Visit Moray's giant agricultural laboratory and the Maras Salt Mines
Discover the best of the Sacred Valley on this full-day tour from Cusco, visiting some of the region's most remarkable cultural and archaeological treasures. Begin in Chinchero, a traditional Andean village renowned for its colonial church, Inca terraces, and vibrant textile traditions. Continue to Moray, where you'll explore the extraordinary circular terraces believed to have served as an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory for crop experimentation.
Next, visit the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, home to more than 3,000 salt ponds that have been harvested using traditional methods since Inca times. Conclude your journey at Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns, famous for its impressive fortress, finely crafted stonework, and living Inca streets.
Surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes, this guided experience blends history, archaeology, culture, and stunning scenery, making it one of the most rewarding full-day tours from Cusco and an ideal introduction to the Sacred Valley.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
The Maras Moray Tour is the perfect way to explore some of the Sacred Valley's most remarkable archaeological and cultural treasures in a single day. From the traditional Andean village of Chinchero to the innovative Inca terraces of Moray, the breathtaking Maras Salt Mines, and the majestic fortress of Ollantaytambo, this guided experience offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and spectacular scenery. It is an ideal tour for travelers who want to discover the rich heritage of the Sacred Valley before continuing to Machu Picchu.
- Explore four of the Sacred Valley's most iconic attractions in one unforgettable day.
- Visit Chinchero, renowned for its colonial church, Inca ruins, and traditional weaving culture.
- Discover Moray's extraordinary circular terraces and Inca agricultural innovation.
- Walk among the famous Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools are still harvested today..
- Explore Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved living Inca towns in Peru..
- Learn from expert local bilingual guides throughout the journey..
- Enjoy breathtaking Andean landscapes and excellent photography opportunities..
Highlights: Moray, Salt mines, Ollantaytambo
Hike Distance: Few minutes from the bus stop
Considerations: Permit required
Season: March to December
Max. Altitude: 3,750m/12,319ft
Itinerary at a Glance
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Cusco - Moray - Salt Mines- Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Maras Moray and Salt Mines
Maras Moray and Salt Mines Full Day Tour
Receive a morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco, after which you’ll be transferred for 50 minutes into the Peruvian countryside, passing through the typical town of Chincheroen route. Make your first stop in the small town of Maras, offering you the chance to catch a glimpse of daily life in one of the region’s small towns. Wander the streets of this typical village and sample some “Chicha,” a Peruvian-style corn beverage.
Leaving Maras behind, you’ll drive for another 30 minutes to Moray, an Inca-era archaeological site. Learn about the design and purpose of this circular style terrace system, a complex that was built by the ancient civilization as a testing ground for various micro-climates and different types of agricultural crops.
You’ll have one hour on site. After your Maras visit, make a stop at the “Salineras,” a collection of salt mines used since the Inca period to extract salt. The pattern formed by the area’s range of more than 3,000 small salt pools makes for a visually-arresting view for visitors. After your visit to the Salineras, you’ll receive a ride back to your Cusco hotel.
We are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our tours. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your tour.
WE INCLUDE
We Provide
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your cultural guide and the tour group in our office the night before your City tour departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the tour.
Professional Cultural Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for adventure and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore Cusco city.
Transportations
Private Transport
We included all the transportations during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the tour, the bus returning once you done with the city tour to Cusco will drop off you at your hotel.
Equipment
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Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Entrance Tickets
All customers need a ticket to go in these archaeological sites, it cost S/70 Soles only for 3 Inca sites plus S/10 soles for Salt Mines
Water bottle
Every customer need water during this tour, we will stop in a shop where you can purchase some water bottles and snacks
Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.
What to pack for Maras Moray Tour
We focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack? Important- Passport
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking pant
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible.
- Sunhat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Snacks (Chocolate, energizing bars, caramels, etc.)
MARAS MORAY TOUR FAQs
Here some frequently asked question about the Maras Moray TourWhat is included in the Maras Moray Tour?
The tour typically includes hotel pickup, tourist transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and visits to Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo. Entrance fees and meals depend on the tour package you choose.
Which places will I visit during the tour?
This full-day tour visits Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo, allowing you to experience the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Sacred Valley in one day..
How long does the Maras Moray Tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, departing from Cusco in the morning and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.
Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
Yes. Moray and Ollantaytambo require the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco). The Maras Salt Mines have a separate entrance fee, which is usually paid on-site unless included in your tour.
Is lunch included?
Yes, the full-day Maras Moray tour includes a buffet lunch in Urubamba. Please verify the inclusions before booking.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes. The Maras Moray Tour is suitable for families, couples, solo travelers, and seniors. Walking is moderate, and transportation is provided between all attractions.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, cash for personal expenses, and a light jacket.
What is the altitude of the places visited?
The tour visits destinations between approximately 3,200 and 3,800 meters (10,500–12,500 feet) above sea level. Spending at least one day acclimatizing in Cusco is recommended before joining the tour.
What makes Moray so unique?
Moray features impressive circular terraces built by the Incas. Historians believe these terraces created different microclimates, allowing the Incas to experiment with crops and agricultural techniques.
Why are the Maras Salt Mines famous?
The Maras Salt Mines consist of more than 3,000 individual salt ponds that have been harvested using natural spring water and traditional methods for hundreds of years. They remain one of Peru's most unique cultural landscapes.
Can I continue to Machu Picchu after the tour?
Yes. Many travelers choose to end the tour in Ollantaytambo instead of returning to Cusco, allowing them to board the train to Machu Picchu. If you plan to do this, please inform your tour operator in advance..
Why should I choose the Maras Moray Tour?
The Maras Moray Tour offers the perfect combination of history, archaeology, living culture, and breathtaking scenery. By visiting Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo in one day, you'll experience some of the Sacred Valley's most iconic destinations with the insights of an expert local guide, making it one of the best day tours from Cusco..
From: USD 45.00 per person
USD 40.00: from 4 people to more
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Rainbow Mountain Guide. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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Feel free to reach us via email at rainbowmountainguide@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
Full Day
Maras Moray Salt Mines
Maras Moray Salt Mines Full Day Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT TOUR OPERATOR?
As direct local tour operator, we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 12 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture, English speakers.
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Modern Private Transportation Travel in comfort and style with our modern, safe, and fully equipped private vehicles.
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Safety First: Our licenced guides and drivers are well trained in customer service. We always carry oxygen tank during our Rainbow Mountain excursions.
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No Hidden Cost: Our prices are set up clearly, and we dont have any hidden cost. Our tour guides always will explain what really is the tour.
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