If you’re looking for a tour from Cusco that takes you to discover the genius of the Inca world, the Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour with Top Inka Travel is your best option. Explore two of the most fascinating places in the Sacred Valley: the ancient Salineras de Maras, where salt water springs from the mountain and is harvested using ancestral techniques, and the mysterious Moray complex, an Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces that created microclimates for crop experimentation. It’s a perfect experience for those who love history, nature, and the architectural wonders of the Inca Empire.
This Maras and Moray tour is ideal for both first-time travelers and those who already know Peru and are looking for a deeper experience. You can enjoy it in a shared or private format, and if you want more, it’s also available combined with Chinchero or even on a quad bike for a unique adventure. Whatever your style, this tour will leave you in awe with incredible stories to tell. Discover why thousands of travelers choose this tour as a must-do on their trip to Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Summary
Looking for a unique adventure near Cusco? The Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour with Top Inka Travel is perfect for you.
This half-day trip (6 hours) kicks off with pickup from your hotel in downtown Cusco or the San Blas neighborhood. Aboard a comfortable tour bus with large windows, you’ll explore two jewels of the Sacred Valley: First, Moray, with its fascinating Inca circular terraces—an ingenious agricultural laboratory used to test crops like potatoes and corn in different microclimates. Next, the Salineras de Maras, a breathtaking landscape of salt ponds where local families harvest salt using traditional, centuries-old methods. It’s absolutely ideal for photos!
The Maras and Moray tour is perfect if you’re looking for history and nature without long hikes. Choose between an economical group tour or an exclusive private experience. You can even combine it with our Sacred Valley or Cusco City tours. Our guides, fluent in multiple languages, share captivating stories about how the Incas used Moray and the traditional salt extraction process at the Salineras de Maras.
Book now and experience the magic of the Sacred Valley!
Itinerary
Itinerary
Hotel Pick Up Time: 8:00 AM – 8:20 AM
We will start the tour after picking you up from your hotel in Cusco, then we will go to the archaeological complex of Moray, we will visit its experimental circular terraces, the Incas used them to create different types of microclimates and adapt plantations of new products. We will continue to the salt mines of Maras.
On the way we will observe in the distance the snow-capped peaks of Veronica and Chicon, when we arrive at the salt mines located on the slopes of a mountain, we will appreciate all the marvels of nature. There are hundreds of small pools crossed by a stream that feeds them with salt water and from where the villagers harvest the salt. Finally we will return to the transport to return to Cusco, we will be arriving at 2pm.
Includes
Includes
- Pick up at the hotel.
- Tourist transportation.
- Entrance to the salt mines of Maras
- Professional guide.
It does not include
- Entrance to Moray.
- Travel insurance.
- Additional expenses.
Important Information
- Hotel pickups are provided in central locations, around Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
- If your hotel is located far from the historic center, the meeting point will be at the Plaza de Armas fountain.
- The exact pickup time will be communicated the day before the tour.
- Our tour ends on Plateros Street, located one block from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
Recommendations
Recommendations for the Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour
What to Bring With You
To fully enjoy your Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour with Top Inka Travel, make sure to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for terrain with stairs and gentle slopes.
- Warm clothing and a light jacket (mornings are cool in the Sacred Valley).
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for the Andean sun.
- Bottled water and snacks (e.g., a granola bar).
- Your ID or passport.
- Soles in cash for tips or handicrafts.
- A camera or smartphone for photos of the Salineras de Maras and Moray.
The best time for photos is in the morning when the light highlights the salt pools. Buy pink salt from the artisan stalls before heading down to the pools, and bring a small bag to carry it.
Why This Tour is Worth It
The Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour is a unique experience in Cusco. In Moray, you’ll discover the Inca circular terraces, an agricultural laboratory used to experiment with crops like potatoes and corn. At the Salineras de Maras, you’ll see salt pools worked by hand using the same techniques local families have used for centuries. This Sacred Valley tour perfectly complements a visit to Machu Picchu, offering a relaxing and fascinating journey through history and nature.
Why Choose Top Inka Travel
With Top Inka Travel, the Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour is more than just a trip—it’s a connection to Inca culture. Our expert guides, fluent in multiple languages (Spanish, English, and more), explain the history and unique facts with clarity. You’ll travel in a comfortable bus with views of the Verónica and Chicón snow-capped peaks. We depart daily from Cusco at 8:00 AM, returning at 2:00 PM, leaving your afternoon free. It’s ideal for families, couples, solo travelers, or seniors, with accessible options for those who prefer less walking. Book now and experience the Sacred Valley!
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Buy pink salt from the artisan stalls near the Salineras de Maras to support the local community. The tour is suitable for seniors: in Moray, the stairs can be taken slowly, and at the Salineras de Maras, you can enjoy the view without going down. The route is mostly paved with one short dirt section, and our buses guarantee comfort. The half-day tour (6 hours, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM) includes guides who bring the history and legends of each site to life, making your experience unforgettable.
The Best Time to Visit
Visit the Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour between April and October (dry season) for clear skies and dry paths. During the rainy season (November to March), bring a light rain poncho. We operate year-round, so you can choose the date that works best for you.
What Travelers Say
Travelers praise our guides for their clear and passionate storytelling. The Salineras de Maras are even more stunning in person than in photos, and Moray fascinates with its Inca ingenuity. Families highlight the comfort for seniors, and everyone appreciates the punctuality and comfortable buses.
How to Get There on Your Own
Taking a taxi to Moray and the Salineras de Maras is possible but less practical. You’ll spend more, have to manage entrance tickets separately, and miss out on the explanations from our guides, which truly bring each place to life.
Flexible Cancellation
With Top Inka Travel, you can cancel your Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour up to 48 hours in advance at no cost. Travel with peace of mind, knowing you can adjust your plans if needed.
FAQ
Do I need to book the Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour in advance?
Yes, we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot. Our groups are kept small for a personalized experience. Contact us on our website to check availability.
Is the half-day Maras and Moray tour suitable for children or seniors?
Absolutely! This half-day tour is ideal for families, couples, and seniors. We offer an accessible option with less walking and frequent breaks for maximum comfort.
What level of physical fitness is required for the tour?
The tour involves short walks on terrain with gentle stairs at Moray and slopes at the Salineras de Maras. You don’t need to be an expert, but comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Can I combine the Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour with other destinations?
Yes, this half-day tour leaves your afternoon free. You can easily combine it with tours to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or Chinchero the next day. Ask us about our multi-day packages!
Is the Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour from Cusco safe?
Very safe. We travel in modern buses with trained drivers, and our certified, multilingual guides ensure a worry-free experience.
Is there phone service or Wi-Fi during the tour in the Sacred Valley?
Service can be limited in rural areas of the Sacred Valley. We recommend downloading offline maps and bringing a camera to capture the stunning views of Moray and the Salineras de Maras.
What is the best time of year for the Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour?
The dry season (April to October) offers clear skies and dry paths. The tour runs year-round; just bring a rain poncho if you visit during the rainy season.
Do you offer private tours of Maras and Moray?
Yes! We offer private tours with flexible schedules and exclusive guides in multiple languages (Spanish, English, and more). Contact us to customize your experience.
Can I buy handicrafts during the Salineras de Maras & Moray Tour?
Yes! At the Salineras de Maras, you’ll find pink salt and other local products at artisan stalls. Bring cash in Soles to support the community.
Why choose a guided tour for Maras and Moray instead of going on my own?
A guide enriches your visit with stories and context about Inca culture. Going by taxi is more expensive, complicated, and you’ll miss the historical significance of Moray and the Salineras de Maras.
