Tour Maras Moray

Itinerary summary

The Maras Moray tour starts with the pick up from your hotel at 08:00 hrs.

• The tour starts in the city of Cusco with direction to Chinchero where we will visit a textile production center.
• After an explanation in Chinchero we will go to Moray where we can see the concentric circular terraces followed by an explanation by the guide where he will explain the microclimates found in this place.
• In Moray we will have time to take pictures.
• We will continue with the next point of visit which will be the Salineras de Maras where we will have a stop to take pictures of the entire Salar at the top of the road. Then we will enter and see the more than 4000 salt ponds and we can learn the process of extracting the mineral and see the types of salt that are produced in this place.
• The tour ends with the return to Cusco city.

Includes

• Previous interview before the tour to clear any doubts.
• Tourist transportation
• Official bilingual tour guide
• Tourist ticket Moray (Complete plan)
• Tourist ticket Salt mines (Complete plan)

Does not include

• Snacks
• Travel insurance
• Lunch
• Tickets: Tickets are only included in the complete plan.

NOTE: Tickets can be purchased at the same centers on the same day.

Complete Itinerary

The Maras Moray tour is a tour that takes place in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in a place of magnificent views of the entire Sacred Valley and its main snow-capped peaks such as the Chicon (4500 masl) and La Veronica (5893 masl) that can be seen from this part of the tour, In addition, this tour leads you through the extensive vegetation of the area and in rainy months the color of this area is more than unique for the green of its vegetation as part of this tour is to know the archaeological site of Moray (3500 masl) characterized by its concentric circular terraces that are in a natural depression and that functioned as an experimental laboratory of products in the Inca period, This place includes water channels and religious centers and near this place is the famous salt mines of Maras (3000 masl) where we can see more than 4000 salt ponds made of stone as a containment with mud mortar and we can see the process of extraction of the same and its derivatives that are used in international cuisine, exfoliating creams and also present in the pastry that show its important value since Inca times and today in a half day tour that will leave you amazed by the natural beauty offered by this circuit suitable for all ages.

Our team will provide you with all the logistical details before the tour. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at a central location near the Plaza de Armas, ideal to continue exploring the city on your own or enjoy a local meal.

TOUR DESCRIPTION:

The Maras Moray tour starts with the pick up from your hotel from 08:30 hrs

• The tour starts in the city of Cusco towards Chinchero (3700 masl) where we will visit a textile production center where we will be shown the natural dyeing process based on herbs and plant products that are used for dyeing alpaca fibers and also show us the whole process of making their textiles from the extraction of the fiber to the demonstration of the final product.
• After the visit to a textile production center in Chinchero we will go to Moray (3500 masl) where we can see the concentric circular platforms that were used since Inca times where they knew how to adapt products in this place followed by an explanation by the guide where he will explain the microclimates found in this place and all the findings that were found in this place.
• In Moray we will have time to take pictures and appreciate the majesty of this beautiful place.
• We will continue to the next point of visit which will be the salt mines of Maras (3000 meters above sea level) where we will have a stop to take pictures of the entire salt flat at the top of the road. Then enter and see the more than 4000 salt ponds in an area of 5 m2 each salt whose process comes from a natural salt spring that contains properties such as sodium chloride, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc and we can learn the process of extracting the mineral and see the types of salt that are produced in this place.

Recommendations

Recommendations for the tour Maras Moray

• Carry your identity card, passport or student card.
• Comfortable shoes
• Bring rain ponchos (October - March).
• Bring extra money
• Warm clothes
• Sunglasses and hat

Tour Maras Moray is available every day of the year

FLEXIBLE PLAN (without entrance fees)
Shared group price: US$ 20.00 per person.

COMPLETE PLAN (with entrance fees)
Shared group price: US$ 48.00 per person.

PRIVATE TOUR 

The service does not include entrance fees: Partial ticket 70 soles (20 USD) and Saltmines of Maras 20 soles (6 dollars).

Taking a private tour allows you to:

• Choose your tour start time
• Enjoy comfort in our new vehicles
• Professional bilingual English/Spanish tour guide
• Pickup from your hotel
• Extra stops at viewpoints that make this tour special.

Inquire about other languages ​​by emailing us at info@ukumariperutravel.com

Tickets can also be purchased in person at all points of visit; ticket prices are listed below.

• Ticket Moray (70 soles)
• Ticket Salt mines (20 soles)

Payment Conditions

Advance Reservation:
Secure your spot by making a prepayment of 20% of the total tour cost.

Balance Payment in Cusco:
The remaining 80% is paid upon arrival in Cusco. We accept the following payment methods:
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
• MoneyGram
• Western Union
• Cash (recommended)

Important:
Payments made by card are subject to a 5% fee charged by the payment platform, which must be covered by the client.
Therefore, we recommend making the final payment in cash to avoid additional fees.

Frequently asked questions and answers about Maras Moray Tour

1. Where exactly are Maras and Moray located?

They are located in the Cusco region, within the Sacred Valley of the Incas, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from the city of Cusco.

2. What is the altitude of Maras and Moray?

Moray is about 3,500 meters above sea level, while the salt mines of Maras are approximately 3,200 meters above sea level.

3. Do I need a tourist ticket to enter Moray?

Yes, you need a Partial or General Tourist Ticket to enter Moray, since it is an archaeological site.

4. Is the entrance to the salt mines of Maras included in the Tourist Ticket?

No. The entrance fee to the salt mines is paid separately at the site (in cash).

5. Can I visit these places on my own without a tour?

Yes, but it is recommended to go with a guide or agency to know the historical context and ensure transportation.

6. How long is the total length of the Maras - Moray tour?

It is a half day tour, with an approximate duration of 4 to 5 hours, leaving in the morning or in the afternoon.

7. What kind of weather is expected during the tour?

The weather is mild during the day, but it can change quickly. In the dry season it is sunny and in the rainy season there may be mist or drizzle.

8. May I take pictures freely at the sites?

Yes, you are allowed to take pictures, but the use of drones is not allowed without official permission.

9. Are there restrooms in Maras or Moray?

Yes, there are public restrooms near the entrances to each place, with a small cost per use.

10. Are pets allowed?

Pets are not allowed in the archaeological sites or the salt mines.

11. Is it possible to walk inside the Moray terraces?

No. Access is only to the viewpoints and authorized paths, in order to preserve the site.

12. Is there a cell phone signal during the tour?

Yes, in some parts of the trail, but in more remote areas there may be little or no coverage.

13. Are there any stalls selling handicrafts or snacks?

Yes, both in Maras and at the entrance to Moray there are small markets where souvenirs, snacks and drinks are sold.

14. What kind of clothing should I bring?

We recommend comfortable clothes, sun block, hat, sunglasses and a light jacket in case the weather changes.

15. Is it necessary to be acclimatized for this tour?

Not as much as other high altitude tours, but it is ideal to have spent at least one day in Cusco to avoid mild altitude sickness.

16. Is it suitable for the elderly or people with reduced mobility?

The hike is not very demanding, but there is uneven terrain. People with reduced mobility may need assistance.

17. Are the salt ponds active all year round?

Yes, but production is most visible during the dry season (April to October).

18. Why are the Maras ponds not connected to the sea?

The salt ponds are fed by a subway salty spring that has flowed from the mountain since pre-Inca times.

19. Can I buy salt directly on site?

Yes, there is pink salt, salt with herbs, medicinal salt and other derivative products at affordable prices.

20. What is the difference between visiting in the morning or in the afternoon?

In the morning there is better light for photos and fewer visitors; in the afternoon the weather can change faster, but there are usually fewer tourists.