, Cusco varies according to the time of the year. Currently, the weather is cloudy with a temperature of around 45 F (7 C) and winds up to 7 mph (11 km/h). While the average temperature in Maras is around 60 F (16 C), it can be cooler at night.
It is important to keep in mind that the weather can change quickly in Cusco due to its location in the Andes Mountains.

Tourist attractions in Maras

The town center of Maras has a monument in the central square with statues representing a couple of peasant and a mule representing the local population and the mule the animal that carries the loads. In addition to this Maras has tourist attractions that are very visited by tourists and are:

The archaeological site of Moray

The archaeological site of Moray is located in the region of Cusco, Peru, about 50 km northwest of the city of Cusco. It is a unique and fascinating place consisting of a series of circular terraces built in a natural depression in the terrain, which is believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural purposes and agronomic experiments.

The Moray terraces vary in depth from 1.50 to 2.50 meters and are arranged in concentric rings. The largest has a diameter of 88 meters, while the smallest has a diameter of 12 meters. Each terrace has its own drainage system to prevent flooding in the lower areas and to provide water for the cultivated plants.

It is believed that the Incas used the Moray terraces as a place to experiment with different varieties of plants and crops. Due to the temperature differences generated on each of the terraces, which can be as much as 15 degrees Celsius, it is believed that the Incas studied how different plants adapted to different climatic and soil conditions.

The archaeological site of Moray is also impressive for its natural beauty, surrounded by mountains and with spectacular views of the valley. It is a popular place to visit in the Sacred Valley of the Incas region and is accessible by a short car or bicycle ride from the city of Cusco.

The salt mines of Maras

The Maras Salt Mines are a set of ancient salt mines located in the district of Maras, province of Urubamba, in the Cusco region of Peru. The site, which is about 3,380 meters above sea level, consists of more than 3,000 salt wells that have been used since pre-Hispanic times for salt production.

The technique used for salt production at Las Salineras de Maras is very similar to that used today. Salt water flowing from a natural spring in the mountains is conducted through canals to the salt wells, which measure approximately 5 square meters each. Once the water evaporates, a layer of salt forms on the surface, which is then harvested and sold in the region.

One of the most interesting aspects of Las Salineras de Maras is that each salt well is owned by a local family, who have passed the technique from generation to generation for centuries. Today, local families still work together to maintain the site and produce high quality salt.

In addition to its historical and cultural importance, Las Salineras de Maras is a breathtaking place for visitors because of its natural beauty. When the sun shines on the salt pits, the view is breathtaking, with the white salt contrasting with the red of the soil and the green of the mountains.

Checoq Archaeological Zone

The archaeological zone of Checoq is a pre-Hispanic site located in the district of Maras, province of Urubamba, in the region of Cusco, Peru. This site is located on top of a hill, at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters above sea level, and offers breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The archaeological zone of Checoq includes a series of stone structures and terraces believed to have been built by the Inca culture. There are several different structures at the site, including what appears to be a main plaza and several residential buildings. There are also agricultural terraces that have been used for growing food in the region.

Although the Checoq archaeological zone is relatively small compared to other archaeological sites in the Cusco region, it is a fascinating and well-preserved site that offers a unique insight into the Inca culture and way of life. The site is also notable for its hilltop location, which provides stunning panoramic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the surrounding region.

Although the archaeological zone of Checoq is not as well known as other archaeological sites in the region, it is a place worth visiting for those interested in Inca history and culture. In addition, due to its location on a hill, it is an excellent choice for those looking for a place to take stunning photographs of the surrounding landscape.

Tiobamba Sanctuary

The Tiobamba Sanctuary is a religious compound located in the town of Maras, in the Peruvian region of Cusco. It is a historic chapel dating back to colonial times, and is considered cultural heritage of the region.

The chapel was built in the 18th century by the Spanish colonizers, who were Catholic missionaries. It was built on the site of an ancient Inca temple, dedicated to the worship of the god Tiobamba, who was believed to be the god of fertility and agriculture.

The Sanctuary of Tiobamba is a small chapel of adobe and stone, with a simple but elegant design. Its walls are adorned with religious paintings and it has a small altar where mass is celebrated. The chapel is surrounded by beautiful gardens meticulously maintained by the local community.

The Tiobamba Sanctuary is an important pilgrimage site for locals, who come here to pray and make offerings to the god Tiobamba. The chapel is also a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors an insight into the rich history and culture of the region.

Visitors to the Tiobamba Sanctuary can take a guided tour of the chapel, which includes a tour of the gardens and a brief history of the site. The chapel is open to visitors every day and mass is celebrated every Sunday.