Moray Maras Salt Mines – Half Day Tour

Step into the heart of the Sacred Valley and discover three of the region’s most fascinating cultural treasures in a single unforgettable journey. The Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines Tour combines living Andean traditions, remarkable Inca innovation, and breathtaking mountain landscapes, offering travelers an authentic glimpse into Peru’s rich heritage.

Perfect for history enthusiasts, photographers, culture seekers, and families, this tour showcases the ingenuity of the Incas, the resilience of Andean traditions, and the stunning beauty of the Sacred Valley. Whether you’re exploring ancient terraces, learning about traditional weaving, or admiring the dazzling salt ponds, every moment offers a deeper connection to the people, history, and landscapes that make Peru extraordinary.

Overview

Discover three of the most fascinating sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas on this half-day adventure. The Chinchero, Moray, and Maras tour takes you through breathtaking Andean landscapes to explore the fascinating Inca architecture of Chinchero, the extraordinary agricultural terraces of Moray, and the spectacular salt mines of Maras.

This tour is ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of Inca engineering, local traditions, and the cultural heritage of the Cusco region. Located a short distance from Cusco, Moray and Maras offer a unique combination of history, archaeology, and spectacular scenery.

General Tourist Ticket.

Moray Maras Salt Mines. With the general tourist ticket of Cusco, you can visit, in the tour, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara, Tambomachay, besides that this ticket includes the entrance to sacred valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray, Tipón, Pikillaqta, and museums within the city of Cusco such as: The Koricancha site museum, Regional Historical Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Pachacútec Inca Monument. Cusco city tour.

Partial Tourist Ticket.

If you want to take a half-day tour, such as the Cusco City Tour, South Valley or Maras Moray, in the city of Cusco, you need the Partial Tourist Ticket, which includes the entrance to Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay:

What Type of admission tickets do you need ?

To begin your guided tour, you need the Cusco tourist ticket. At the Maras salt mines, you will make a payment of 15 soles, which is collected by the Maras community members.

*Difficulty level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization.

Useful Information

Itinerary

CHINCHERO - MORAY - MARAS SALT MINES

Begin your adventure in Chinchero, a traditional Andean village known for its vibrant textile culture, colonial charm, and impressive Inca ruins. Local artisans continue to practice centuries-old weaving techniques here, preserving traditions passed down through generations.

Continue to Moray, one of the most intriguing archaeological sites of the Inca Empire, where the Incas built massive circular terraces that served as an agricultural laboratory. They experimented with crops and microclimates to enhance food production throughout the Andes.

The journey concludes at the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools cascade down a mountainside, creating one of the most unique landscapes in Peru. Harvested by local families using traditional methods since pre-Inca times, these salt pans remain an important source of income and cultural identity for the community.

Perfect for history enthusiasts, photographers, culture seekers, and families, this tour showcases the ingenuity of the Incas, the resilience of Andean traditions, and the stunning beauty of the Sacred Valley. Whether you're exploring ancient terraces, learning about traditional weaving, or admiring the dazzling salt ponds, every moment offers a deeper connection to the people, history, and landscapes that make Peru extraordinary.

DEPARTURES: Daily: 08:00 to 14:00

Includes

WHAT IS INCLUDED ?

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

More Information

WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.

Price & Add - ons

Group: U$: 50
Private: U$: 150

Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?

Map(Chinchero,Moray, Maras salt Mines)

Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines Tour – FAQs

What is included in the Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines Tour?

Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, tourist transportation, and a professional bilingual guide. Entrance fees may be included depending on the tour package selected.

How long does the tour last?

The tour typically lasts between 5 and 6 hours, making it an excellent half-day excursion from Cusco.

What time does the tour start?

Morning departures usually begin between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, while afternoon departures may start around 1:00 PM. Exact pickup times will be confirmed after booking.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?

Yes. The tour is suitable for families, children, adults, and seniors. Walking distances are relatively short, and the sites are easily accessible.

How difficult is the tour?

The tour is considered easy. Visitors should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain, stone pathways, and gentle inclines.

Do I need to be acclimatized to the altitude?

The tour is not physically demanding, but we recommend spending at least one day in Cusco before participating to help your body adjust to the altitude.

What is Chinchero famous for?

Chinchero offers traditional weaving culture, Inca archaeological remains, a colonial church, and beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding mountains.

What can I see in Chinchero?

Visitors can explore Inca terraces, colonial architecture, local markets, and textile workshops where artisans demonstrate traditional weaving and natural dyeing techniques.

What is Moray?

Moray is an archaeological site featuring circular agricultural terraces. The Incas are believed to have used these terraces as an experimental farming center.

Why is Moray important?

Moray demonstrates the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Inca civilization. The different terrace levels create distinct microclimates that allowed crop experimentation.

What are the Maras Salt Mines?

The Maras Salt Mines consist of thousands of salt evaporation pools carved into the mountainside. They have been used since pre-Inca times and are still harvested by local families today.

Can I walk through the salt mines?

Visitors can access designated viewpoints and walking paths around the salt mines. Certain areas are restricted to protect the site and support ongoing salt production.

Can I buy salt products at Maras?

Yes. Local vendors sell various salt products, including the famous pink salt of Maras, culinary salts, and souvenirs.

What should I wear for the tour?

Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. Weather conditions can change quickly in the Andes.

What should I bring?

Bring water, snacks, a camera, cash for souvenirs, sunscreen, and your passport or identification.

Are entrance tickets included?

This depends on the tour package. Some tours include the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) and entrance to the Maras Salt Mines, while others require separate payment.

Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

Yes. Entrance to Moray and Chinchero archaeological sites requires a valid Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico).

Is lunch included?

Generally, lunch is not included because the tour is only half a day. Some private tours may offer additional meal options.

Can I take photographs during the tour?

Absolutely. Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines offer some of the most photogenic landscapes in the Sacred Valley.

Is the tour available year-round?

Yes. The tour operates throughout the year, including during the rainy season. Weather conditions may vary depending on the season.

What is the best time of year to visit?

The dry season, from May to September, typically offers the clearest skies and best mountain views. However, the sites can be visited year-round.

Is this tour available as a private experience?

Yes. Private tours are available and provide greater flexibility, personalized attention, and customized schedules.

Can I combine this tour with the Sacred Valley Tour?

Yes. Many travelers combine visits to Chinchero, Moray, and Maras with a full Sacred Valley excursion for a more complete cultural experience.

How far are these sites from Cusco?

Chinchero is approximately 30 minutes from Cusco, Moray about 45 minutes, and the Maras Salt Mines around 1 hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Why choose Pacha Expeditions for this tour?

Pacha Expeditions offers professional local guides, personalized service, comfortable transportation, and authentic cultural experiences while supporting responsible and sustainable tourism practices throughout the Cusco region.