Maras Moray Salineras Full Day Tour

Duration

Full Day

Type of tour

Historical

Difficulty

Easy

Best Time

All year round

The Maras, Moray, and Salt Mines Tour is the perfect option for those who want to make the most of their day discovering history, living culture, and unique landscapes of the Sacred Valley in just a few hours. It is a comfortable and easy excursion, suitable for all ages, as it does not require major physical effort. On the route, you will visit Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory with impressive circular terraces, and the Salt Mines of Maras, a complex of more than 3,000 salt ponds that have been harvested by hand since pre-Inca times. All this is complemented by spectacular views of the Andes and communities that keep their traditions alive. A cultural, accessible, and well-organized experience to enjoy the best of the Inca legacy and the Andean essence.

8:30 a.m. Hotel pickup: (meeting point coordination in case of Airbnb or remote areas).
Departure from Cusco: Tour begins at 9:00 a.m.
Moray: Exploration of the circular terraces, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory.
Salt Mines: Visit to the impressive salt ponds with more than 3,000 pools.
Lunch in Urubamba: Optional buffet lunch featuring local cuisine.
Chinchero: Visit to its Andean textile center.
Return to Cusco: Approximate arrival at 3:00 p.m.
End of service: Drop-off at Plaza San Francisco (a few blocks from the Main Square).

We begin our tour with pickup from your hotel around 8:30 a.m., starting an unforgettable experience that combines culture, history, and natural landscapes in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

At 9:00 a.m., we will visit the Quechua House in Chinchero, where you’ll have a direct encounter with the living culture of the Andes and learn more about their textile traditions and ways of life.

We then continue to the Archaeological Park of Moray, known as the Inca Agricultural Experimental Laboratory. Here, you will discover how the Incas used circular terraces to adapt different crops to various soil, humidity, and temperature conditions, showcasing their advanced knowledge of agricultural engineering.

Our next stop will be the picturesque town of Maras, famous for its production of pink salt. From there, we will head to the impressive Maras Salt Mines, a complex of more than 3,000 natural salt ponds, communally exploited since ancient times. During the visit, you will learn about the traditional extraction process and its economic importance for local families.

Finally, we return to Cusco, arriving around 3:00 p.m., with drop-off near the Main Square.

¿Qué incluye?

Tourist transport: Comfortable and safe throughout the journey.
Hotel pickup: From the historic center of Cusco (coordination required for remote areas or Airbnb).
Professional certified guide: Expert information in Spanish and English.
First aid kit: To ensure safety during the tour.

No incluye

Partial Tourist Ticket: Required for entry to the archaeological site of Moray (70 soles).
Entrance to Salineras: 20 soles.
Meals not mentioned: Expenses for food outside of the optional lunch.
Extra expenses: Personal purchases, souvenirs, and tips.

Recomendaciones

Documentation: Bring your original ID or passport, as it is required to enter some tourist sites.
Physical condition: It is not a demanding walk, but it is recommended to be acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude to avoid altitude sickness.
Appropriate clothing: Wear comfortable, layered clothing. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket, as the weather can change quickly.
Comfortable footwear: Sports shoes or trekking shoes with good traction are recommended, as some paths may be uneven or dusty.
Sun protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap, as sun exposure can be intense.
Hydration and snacks: Bring a reusable water bottle and some energy snacks to stay energized during the tour.
Small backpack: Carry only the essentials in a light backpack for greater comfort.
Cash: Bring Peruvian soles for entrance fees and personal purchases, as many places do not accept cards.
Respect for the environment: Do not leave trash along the way and always follow the guide’s instructions to preserve heritage and nature.
Punctuality: Respect pick-up times and established stops to make the most of the tour.

How much does the Maras, Moray and Salt Mines Full Day Tour cost?
Our Maras, Moray and Salt Mines Tour offers you two service options so you can choose the one that best suits your travel style:

Standard Service: Includes tourist transportation and a professional bilingual guide, ideal to visit these attractions comfortably and at an affordable price.
Premium Service: A more exclusive experience with private transportation and a specialized guide just for your group (Spanish or English), guaranteeing greater flexibility, comfort, and personalized attention.

In either option, you will enjoy a unique tour of the main attractions of the Sacred Valley, exploring the enigmatic circular terraces of Moray, the impressive Maras Salt Mines, and the picturesque town of Maras, all carefully planned to provide you with a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Andes.

