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Step into the heart of the Andes with our Maras Moray Half Day Tour from Cusco, an experience that blends ancient Inca ingenuity with dramatic mountain scenery. Walk through the impressive circular terraces of Moray and witness the thousands of shimmering salt pools of Maras, all set against breathtaking Sacred Valley landscapes. Perfect for travelers who want a meaningful and visually stunning adventure in just half a day from Cusco.
Easy
Culture, Adventure
3300msnm
Group Service
Embark on a Maras Moray Half Day tour to explore the ancient village of Chinchero. Here, you’ll encounter the colonial church, local market with traditional weavers, and Inca ruins. Next, visit the Inca’s Green House at Moray to admire its unique circular terraces, followed by the impressive Salt Mines of Maras. All these sites are nestled within the stunning Andean mountains, a short drive from Cusco city. Note: This tour is exclusively available to clients participating in our 2, 3, 4, or more day tours or treks to Machu Picchu.
Get ready for a Maras Moray Half Day tour adventure through the heart of the Sacred Valley, where every stop feels like stepping into another time. Your journey starts in Chinchero, a picturesque highland town bursting with color and tradition. Watch master weavers bring ancient textile techniques to life, wander through lively markets, and admire a beautiful colonial church built right on top of Inca stonework.
Next, head to the fascinating Moray archaeological site. These perfectly rounded terraces aren’t just beautiful, they were an Inca “laboratory” for experimenting with crops, creating different microclimates right in the mountains.
Finally, visit the dazzling Salt Mines of Maras, where thousands of white salt pools glisten under the sun, cascading down the hillside just as they have for centuries. Throughout the trip, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of snowy peaks, rolling farmlands, and charming Andean villages, all while uncovering the stories, traditions, and ingenuity that make this corner of Peru truly unforgettable.
We will collect you from your hotel at 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM in a private van. Our journey starts with a visit to Chinchero, where you’ll find an adobe colonial church in the plaza, built on the foundations of an Inca temple or palace from the early 17th century.
The church features exquisite floral and religious designs on its ceiling and walls. Explore the surrounding Inca archaeological ruins and agricultural terraces, which are believed to have been created by Inca Tupac Yupanqui, possibly as a countryside retreat.
Next, we head to the Salineras, or salt mines, which consist of approximately 3,000 small pools each about 5 square meters (53.8 ft²). Every three days during the dry season, the pools are filled with saltwater from a natural hot spring at the top of the Maras complex. As the water evaporates, the salt is collected after a month when the pools reach a height of about 10 centimeters (4 inches). The salt is then ground, iodized, packaged, and distributed to local markets.
Our final destination is Moray, located at 3,450 meters (11,318 feet). Here, you’ll discover the impressive agricultural terraces with a sophisticated irrigation system. These terraces, carved into a vast basin, have varying microclimates based on their depth within the bowl.
They were likely used by the Incas to determine the best growing conditions for different crops. The terraces also might have had cosmological significance, reflecting the Incas’ advanced understanding of creating specific sub-climates. We then return to your hotel in Cusco.
The best time to visit Maras and Moray depends on your travel preferences. The dry season (May to September) offers the most stable weather, with clear skies, excellent visibility, and dry walking paths, making it ideal for photography and comfortable exploration.
The shoulder months (March, April, October, and November) provide a great balance of fewer crowds and greener landscapes, especially right after the rainy season, though light showers are still possible. During the rainy season (December to February), afternoon rain is more frequent and trails may be muddy, but the scenery is lush and tours continue to operate with proper preparation.
A Maras Moray tour is generally safe and suitable for most travelers. However, keep these considerations in mind:
To protect these historical and cultural sites, certain rules apply:
At Moray
At Maras Salt Mines
How to Book the tour:
To book your tour, please fill out our booking form by clicking on “BOOK NOW” on our homepage or by using the link provided.
Prepare the following details for each participant:
A deposit of $53.00 USD per person is required to secure your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. Make your deposit by clicking the VISA or PAYPAL icons on our homepage or booking page.
Balance Payment: To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco. ATMs are available within the historical center. Alternatively, pay online via VISA or PAYPAL, noting a 5.5% service fee. For PAYPAL, log in and use our email address: incasexpeditions@gmail.com.
Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket): You can purchase either a 1-Day or a 10-Day Boleto Turístico. The 1-Day ticket costs 70 soles ($20 USD) and allows access to multiple sites in one day. The 10-Day ticket costs 130 soles (about $40 USD) and grants access to 16 sites in Cusco, the South Valley, and the Sacred Valley over 10 days. Discounted rates are available for students under 25 (with a valid university ID) and teenagers under 18 (with an identity card). Children under 11 enter for free.
Sites Covered by the Boleto Turístico:
Note: Main archaeological sites like Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Tipón, and Moray are not sold individually and require the Boleto Turístico for access. Purchase it in Avenida el Sol or at the first site you visit. Payment is accepted only in soles.
Important: The following entrances are not included in the Boleto Turístico:
Briefing: A briefing will be held the evening before the trek at 6:00 PM at our office located at Calle Garcilaso 210, Office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Tipping: While tipping is not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated if you are satisfied with the services provided. It encourages excellent service and is a common practice in the tourism industry across many INCA EXPEDITIONS destinations. Feel free to tip based on your perception of service quality and trip duration.
Sustainability: Yes, we are a locally sustainable and responsible tourism operator. We follow universal tourism principles to protect the environment, benefit local communities, and respect their culture and religion. Our local staff are trained to understand and respect the places and people involved.
Need help deciding on the right trip? Whether it s a quick question or full itinerary advice, we re here to help.
Take a look at the best pictures of the Chinchero Maras Moray Half Day tour from Cusco, capturing the vibrant culture of Chinchero, the unique terraces of Moray, and the stunning salt pools of Maras, all in one unforgettable journey.
