Maras and Moray Salt Mines Half Day Tour From Cusco
We offer a guided half-day cultural tour from Cusco to two distinctive destinations in the upper Sacred Valley. The service begins with pickup from your Cusco hotel at approximately 8:00 a.m. and returns around 1:00 p.m., leaving the rest of your day available for other activities.
Travel by tourist transportation through highland farmland and open valley scenery before reaching the Maras Salt Mines. From the designated viewpoint, you will see thousands of salt pools built into the mountainside while your local guide explains the natural water source, the evaporation process, and the traditional harvesting methods maintained by local families.
The journey continues to Moray, an archaeological site recognized for its large circular terraces. During the guided visit, you will learn how their design created different conditions that may have supported agricultural study during the Inca period.
This experience is well suited to couples, families, older travelers, and anyone interested in history and local traditions without a demanding hike. Our service includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transportation, and an English-speaking guide. Small-group and private options are available, while entrance fees and meals are paid separately.
Tour Highlights
- Hotel pickup and return transportation from Cusco
- Half-day schedule with an expected return around 1:00 p.m.
- Panoramic views of the Sacred Valley countryside
- Designated viewpoint overlooking the Maras Salt Mines
- Explanation of the traditional salt-harvesting process
- Guided visit to the circular terraces of Moray
- Information about Inca agriculture and local history
- Limited walking and a relaxed activity level
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- Choice between small-group and private service
Itinerary
Half Day Itinerary
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 8:00 a.m. and travel toward Maras in comfortable tourist transportation. Along the way, you will see highland farmland, local communities, and wide views across the Urubamba Valley.
At the Maras Salt Mines, you will visit the designated viewpoint overlooking thousands of salt pools built into the mountainside. Your guide will explain how the natural saline water is directed into the pools and how local families continue to harvest salt through solar evaporation. Direct access to the active pools is restricted to protect the site and prevent contamination.
We will then continue to the Moray archaeological site, known for its circular agricultural terraces. During the guided visit, you will learn how researchers believe the Incas used the different terrace levels to study growing conditions and adapt crops to different environments. You will also have time to walk around the site and take photographs.
After visiting Moray, we will return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel at approximately 1:00 p.m. Return times may vary depending on traffic and site conditions.
Inclusions
Tour Inclusions and Additional Costs
Review the services included in your reservation and the additional expenses you should consider before departure.
Departure and Return
- Pickup location: Your hotel in Cusco
- Departure time: Approximately 8:00 a.m.
- Return location: Your hotel in Cusco
- Estimated return: Approximately 1:00 p.m.
- Tour duration: Approximately 5 hours
Pickup and return times may vary slightly depending on traffic and local conditions.
What Is Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Transportation between Maras Salt Mines and Moray
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- Guided explanations at both sites
- First-aid kit
Transportation is shared for small-group departures and private for travelers who reserve the private tour option.
What Is Not Included
- Admission to Moray through the Cusco Tourist Ticket
- Separate admission to the Maras Salt Mines
- Breakfast, lunch, or other meals
- Bottled water and personal snacks
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Optional gratuities for the guide and driver
Entrance tickets must be paid locally in Peruvian soles. Current admission prices should be confirmed before departure because local rates may change.
Packing List
What to Bring
This is a relaxed half-day cultural tour, so you only need a small daypack with a few practical items.
- Original passport or valid photo ID
- Comfortable walking shoes with good traction
- Lightweight clothing and a warm layer
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho during the rainy season
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher
- Reusable water bottle
- Fully charged phone or camera
- Personal medication
- Cash in Peruvian soles for entrance tickets, snacks, souvenirs, and optional tips
Useful Information
- The Cusco Tourist Ticket is required to enter Moray.
- Admission to the Maras Salt Mines requires a separate ticket.
- Entrance tickets are not included and must be paid locally in Peruvian soles.
- Admission prices may change, so confirm the current rates before departure.
- Daily departures require a minimum of two travelers.
- The dry season generally runs from May through October.
- The rainy season generally runs from November through April.
- Pickup begins at approximately 8:00 a.m., with return to Cusco around 1:00 p.m.
- The tour involves limited walking but includes uneven ground and steps at the archaeological sites.
Price
Tour Prices
Choose between a shared small-group departure or a private service reserved exclusively for your party. All prices are listed in U.S. dollars and are charged per person.
Small-Group Tour
| Traveler Category | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 travelers | US$90 |
| 4 or more travelers | US$80 |
| Children and students | US$70 |
Private Tour
| Traveler Category | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 travelers | US$120 |
| 4 or more travelers | US$100 |
| Children and students | US$90 |
Pricing Information
- A minimum of two travelers is required.
- Small-group departures may include other travelers.
- Private departures are reserved exclusively for your party.
- Entrance tickets to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines are not included.
- Child and student rates require valid identification and confirmation when booking.
- Prices are subject to availability and should be confirmed before payment.
FAQs
FAQs About the Maras Moray Tour
How long does the Maras Moray Tour last?
The duration of our Maras Moray Tour is half a day. Typically, it begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. This makes it a fantastic choice if you're on a limited time or would like to combine it with other activities in the stunning Sacred Valley.
What destinations are included in the Maras Moray Tour?
The tour itself covers guided visits to two truly fascinating spots: the Inca agricultural terraces at Moray and the historic Maras Salt Mines. These iconic sites really offer a fantastic glimpse into both ingenious Inca engineering and traditional salt extraction methods that are still actively used even today.
Is the Maras Moray Tour suitable for kids and older travelers?
Absolutely! As long as they are in reasonably good health, tourists of all ages can enjoy the gentle and delightful Maras Moray Tour. The terrain is generally very easy to navigate, and the walking distances are fairly short.
Are entrance tickets included in the Maras Moray Tour package?
No, the standard package does not include entrance fees. Both a tourist ticket for Moray and a separate ticket for the Maras Salt Mines are required. Our staff will make sure you understand where and how to buy these before your tour begins.
Can I fly a drone during the Maras Moray Tour?
Drone use is generally restricted at both sites to preserve their cultural and historical integrity. If you're a professional looking to film, let us know in advance so we can check for possible authorizations.
is the Maras Moray Tour available every day?
Absolutely. Our Maras Moray Tour operates daily, depending on availability and a minimum of two participants. It's one of the most flexible and rewarding half-day excursions in the Sacred Valley.
What is the best time of year to take the Maras Moray tour?
You can definitely enjoy the Maras Moray tour any time of year, but the dry season (April to October) really offers the best weather. That means clearer views and much more comfortable conditions for walking around.
Can I combine the Maras Moray tour with other nearby attractions?
Absolutely. Many travelers combine the Maras Moray tour with visits to the Salt Mines of Maras or even a trip to Ollantaytambo or Chinchero, depending on their schedule.
