Half-Day Tour to Moray and Maras Salt Mines
PRICE FROM:
$ 15,00 USD
Per person
- GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The tour to Moray and the salt mines of Maras is a singular experience that connects you with the history and traditions of Cusco. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you explore two of the region’s most iconic sites: the impressive agricultural terraces of Moray and the ancient salt mines of Maras. This tour provides a unique perspective on the ingenuity of the Inca civilization and the traditions that continue today.
Your journey begins at 8:30 a.m. at our central office in Cusco, where you will board a comfortable vehicle for a 1.5-hour drive to Moray. Upon arrival, you’ll be amazed by the ingenious circular terraces used by the Incas as a botanical laboratory to acclimatize warm-weather plants to the high-altitude Andes. Your expert guide will explain the historical and cultural context of these fascinating structures, and you’ll have time to explore and take stunning photos.
Next, you’ll head to the fascinating salt mines of Maras, a place with centuries of history that is still in use today for small-scale salt production. You’ll be able to walk through the maze of salt pools while your guide explains the extraction process and its importance to the local economy. You’ll also have the chance to touch the salt and purchase souvenirs made from this mineral.
To conclude this wonderful experience, you will return to Cusco, arriving around 3:00 p.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to uncover Cusco’s hidden treasures and witness the legacy of the Inca Empire and the traditions that still influence the region.
Tour Highlights:
- Explore the intriguing archaeological site of Moray, famous for its circular terraces used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory.
- Learn about the history and purpose of the terraces, where the Incas experimented with different crops in various microclimates.
- Visit the impressive salt mines of Maras, where thousands of salt pools are carved into the mountainside, using ancient extraction methods still in use today.
- Discover the traditional salt collection process at the Maras Salt Mines, a practice passed down through generations of local families.
- Admire the panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and its natural beauty alongside its agricultural terraces.
- Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region, guided by experts who will share fascinating stories about the Incas and local traditions.
Tour Overview:
- Starting Point: Reservation office in Cusco at 8:30 a.m.
- End Point: Return to Cusco, near Plaza Regocijo.
- Duration: Half-day, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Departures: Daily.
- Group Size: Up to 15 people.
- Free Storage: Available.
- High Season: April to October.
- Sites Visited: Moray and Maras Salt Mines.
- ITINERARY
Day 1: Moray and Salineras de Maras: Half-Day Exploration Tour
Meeting Point
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Explore Peru 360 Booking Office.
Tour Itinerary
Journey to Moray
From our office, we will board a vehicle for a 1.5-hour drive to Moray.
Entry to Moray
Upon arrival, you’ll need to purchase your entry tickets if you haven’t already or present your pre-purchased tickets.
Guide: Our guide will provide an informative tour about the history and significance of the site.
Free Time: After the explanation, you’ll have free time to explore and take photos.
Visit to Salineras de Maras
We’ll continue our journey to the Salineras de Maras, where you’ll receive another guided tour. Here, you’ll learn about the traditional salt extraction process that has been practiced in the region for centuries.
Return to Cusco
After the visit to the Salineras, we’ll return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 3:00 p.m. The tour will end with your return to the city center.
For more details or to book your tour, please contact us at booking@exploreperu360.com.
- INCLUDES / EXCLUDED
- INCLUDED
Includes in Your Maras and Moray Tour:
- Specialized Tourist Transportation: Enjoy comfortable tourist transportation that will take you between the various sites in the Sacred Valley.
- Professional Tour Guide: Our bilingual (English and Spanish) guide, an expert in the history and culture of the Sacred Valley, will enrich your experience with fascinating insights about each site.
- EXCLUDED
Admission Fees:
General Tourist Ticket (BTG):
- Partial Ticket: 70 soles, includes entry to Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
- Full Ticket: 130 soles, granting access to multiple sites in Cusco.
Note: Payment must be made in cash in soles.
Entrance to the Salineras de Maras: Cost of 20 soles per person, payable in cash in soles.
