Half-Day Maras & Moray Tour from Cusco: Salt Mines & Inca Terraces

Summary

Visit Sacred Valley’s Moray Terraces & Maras Salt Ponds

You’ll walk ancient Inca terraces at Moray and see real families harvesting salt at Maras—all in half a day from Cusco. It’s hands-on history with local flavor and scenery you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Cusco always feels a bit crisp, especially as you pile into the van after breakfast. Our guide, Javier, greeted us with a quick rundown of the day and a reminder to grab a jacket—turns out, the wind picks up near Moray. The drive out along the Sacred Valley is full of those little moments: sheep wandering across the road, locals selling chicha morada by the roadside, and that earthy smell after last night’s rain. It took about an hour and a half to reach Moray, but honestly, time slipped by as we watched the landscape change from city bustle to patchwork fields.

Standing at the edge of Moray’s terraces, I couldn’t help but wonder how anyone figured out this place centuries ago. The circles drop down like giant green bowls carved into the earth. Javier explained how each level had its own microclimate—some spots felt warmer than others just walking down a few steps. He mentioned some researchers think it was an Inca lab for testing crops. We wandered around for a bit; there’s this odd quiet here except for birds and maybe someone’s laughter echoing off the stones.

Next stop was Maras—just a short drive away but totally different vibe. You catch sight of all those salt ponds before you even get out of the van: thousands of white squares clinging to the hillside. Local families still work these pools today, scraping up salt with wooden tools just like their grandparents did. There’s this sharp mineral smell in the air and if you’re lucky, you’ll see folks bagging up fresh salt right there beside their dogs napping in the sun. We learned that back in Inca times, this salt was traded all over Peru—kind of wild to think about as you crunch along the path between pools.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Moray and Maras

• Explore Moray terraces
• Tour Maras salt mines

Top questions

How long does this Maras and Moray tour take?

The whole experience lasts about half a day—usually 5 hours including travel time from Cusco.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, we’ll pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and drop you off after the tour.

Do I need to buy any extra tickets?

You’ll need a Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) for Moray; entry to Maras is covered by us.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Absolutely—it’s good for most fitness levels, though there are some steps at Moray.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable clothes and shoes are best; mornings can be chilly so bring a jacket or sweater.

What’s included

Your tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, entry to Maras salt mines, plus an expert guide who speaks English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Just remember to get your Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) for Moray ahead of time—and bring comfy shoes!