Day Tour to Maras, Moray and Salt Flats From Cusco

Discovering the unique marvels of Peru’s Sacred Valley is a must for any traveler visiting Cusco. The day tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Flats offers a chance to take in the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes. From exploring the traditional salt ponds to uncovering the secrets of the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. With knowledgeable guides providing cultural insights, visitors can expect a truly enriching experience. What secrets will this tour unveil?

Key Points

• This day tour from Cusco offers the opportunity to visit the visually striking and historically significant sites of Maras, Moray, and Salineras salt flats.
• The tour includes roundtrip hotel transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a 93% traveler recommendation, making it a highly-rated experience.
• Highlights of the itinerary include sampling traditional chicha, exploring the Inca-era archaeological site of Moray, and witnessing over 3,000 salt pools at Salineras.
• The tour is suggested to be done after visiting the Sacred Valley to take advantage of combined entry ticket benefits.
• Complementary stops at Chinchero for textile demonstrations and opportunities to engage with local artisans provide a deeper cultural experience.

Tour Overview

This day tour provides an opportunity to explore some of the most visually striking and historically significant sites in the Cusco region.

It offers a visit to Maras, Moray, and Salineras from Cusco. With over 100 positive reviews and a 93% traveler recommendation, it’s a highly-rated tour.

Priced from $99 per person, it includes roundtrip hotel transport, an English-speaking guide, a small group setting, and all necessary admission tickets.

Priced from $99 per person, this tour includes roundtrip hotel transport, an English-speaking guide, a small group setting, and all necessary admission tickets.

Travelers suggest doing this tour after visiting the Sacred Valley to take advantage of the combined entry ticket.

The itinerary highlights local culture, ancient Inca sites, and breathtaking salt mines.

Itinerary Highlights

The day tour begins with morning pickup from most Cusco hotels, including Airbnb properties, at 8:00 AM.

Guests will first visit Maras, where they can sample traditional chicha, a corn-based drink, and experience the local daily life.

Next, they’ll explore the Inca-era archaeological site of Moray, known for its circular terraced system used for agricultural experimentation.

The final highlight is the visually striking Salineras, or salt mines, which feature over 3,000 salt pools that have been in use since Inca times.

Additional stops may include Chinchero, renowned for its local textile demonstrations.

• Sample chicha and experience local life in Maras
• Explore the Inca-era agricultural terraces of Moray
• Marvel at the salt mines of Salineras, in use since the Inca era

Meeting and Pickup

The day tour to Maras, Moray, and Salineras picks up guests from most Cusco hotels, including Airbnb properties, starting at 8:00 AM.

A minimum of 2 people is required for the group tours, with a maximum of 8 travelers. Pickup locations are convenient, as the tour includes transportation to and from the various sites.

Guests should be ready at their accommodations for the prompt 8:00 AM departure time. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience during the day’s exploration of these fascinating Inca-era wonders.

Traveler Experiences

Travelers have generally provided positive feedback on the day tour to Maras, Moray, and Salineras.

Common highlights include:

Knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with their expertise and friendliness, such as Fabrizio, Alexis, Efrain, and Flora.

• Knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with their expertise and friendliness, such as Fabrizio, Alexis, Efrain, and Flora.
• Beautiful sights and informative stops that offer a deeper understanding of the region’s history and culture.
• Accommodating service, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

However, some travelers have noted discomfort with shopping stops at local markets, feeling pressured to buy.

Exploring Maras

As visitors approach the charming town of Maras, they’ll be greeted by the sight of traditional adobe buildings and the vibrant local market.

One of the highlights is sampling the local chicha, a fermented corn drink that has been enjoyed in the region for centuries.

Travelers can also enjoy the daily life of the Maras community, observing the locals going about their routines and gaining a deeper understanding of the town’s rich cultural heritage.

The visit to Maras provides a captivating glimpse into the authentic Andean way of life.

Discovering Moray

After leaving the charming town of Maras, visitors will encounter the remarkable Inca archaeological site of Moray. This unique site features a series of large circular terraces, believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation.

Nestled in a natural depression, the terraces step down in a mesmerizing pattern, creating a visually striking landscape.

Key highlights of Moray include:

• Exploring the intricate system of irrigation channels and soil types across the terraces
• Marveling at the engineering prowess of the Incas who constructed this complex site
• Learning about the site’s potential use for crop adaptation and climate testing

Moray’s stunning design and historical significance make it a must-see stop on the day tour.

Marveling at Salineras

Leaving the geometric wonder of Moray, visitors soon arrive at the visually striking Salineras, or salt mines, of Maras. Over 3,000 salt pools dot the landscape, each one a brilliant white.

This salt-harvesting operation has been in use since Inca times. Visitors can walk among the pools and observe locals collecting the valuable mineral. The guides provide insight into the history and techniques used to extract the salt.

It’s a unique opportunity to witness a centuries-old tradition that’s remained largely unchanged. After exploring the saline landscape, the tour continues toward the final stop of the day.

Complementary Stops

The tour also includes several complementary stops that provide a well-rounded cultural experience.

Along With the main attractions, visitors may have the opportunity to:

• Explore Chinchero, a village known for its traditional textile demonstrations and vibrant local markets.
• Witness the production of chicha, a popular corn-based beverage, and learn about its cultural significance.
• Engage with local artisans and have the chance to purchase authentic Peruvian handicrafts, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich craftsmanship.

These complementary stops enhance the overall tour, offering a deeper appreciation for the Andean way of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Transportation Is Provided for the Tour?

Roundtrip hotel transport is provided for the tour. The tour includes pickup from most Cusco hotels, including Airbnb, with an 8:00 AM start time for the day’s activities.

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for families with young children. It’s noted the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Some travelers also mentioned shopping stops where they felt pressured to buy.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated During the Lunch?

The tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions for lunch, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Travelers should inform the tour company of any special dietary needs when booking to ensure their requirements are met.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Site Visit?

The tour typically allocates around 1-2 hours at each site, allowing ample time to explore Maras, Moray, and the Salineras salt mines. The exact duration may vary depending on group size and pace, but the itinerary is designed to provide a well-rounded experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Stops?

The tour overview doesn’t mention an option to extend the tour or add additional stops. However, some travelers note the tour may include extra stops like Chinchero, so there could be flexibility to customize the itinerary upon request.

The Sum Up

The Day Tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Flats from Cusco provides an enriching cultural experience. Travelers will explore the traditional village of Maras, the fascinating Inca site of Moray, and the stunning Salineras salt pools, gaining insights into the region’s history and local life. With knowledgeable guides, the tour offers an immersive adventure that’s highly recommended for anyone visiting Cusco.