Venture into the Andes on the Maras Moray Half day tour and explore the famous salt mines of Maras discovering the circular terraces of Moray a marvel of Inca agricultural genius while enjoying breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and learning about local traditions book your tour today and experience the history culture and landscapes of Peru in just half a day
Duration
Half Day
Difficulty
Easy, Easy
15,090 feet (4,600 meters)
No included
by Bus
All year
Venture into the heart of the Andes on the Maras Moray Half day tour and experience landscapes shaped by centuries of Inca ingenuity. Wander through the iconic salt mines of Maras, where thousands of small pools glisten under the sun, still harvested by local communities.
Continue your journey to the circular terraces of Moray, an extraordinary site that demonstrates the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Incas, designed to study different microclimates for crops. Every corner of this trail reveals history, culture, and breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley.
Book your tour Maras Moray half day today and step into a world where ancient traditions and natural beauty meet, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The Maras Moray Salineras Half-Day Tour takes you on a half-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, offering spectacular views of the Urubamba Mountains, the Veronica Mountains, and the verdant agricultural valleys. You’ll visit the circular terraces of Moray, used by the Incas to experiment with different growing conditions, and learn about their history and ancient agricultural techniques.
You’ll then tour the famous Maras salt mines, with more than 3,000 salt pools filled by a spring since pre-Inca times, and the picturesque town of Chinchero, where you can observe the making of alpaca textiles and visit its Catholic church built on the site of an Inca palace. The tour ends with the return to Cusco, arriving in time for lunch on your own.
The Maras Moray Salineras is a fantastic half day tour to explore part of the Sacred Valley. You will see amazing views of the Urubamba mountain ranges, the Veronica mountain and the green valleys of farms. On this half day trip, you will be able to learn about agriculture, textiles, and the history of the Incas.
We will pick you up from your hotel around 8 a.m. and head to the farming laboratory in Moray. This beautiful drive is about one hour and 20 minutes. On your drive, you will see the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, lush yellow fields of wheat, and some villages. Finally, you will arrive at the fascinating display of terraces in Moray.
Moray boasts three amphitheater-like terraces, made by the Incas. These terraces, which are carved deep into the earth, in the shape of a bowl, were thought to be used to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops.
When you are done exploring Moray, you will head about two miles away, to the salt mines of Maras. This village is known as a former salt-producing center and is thought to date back all the way to pre-Incan times.
There are over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountain side, that are filled daily by a stream of water. This spectacular area is perfect for you if you wish to see something different than the ruins.
Chinchero is a small Andean, Indian village located at 3,762 meters high, on the windswept plains of Anta, about 30 km from Cusco. There are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon.
Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. Its major claim to tourism is its colorful Sunday market, which is much less tourist-orientated than the market at Pisac. This market is held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday but if your trip isn’t on one of these days, they have a smaller textile center open daily.
There, you can watch a demonstration on how to make beautiful, natural sweaters from Alpaca wool. Finally, you will get to visit the famous catholic roman church, which was build over the Inca palace.
Once you are done with the visit, you will head back to the city in time to enjoy some lunch on your own.
Planning your visit to Maras and Moray is easier with our flexible private service options. Our pricing is designed based on group size, allowing you to enjoy a more personalized experience while optimizing costs. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or with a small group, this half day tour offers excellent value with comfortable transportation, expert guidance, and a well-paced itinerary.
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PRIVATE SERVICE: Prices are based on Number of people departing that date/ We will leave with minimum of 02 Persons.
02 persons group / US$160 per person
03 persons group / US$140 per person
04 persons group / US$120 per person
05 persons group / US$100 per person
06-8 persons group / US$80 per person
How to book any tour/trek through with PERU AMAZON GARDDEN LODGE.
To confirm the tour/trek we need you to send us your personal information: Full Names, Passport Numbers, Nationalities, Ages, Gender as well as a deposit to secure the trip/tour.
For Tambopata National Reserve (Puerto Maldonado) – Manu National Park We do require a Non-Refundable US$100 deposit per person.
For Inca Trails Treks We do require a Non-Refundable US$200 deposit per person.
For Alternative Treks(Salkantay Trek, Inca Jungle, Lares Trek, Choquequirao) We do require a Non-Refundable US$100 deposit per person.
For Tambopata National Reserve (Puerto Maldonado) – Manu National Park We do require a Non-Refundable US$100 deposit per person.
For Peru Package Tours/Treks We do require a Non-Refundable US$400 deposit per person.
As soon as you had sent us all your personal information as well as the deposit we will send you a Trip Confirmation by email.
PAYPAL: is the faster, safer way to send money, make an online payment, receive money or set up a merchant account. You can easily pay us by using your credit card or bank account. For those that wish to pay via Paypal. Please note that a 6% fee applies. That is, you need to increase your payment by 6% to cover the costs that we incur via this kind of payments.
the remaining, you will pay in cash(briefing day) without taxes.
Please, After your deposit, send Us, Transfer Number to: peruamazongardenlodge@gmail.com, After we are going to confirm your deposit and reservation.
