Maras and Moray (Half Day Tour)
A half-day tour to these hidden gems in the Sacred Valley. An interesting journey that shows how well the Incas understood and respected the environment, and intelligently managed natural resources. In Maras you will enjoy visiting the pre-inca salt pans, and in Moray the striking archaeological Inca site with its experimental terraces. Get fully immersed in Andean culture with the local community in Chincheros, a beautiful colonial-era village.
THE TRIP AT A GLANCE
Start: Cusco around 8AM Duration: Half day
Finish: Cusco around 1PM Group size: 2 - 16
Difficulty Rating: 1/5 Highest altitude: 3,765m (12,350ft)
Itinerary
8:00 AM: You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco to visit the salt ponds of Maras. The first pans were created here by pre-inca civilizations who discovered the underground flow of salt water, were taken over by the Incas as they needed salt for own use and trade, then passed down to local families through generations which continues today using the same salt harvesting process. You’ll learn all about this and more from your expert guide and will have the opportunity to taste some different flavored salt.
Next we visit the fascinating archaeological Inca site in Moray with its large and striking circular terraces that look like amphitheaters – one large and two smaller – beautifully carved and engineered by the Incas. We believe that this site was used by them for experimental agriculture, with each terrace having its own micro-climate to test different crops.
For our final stop, we visit Chincheros, a beautiful colonial-era village where you will be fully immersed into the Andean community and culture. You’ll learn about Peruvian weaving and textile coloring, all still done in the traditional way.
1:00 PM: Expected return to Cusco, where you are free to continue your exploration though we’re more than happy to advise on additional activities and trips.
What’s Included and Not Included
- Activities: Exploring Maras, Moray and Chincheros with private, expert, English-speaking guide.
- Transport: Private transport throughout.
- Meals and drinks.
- Tips including for your guide.
- Accommodation.
Price: 100 USD per person
Prices are dependent on many factors including seasonality and number of travelers. Please fill out the booking form, or get in touch via Email, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
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