The Maras Moray Tour from Cusco stands out as a mesmerizing journey that plunges visitors into the very heart of the Sacred Valley's ancient wonders.
Maras is famed for its salt ponds, which have been harvested since pre-Incan times. These intricate terraced ponds, carved into the mountainside, present a dazzling patchwork of colors, from crystalline whites to rich browns, depending on the stage of evaporation. Today, as centuries ago, the naturally saline water is channeled into these ponds, gradually evaporating to yield precious salt.
A short distance away, Moray beckons with its mysterious concentric terraces. Unlike anything else in the region, these circular terraces descend deep into the earth, creating a series of microclimates. It is widely believed that the Incas used this ingenious design as an agricultural laboratory, testing and acclimatizing crops to different conditions.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Professional Local Tour Guide
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✖ The tour does not include any meals or beverages
✖ Entrance Fees to Maras and Moray (24 USD approximately)
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
If you are not staying at hotels within the centre of Cusco, we will be picking you up from Plaza de Armas
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
Cusco
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco and will embark on a drive to Chinchero in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is 45 minutes away.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
Chinchero
Chinchero unfurls its splendor succinctly yet impactfully. As you step into this traditional Andean village, the first sight that often captivates is the intricate web of agricultural terraces, a living testament to Incan engineering genius. These terraces, with their earthen tones, contrast beautifully against the backdrop of the soaring Andes, painting a picture of nature and human ingenuity in perfect harmony.
Chinchero's essence is most vibrantly alive in its crafts. Even in a brief span, you will be drawn to local artisans at work, especially the weavers. The brilliant textiles, dyed using native plants, and woven with ancient techniques, are a visual and tactile delight. Observing them you can witness the creation of patterns that have been passed down through generations, each telling its own story.
Visit to Chinchero on our Sacred Valley Tour offers a distilled essence of the place—a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and the living legacy of the Incan civilization.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Maras
We will embark on a 25 minutes drive, off the road to Maras. Here you will be transported to a realm where nature's magic and human enterprise merge. In one hour, the essence of Maras unravels before the your eyes, providing an experience that lingers long after.
One of the mesmerizing sights in Maras is undoubtedly its famed salt ponds. As you approach, you will be greeted by a shimmering mosaic of crystalline pools, each catching the light differently, creating a dazzling spectacle of varying hues. These terraced salt evaporation ponds, some of which date back to pre-Incan times, stretch along the mountainside, with each shallow pool glistening under the sun. As you meander alongside these ponds, you can see the traditional salt-harvesting methods, unchanged for centuries. The sight of local workers carefully tending to the ponds, guiding the natural spring water through channels, and harvesting the crystallized salt, offers a genuine peek into the sustainable practices.
Duration: 60 minutes
4
Moray
Our next stop will be in Moray. Here you will find confronted with one of the most enigmatic and remarkable archaeological wonders of the Andean region. The distinctively terraced circular depressions in the landscape immediately capture the imagination and transport one back to an era of Incan ingenuity and mystery.
Moray isn't your typical archaeological site. At first glance, it might appear as an ancient amphitheater, sculpted by nature and time. However, as one draws closer, the genius behind its design becomes evident. These concentric terraces, resembling giant rings carved into the earth, represent an astonishing mastery over agriculture and climatology. Each level corresponds to a different microclimate, a design believed to replicate varied environmental conditions across the Incan Empire.
Guided through this intriguing labyrinth, you will learn about the hypotheses surrounding its purpose.
Duration: 60 minutes
5
Plaza Regocijo (Kusipata)
After our enlightening tour of Moray, a testament to Incan innovation and resilience, we'll embark on a scenic drive back to the historic heart of Cusco city. As the landscapes of the Sacred Valley give way to the bustling energy of Cusco, you can reflect on the day's experiences, with the tapestry of Incan history fresh in your mind. The journey back will take approximately two hours, allowing you ample time to relax and enjoy the picturesque vistas along the way. As we approach the city, we'll conclude our journey at Plaza Regocijo, a serene square that's just a short stroll away from the vibrant pulse of Cusco's Main square - Plaza de Armas. This location ensures you're at the heart of Cusco's cultural and historical epicenter, making it convenient for further exploration or a restful evening. Safe travels and cherish the memories!
Duration: 2 hours
Additional info
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