PRICE PER PERSON
SERVICE CATEGORY	Foreign Adult	Peruvian Adult	Student Child
Standard Service Tour: tourist transportation, professional guide.	19 USD	19 USD	19 USD
Premium Tour: private transportation service, exclusive guide (Spanish, English).	39 USD	39 USD	39 USD

Preguntas frecuentes

What places are visited on the tour?
The tour begins in Chinchero, where a textile center is visited to learn about the traditional weaving process. Then, it continues to the circular terraces of Moray and ends at the Maras Salt Mines.
In what language is the guided service?
The guided service is available in Spanish and English. It can also be requested in French or German in advance. For other languages, a private guide can be arranged.
Does the tour include meals?
No, meals are not included. It is recommended to bring snacks and water.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours.
What is the best time to visit Chinchero, Moray, and Salt Mines?
The best time is from April to October, when there is less rain and the weather is more stable. During the rainy season (November to March), the paths may become slippery.
Do I need entrance tickets?
Yes, the Partial or General Tourist Ticket is required to enter Moray. For the Maras Salt Mines, a separate entrance ticket must be purchased. The visit to the Chinchero textile center does not require a ticket.
Can I change the tour date after purchase?
Date changes are subject to availability and must be requested in advance. Additional charges may apply.
Can I cancel the tour and get a refund?
Cancellation policies depend on the tour operator. Generally, refunds are not allowed for last-minute bookings.
Is it suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, it is an accessible tour, ideal for families with children and seniors in good health.
How far in advance should I book the tour?
It is recommended to book at least a few days in advance, especially during high season (June to August).
Is travel insurance mandatory?
It is not mandatory, but it is recommended to have insurance that covers medical emergencies or unforeseen events during the trip.
Is the tour canceled due to bad weather?
The tour takes place in any weather condition, but in case of heavy rains or extreme conditions, route modifications may be made for safety. It is recommended to bring waterproof clothing.
What clothing and equipment should I bring?
It is recommended to bring comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket, as the weather may vary.
Can I bring luggage or large backpacks?
It is recommended to bring only small backpacks, as transportation space is limited.
Can products be purchased at the Maras Salt Mines?
Yes, at the entrance of the Salt Mines there are shops where you can buy different types of salt, such as pink salt, among other local products.

CUSCO TOURIST TICKET

The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) is the official pass that grants access to the main archaeological sites, museums, and cultural centers in Cusco and its surroundings. This ticket is essential for those who want to explore the Cusco City Tour, the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, and other attractions in the region.

There are two main options: General Ticket and Partial Ticket.

GENERAL TICKET (BTG) Duration 10 days Includes 16 attractions:

In Cusco and surroundings: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay.
In the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray.
In the South Valley: Tipón, Pikillacta
In the city of Cusco:
- Museum of Popular Art
- Qoricancha Site Museum
- Regional Historical Museum
- Qosqo Center of Native Art
- Inca Pachacútec Monument

PRICES:

Foreign adult tourist: S/ 130
Foreign student (up to 25 years old, with ISIC or university card): S/ 70
National adult tourist: S/ 70
National student (with valid DNI, up to 25 years old): S/ 40
Important: Ideal for those who have several days in Cusco and wish to explore most of the attractions.

PARTIAL TICKET (BTP) Duration 1 or 2 days, depending on the chosen circuit Includes 3 available circuits:

Circuit I – Cusco City Tour:

Sacsayhuamán
Qenqo
Pucapucara
Tambomachay

Circuit II – Museums and South Valley:

Tipón
Pikillacta
Qoricancha Museum
Regional Historical Museum
Inca Pachacútec Monument
Museum of Popular Art
Qosqo Center of Native Art

Circuit III – Sacred Valley:

Pisac
Ollantaytambo
Chinchero
Moray

PRICES (ANY CIRCUIT):

Foreign adult or student tourist: S/ 70 (no additional discount).
National adult or student tourist: S/ 40 (no additional discount).
Important: Perfect for those with limited time who will only visit one circuit.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The BTC does not include Machu Picchu, Cusco Cathedral, or the Qoricancha Temple (these tickets must be purchased separately).
Children under 9 years old enter for free.
Students must present a valid university card (up to 25 years old) or an ISIC card.
Tickets are personal and non-transferable.
Tickets can only be purchased at COSITUC offices or at authorized tourist sites.

CONCLUSION

The General Ticket is the best option for those who want to make the most of their visit to Cusco over several days.
The Partial Ticket is the most practical alternative for those with limited time or who want to explore just one specific circuit.

From: $19.00 / person

IMPORTANTE

To enjoy the full Machu Picchu experience, it is essential to book in advance, especially for Circuit 2, which is the most recommended. This tour offers the most comprehensive coverage of the citadel, combining breathtaking panoramic views with the most important archaeological sites.