Tour Salineras de Maras and Moray in Private with Peru Vip

Moray was possibly an Inca agricultural research center where crop experiments were carried out at different heights, the layout of its platforms produces a gradient of microclimates with the center of concentric circular platforms having a higher temperature and gradually decreasing towards the outside. lower temperatures, thus being able to simulate up to 20 different types of microclimates. It is believed that Moray could have served as a model for the calculation of agricultural production not only of the Urubamba Valley but also of different parts of the Tahuantinsuyo or territory of the Incas.

Salt ponds embedded in salt in Maras resemble a layer of snow that covers the slope of Qoripujio mountain in the distance. It is a spectacular sight. Each of the more than 3000 pools have different shades of white or brown. The salt of Maras has been collected since pre-Inca times and travelers are invited to see this centennial tradition in operation.

During the 12th century and the middle of the 14th century, the Inca Empire took over the operation of Maras. The Incas seasoned and preserved their food with salt. They may also have used the ore for mummification and other religious ceremonies. Ownership and management of the individual salt mines were given to families living in the nearby community of Maras. The same salt extraction process used by these families during Inca times has been transmitted from generation to generation and is still practiced today.