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Maras & Moray Half Day
Inca Terraces + Salt Pools of the Sacred Valley · Half-Day Tour from Cusco
Half day · Moderate · Max. 3,800 m · Up to 16
Overview
The Moray & Maras Salt Mines Half-Day Tour is one of the most fascinating and visually stunning excursions available from Cusco, combining two of the most remarkable archaeological and natural sites in the entire Sacred Valley of the Incas. In just half a day, you discover two completely different worlds: one shaped by ancient Inca ingenuity, and the other by thousands of years of natural geology and human tradition.
Your first stop is Moray, an extraordinary Inca archaeological site featuring a series of massive circular terraces descending deep into the earth like a natural amphitheater. These concentric rings are widely believed to have served as a sophisticated Inca agricultural laboratory, where different microclimates across the terraced levels allowed the Incas to experiment with crop cultivation at varying temperatures.
Your second destination is the breathtaking Maras Salt Mines, known locally as Salineras de Maras: a vast network of over 3,000 individual salt pools cascading down the hillside like a patchwork of glistening white and pink crystals. Fed by an ancient underground saltwater spring, these salt pans have been harvested continuously by local families since pre-Inca times, making this one of the oldest active salt-producing sites in the world.
Why you'll love this trek
- Two of the Sacred Valley's most remarkable sights in a relaxed half day.
- Marvel at Moray, the Incas' vast circular terraces descending like a natural amphitheater.
- See the Maras Salt Mines — over 3,000 shimmering salt pools cascading down the hillside.
- A short, easy tour with spectacular photo stops and expert guiding.
Itinerary
your day, hour by hour
Around 8:30 AM. Your half-day adventure begins with a convenient morning pick-up directly from your hotel in Cusco, ensuring a comfortable and punctual departure for the journey into the Sacred Valley.
About one hour by comfortable tourist vehicle toward the Sacred Valley, passing stunning Andean highland scenery and traditional communities. As you descend into the valley, the landscape opens up to reveal sweeping views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding mountains.
Around 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Your professional bilingual guide leads you through the iconic circular terraces of Moray, bringing the site to life with fascinating explanations about Inca agricultural science, engineering, and cosmology, and how the Incas used the natural topography to create distinct microclimates at each terrace level. You also have free time to walk down into the terraces and photograph this unique site.
A short, scenic drive of just a few kilometers along a winding road with stunning views of the Sacred Valley, from Moray to the Salineras de Maras.
You arrive at one of the most visually spectacular landscapes in the Sacred Valley: thousands of terraced salt pools of varying sizes cascading down the hillside, glowing in shades of white, pink, and amber depending on the time of day. Your guide explains the history and geology of the salt pans, how the ancient underground spring feeds the pools, and how local families have harvested salt here for generations using traditional methods. You have ample free time to walk the paths between the pools, take photographs, and buy artisanal salt products directly from local producers.
You board your vehicle for the comfortable return journey to Cusco, arriving back in the city in the early afternoon and leaving the rest of your day free. The full excursion lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours. Times are approximate and may vary slightly depending on group pace, traffic, and road conditions.
What's included
Included
- Round-trip private tourist transportation. Travel in a comfortable, safe tourist vehicle from Cusco to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines and back, with experienced drivers who know the Sacred Valley routes thoroughly.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco. Door-to-door service from your accommodation in Cusco, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your morning.
- Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish). A certified professional guide accompanies you throughout, sharing detailed and engaging information about the history, archaeology, geology, and cultural significance of both Moray and the Maras Salt Mines.
- First-aid kit. Your guide carries a fully equipped first-aid kit throughout the tour, ready to assist with any minor health concern during the excursion.
Not included
- Entrance ticket to Moray. Not included. Moray is covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico), which can be purchased in advance or on the day. Please consult our team for the most current pricing and ticket options.
- Entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines. Not included. The community entrance fee is approximately S/ 20.00 soles per person, paid directly at the entrance point (cash in soles, as card payments may not be accepted on site).
- Meals. No meals are included in this half-day tour. If you would like to add a lunch experience in the Sacred Valley, please let our team know at the time of booking and we will be happy to recommend or arrange the best local options.
- Travel insurance. Not included. We strongly recommend a valid travel insurance policy that covers excursions and activities in high-altitude destinations.
- Gratuities and personal expenses. Tips are entirely optional and always appreciated for exceptional service. Any additional expenses, such as artisanal salt products, handicrafts, souvenirs, or snacks, are not covered.
What to bring
A suggested packing checklist for this trip.
Essential
Clothing
Equipment
Recommended
Pricing
This half-day tour operates as a group service with an average of 12 to 14 participants and a maximum of 16 people per group. Every group is accompanied by a professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish), ensuring an informative, safe, and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Good to know
Acclimatize first. Spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before any high-altitude trek. Our guides carry emergency oxygen and are first-aid trained.
- To request a cancellation, please contact us at info@machupicchuonline.com.
- Rescheduling: need to change your date or switch to a different experience? No problem. You may reschedule or choose an alternative tour, such as Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Sacred Valley, Ausangate 7 Lakes, or Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca, at no extra cost, provided you notify us before 7:00 PM the day before your original tour date.
- Cancellations by Machu Picchu Online: in the unlikely event that we need to cancel your tour due to adverse weather, political disruptions, road closures, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, you will receive a full 100% refund of your payment, no questions asked.
- Full refund (100%): cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
- Partial refund (50%): cancel within 24 hours of departure but before 7:00 PM the day prior.
- No refund: cancellations made after 7:00 PM the day before the tour.
Frequently asked questions
What is Moray and why is it so special?
What are the Maras Salt Mines?
How long does this tour last?
Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket required to visit Moray?
Can I buy salt products directly at the Maras Salt Mines?
What is the best time of year to visit Moray and the Maras Salt Mines?
Can this tour be combined with other Sacred Valley sites?
Is this tour suitable for children?
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to bad weather?
Why book with Machu Picchu Online
100% local operator
Born and raised in Cusco, we run every tour ourselves.
Fair, direct prices
Real local rates with no reseller markup.
Licensed & certified
MINCETUR-registered, with official professional guides.
Human WhatsApp support
Real people, fast answers, in your language.