The Maras Moray Half Day Tour is a perfect introduction to the Sacred Valley, combining breathtaking Andean scenery with fascinating Inca engineering and living traditions. In just a few hours, you’ll explore the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, the stunning salt pools of Maras, and traditional villages like Chinchero.
The best time to do this half-day tour is during the dry season (May to September), when skies are clear and the views of the Sacred Valley are at their best. Mornings are especially recommended for sharper light and fewer visitors. The rainy season (November to March) offers greener scenery and dramatic clouds, but paths can be muddy, February is the wettest month.
Since this is a short tour, preparation makes a big difference. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and carry water and light snacks. Layered clothing is essential, as temperatures can change quickly. A camera or phone with good battery life is a must.
At Moray, you’ll explore impressive circular terraces believed to be an agricultural research center used by the Incas. At Maras Salt Mines, hundreds of salt pans create a striking white mosaic that has been harvested since pre-Inca times. Together, they offer a unique insight into ancient Andean knowledge.
Planning your Maras Moray Half Day Tour? This section answers the most common questions travelers have before visiting these iconic sites of the Sacred Valley. From timing and altitude to what to expect at Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Chinchero, here you’ll find clear, practical information to help you.
Our tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours in total, making it perfect for travelers who want to experience the Sacred Valley without committing an entire day. We pick you up from your hotel around 8:00 AM and have you back in Cusco by early afternoon, typically around 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy lunch at one of Cusco’s excellent restaurants or continue exploring the city on your own.
This timing also works wonderfully if you’re planning other activities later in the day or need to catch an evening flight.
Our tour takes you to three extraordinary sites that showcase the ingenuity of Inca civilization and living traditions of the Andes. First, at Moray, you’ll explore three stunning amphitheater-like terraces that descend approximately 30 meters deep into the earth in a dramatic bowl shape.
The Incas engineered these terraces as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with different microclimates, with temperature variations of up to 15°C between the top and bottom levels.
| Country | International Route | Connection in Peru | Approx. Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Fly from Miami, Los Angeles, New York, or Dallas to Lima | Domestic flight Lima → Cusco (1h 20m) | 10–14 hrs total |
| United Kingdom | Fly London → Lima (direct or 1 stop) | Domestic flight Lima → Cusco | 13–16 hrs total |
| Canada | Fly Toronto or Vancouver → Lima | Domestic flight Lima → Cusco | 14–17 hrs total |
| Australia | Fly Sydney/Melbourne → Lima (1–2 stops) | Domestic flight Lima → Cusco | 20–24 hrs total |
| Spain | Fly Madrid → Lima (often direct) | Domestic flight Lima → Cusco | 12–14 hrs total |
| Germany | Fly Frankfurt → Lima (1 stop) | Domestic flight Lima → Cusco | 14–17 hrs total |
| Brazil | Fly São Paulo → Lima | Domestic flight Lima → Cusco | 7–9 hrs total |
| Chile | Fly Santiago → Lima | Domestic flight Lima → Cusco | 6–8 hrs total |
Yes, you’ll need to purchase entrance tickets for the Sacred Valley archaeological sites. The most convenient option is the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico), which can be purchased at the Cusco Tourist Office or directly at the archaeological sites themselves. We recommend buying your tickets at least one day before your tour to save time.
No, meals are not included in this half-day tour. We specifically designed the itinerary to return you to Cusco in time for lunch, typically between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, so you can choose from Cusco’s incredible variety of restaurants.
Altitude can affect visitors differently, but our tour is considered relatively moderate compared to other high-altitude excursions in the Cusco region. Since Cusco itself sits at 3,400 meters, if you’ve already spent a day or two acclimatizing in the city, you should be well-prepared for this tour. However, we strongly recommend spending at least one to two full days in Cusco before taking any tours to allow your body to adjust gradually.
You’ll observe the salt pools from designated viewing platforms that offer stunning panoramic views. Walking directly through the active pools is restricted to protect the site and prevent contamination. These viewpoints provide excellent photo opportunities and clear views of local families harvesting salt using traditional methods. Our guide will explain the entire production process, and many visitors find these elevated perspectives offer better overall views.
Yes! Our tour is rated easy difficulty with minimal walking on relatively flat terrain. Since it’s a private tour, you can explore at your own pace. However, consider the high altitude as children and elderly travelers may be more sensitive to elevation. We recommend taking breaks as needed, and our guides are experienced with families and all age groups, always ready to adjust the pace for everyone’s comfort and safety.
Yes, you need two separate tickets. For Moray, purchase the Boleto Turístico Parcial (70 soles), valid for 2 days and covering Moray, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. For Maras salt mines, pay 20 soles directly at the site. Buy your Boleto Turístico before the tour at COSITUC office in Plaza de Armas or on Sol Avenue. Payment must be in cash with Peruvian soles only. Our guide can assist with purchasing tickets at the sites if needed.
Need help with your reservation or tour? Our team is ready to listen. Please contact us.
We present the best scenes from our Maras Moray Half Day Tour, captured among the surreal circular terraces of Moray and the glowing salt pools of Maras, and you can experience them yourself by visiting these iconic sites with us!
