About this experience
Though they may not make the list of big-hitter Incan sites in Peru, the ruins at Moray and pre-Inca salt mines of Salineras are no less fascinating than their more famous counterparts. Discover these off-the-beaten-track ruins on this day tour from Cusco, which also includes a visit to the quiet colonial town of Maras. A guided tour makes it easy to explore less-frequented locales and includes informative commentary and round-trip transportation from Cusco.
At a glance
- Duration: 5 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 5 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
A Slow Sacred Valley Itinerary: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray
Skip the rushed day tour. This three-day route gives the Sacred Valley the time it deserves, with honest notes on transport, food, and where to sleep.
Maras Salt Mines Day Trip From Cusco
Plan a practical day trip from Cusco to the Maras Salt Mines, with route estimates, entry guidance, walking considerations, and an optional Moray stop.
Moray Day Trip From Cusco
Plan a Moray day trip from Cusco with practical advice on road transport, Circuit III tickets, site hours, altitude, weather, and heritage-site rules.
What is included
- First Aid Kit
- Transport
- Bi-lingual Guide
Not included
- Entrance Ticket: Partial 70 Soles (2 Days Validity) | Complete 130 Soles (10 Days Validity)
- Entrance to Salineras
- Meals
Itinerary and highlights
The salt mines, or the famous "salt pools" of Maras are located in the rural community of Pichingoto. This site is highly recommended for photography lovers because of its impressive landscape that stretches out in all of its splendor. It is also perfect for hikers and mountain bikers, since this trail connects the salt mines with the villages of Tarabamba and Pichingoto.
Highlights of this area include the Moray archaeological site, a sort of amphitheater formed of various circular terraces. Also worth visiting is the Sanctuary of Tiobamaba, a colonial church built of adobe that houses paintings from Cusco such as The Last Supper.
Everywhere you look in Cusco you can see how advanced the Incas were in their agricultural techniques, such as the terracing system and irrigation using aqueducts. In Moray, for example, they used circular terraces that demonstrate the high level of culture the Inca civilization achieved.
Moray is 4.5 miles from the town of Maras and 39 miles from Cusco. The main feature that impresses travelers is its system of circular agricultural terraces, which are up to 330 feet deep. They are build using retaining walls connected by an irrigation system.
Moray can be considered a crop lab– they used the terraces to create micro-climates and grow various products.
Meeting and pickup information
- We will be picking you up from your hotel within the historic centre of Cusco. Please Note: This service doesn't include pick up in private residencies, example; Airbnb or hotels that are outside the historic centre.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Minka Peru Expeditions
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
