About this experience
We'll get ready to our first visit of the day to Moray Terraces. Mostly consisting of several enormous terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is about 100 meters deep. but their depth and orientation with respect to wind and sun creates a temperature difference. This large temperature difference was possibly used by the Inca to study different climatic conditions on crops. Moray was perhaps an Inca agricultural experiment station, it also got a sophisticated irrigation system.
Continue our day visiting Maras Salt Mines. During the pre-Incas time, salt has been obtained in Maras by evaporating of salty water. The highly salty water has been flowing from this nearby stream for hundreds of years. As the salt water becomes supersaturated, salt crystals begin precipitating out of the water. The farmers then scrape the salt to the side and collect it once a sizable amount has been gathered. There are more than 3,000 salt-pools.
At a glance
- Duration: 7 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 7 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Local guides to help you plan
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.
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.
Chinchero Day Trip From Cusco
Plan a rewarding Chinchero day trip from Cusco with practical advice on the road journey, archaeological park hours, Boleto Turístico entry, flexible transport, and respectful visiting.
What is included
- Private tour
- Experience Tourism Guide
- Transport by private vehicle
Not included
- Food and drinks
Itinerary and highlights
As the oldest living city in the Americas, Cusco has been inhabited continuously for over 3,000 years. It was the historic capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th to 16th century until Spanish conquest, and now is a major tourist destination.
The platforms, built on retaining walls filled with fertile soil and irrigated by complex irrigation systems, allowed to cultivate more than 250 plant species. These platforms served as an Inca agricultural laboratory to experiment with their crops. Moray encloses history and landscape beauty.
The Salinas de Maras in Cusco, or maras salt mines as they are also called, are salt mines whose exploitation is as old as the Tahuantinsuyo. Located on the slope of the hill, the salt pans in the form of terraces or platforms is crossed by a stream that feeds the pools with salty water.
The colours of the rainbow can also be found throughout Chinchero textiles. The 40 adult weavers and 40 children of the community weaving association are masters in the textile art.
Meeting and pickup information
- We recommend travelers to bring appropriate clothing for the tour as well as their personal documents for the trip. We will provide an additional pick-up from your location or hotel in the city of Cusco.
Languages and tickets
- Portuguese — Guide
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Peru4Fun Servicios Turísticos EIRL
Accessibility and practical details
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
We will provide an additional pick-up from your location or hotel in the city of Cusco.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
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