SACRED VALLEY AND CUSCO TOURIST TICKET
To access the archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley and Cusco, it is necessary to purchase a Tourist Ticket. Tickets can be purchased in person at the municipal office in the city of Cusco or at the first site you visit; just make sure to carry cash in soles.
General Tourist Ticket (BGT) – 130 Soles:
This ticket is valid for 10 days and grants access to 16 locations throughout the Cusco region. It covers key sites in the Sacred Valley, such as Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac, as well as sites in Cusco like Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay, and six museums in the city. It also includes attractions in the south like TipĂ³n and Pikillacta.
Partial Tourist Ticket (PTT) – 70 Soles:
Valid for 2 days, this ticket provides access to four specific sites based on the selected zone. For the Sacred Valley, it includes Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac.
Choose the ticket that best fits your itinerary to fully experience the rich history and culture of the Cusco region. Please note that tickets must be purchased as general or partial; single-site tickets are not available. Select the option that best suits your visit.
- WHAT TO PACK
Comfortable Clothing: Wear several layers to adapt to temperature variations. Choose breathable and comfortable clothing.
Sturdy Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip for uneven terrain.
Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle.
Snacks: Bring light snacks to keep your energy up during the tour.
Camera: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture landscapes and sites.
Cash: Carry some cash for entrance fees, souvenirs, or additional expenses.
Light Jacket or Poncho: Depending on the season, a light jacket for rain may be useful.
Personal Documents: Don’t forget your passport or ID, and student ID if applicable for discounts.
- PRICES
Cost of the Tour: USD 15 per person.
Includes:
- English-speaking tour guide.
- Comfortable transportation to and from the sites.
Entrances Not Included:
- Salineras de Maras: 20 soles per person.
- Moray: 70 soles per person (or access with a valid tourist ticket).
These entrance fees must be paid separately at each site during the tour. Be sure to carry cash to cover these costs!
- HOW TO BOOK
Online Booking: Click on the yellow button “BOOK NOW” to access our booking platform.
Select your travel date (we have daily availability).
Fill in your general information in the required fields.
Proceed to payment using any debit or credit card.
You will receive a confirmation email of the tour and payment, followed by a detailed email about the tour.
Important: You can book until 7:00 PM the day before the tour starts. Online booking includes a 2.9% commission charged to the customer.
Office Reservations:
Visit us at our office in Cusco: Plaza Regocijo. Our team will explain the tour details and provide you with a map.
Payment Methods at the Office:
- Cash: We accept dollars, euros, and Peruvian soles.
- Cards: You can pay by card, but there is a 3.9% commission charged to the customer.
Information Needed to Book:
- Full name
- Nationality
- WhatsApp number or Peruvian mobile
- Hotel name in Cusco
Payment, Cancellation, and Change Policy:
- Cancellations with 48 hours notice: 100% refund.
- Cancellations with 24 hours notice: 50% refund.
- Cancellations due to weather or safety reasons: 100% refund.
- No show: No refund.
- Date changes: You can change the tour date within 24 hours without penalty by sending an email to: booking@exploreperu360.com
For any questions or more information, don’t hesitate to ask!
Contact our travel advisor to use this itinerary (or others) as a basis for designing your perfect adventure in Peru together!
RELATED TOURS
We offer a variety of additional tours that maintain the same level of excellence and quality you expect. Discover new adventures and possibilities with us without compromising your experience! Our optional trips are designed to enrich your visit to Machu Picchu and other nearby destinations, always guaranteeing first-class service.
BOOK NOW
We do not need the personal details of all participants, only those of one representative.
We do not request any payment in advance until the availability of your reservation on the selected dates is confirmed.
Once availability is confirmed, we will send you an email from booking@exploreperu360.com with the link or payment methods available for your country.
Once your reservation is confirmed, we will take care of everything. We will be waiting for you on the day of your arrival in Cusco. If you have any questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact us.