Salt Mines of Maras & Moray

Salt Mines of Maras & Moray: A Full Day of Ancient Wonders

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines fascinating history, striking landscapes, and authentic Inca ingenuity, the Salt Mines of Maras and Moray tour is worth considering. For around $16 per person, you’ll spend about 6 to 7 hours exploring two of the most iconic sites near Cusco—the salt pools of Maras and the terraced circle of Moray. Both sites reveal different chapters of our Andean ancestors’ ingenuity, from salt extraction to agricultural experimentation.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is how accessible these sites are—both are within a short drive from Cusco—and the variety of experiences packed into one trip. The salt mines are an active, working site still used by locals, giving the tour a real-world feel. Moray, on the other hand, offers an impressive glimpse into Inca innovation, with its terraced depressions resembling a giant, multi-level greenhouse.

One thing to keep in mind is that entrance tickets to the salt mines and Moray are not included in the price, so you’ll need to budget for those separately. Plus, the tour starts early at 8:30 am and includes pickup and professional guides, making it a convenient way to see these highlights without the hassle of organizing transport yourself.

This tour will suit travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural history, striking scenery, and some light walking. If you’re a fan of seeing authentic working sites and archaeological marvels, this experience offers good value and depth. However, those who prefer more personalized or smaller group experiences might want to consider the potential for larger groups—this tour is capped at 15 travelers—and the reviews show both high praise and some notable complaints, so read on to see if it fits your style.

Key Points

• Authentic cultural experience with active salt mining still practiced by locals in Maras.
• Unique archaeological site at Moray showcasing Inca agricultural innovation.
• Affordable price, offering good value for a full day of sightseeing.
• Includes transportation and guide, removing the hassle of self-organizing.
• Requires additional entrance tickets for sites; budget accordingly.
• Group size limited to 15, offering a more intimate experience than large tours.

A Closer Look at the Tour: What to Expect

Visiting the Salinas de Maras

Your day begins early at 8:30 am with a pickup from your accommodation, a convenience that makes this tour accessible and straightforward. The first stop is Salinas de Maras, a hillside complex of nearly 2,000 small salt pools fed by a salty spring originating from the mountain. These pools have been exploited since the Inca period, and locals still work them today. The sight of numerous shimmering, terraced pools cascading down the hillside is both impressive and photogenic.

We loved the way the guide explained the traditional salt harvesting process—the pools are filled with salty water every three days during the dry season, then left to evaporate naturally, leaving behind salt crystals. It’s an active, living site that offers insight into rural life and ancient industry. As one reviewer noted, the salt mines are still operational, making this not just a museum but a functioning part of the local economy.

However, it’s worth mentioning that admission to the salt mines isn’t included, so you’ll need to pay a small fee at the entrance. Expect to spend about an hour here. For many travelers, the sight of these salt pools and the chance to see locals working the land adds a tangible sense of place that’s hard to find in more polished tourist spots.

Exploring Moray’s Agricultural Terraces

Next, you’ll head about 7 km southwest to Moray, a remarkable archaeological site characterized by concentric circles of terraced depressions. These depressions, which can reach depths of 150 meters, were ingeniously engineered by the Incas to serve as experimental agricultural terraces. The varying microclimates created by the different levels allowed the Incas to test crops at different altitude and climate conditions—essentially, a giant, natural greenhouse.

The largest depression is awe-inspiring in its scale and precision, and the site’s natural topography combined with Inca engineering demonstrates their advanced understanding of microclimates and irrigation. Visitors are often struck by how well-preserved and accessible the site is, with pathways winding through the terraces that invite exploration.

A reviewer appreciated that “the site consists of giant natural depressions that the Incas built terraces on,” which emphasizes the blend of natural geology and human ingenuity. Expect to spend about an hour here, soaking in the views and imagining how these terraces might have been used for crop experimentation.

Again, tickets for Moray are separate, so budget accordingly. The site’s altitude (3,385 meters) also means you might feel the effects of thinner air, so consider your physical condition and take it easy.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour includes transportation and a professional guide who is generally knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Since the group is limited to 15 participants, you’re likely to get a more personal experience, but be prepared for some larger groups, which can mean waiting at times or less intimate interactions with your guide.

The price, at around $16, does not include site entrance fees, so bring some cash to cover these. The pick-up service makes logistics easier, especially if you’re staying in Cusco, but confirm your pickup time and location beforehand.

The duration—6 to 7 hours—gives you ample time at each site without feeling rushed. The tour ends back at your starting point, making it convenient to continue exploring Cusco afterward.

Considerations

One of the main drawbacks, according to some reviews, is the inconsistency in service. For example, a traveler named Sarah reported that “no one ever arrived to pick us up,” and they couldn’t reach anyone at the company. Such incidents are rare but highlight the importance of confirming your booking and perhaps considering more reliable providers if this kind of assurance is critical for you.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want an affordable, guided introduction to some of the most iconic sites near Cusco. It suits those interested in Inca engineering, traditional salt harvesting, and agricultural innovation. It also works well for travelers who appreciate active, outdoor sites with stunning vistas.

If you’re traveling on a budget and want a full day of sightseeing and cultural insight without the hassle of organizing transportation, this tour offers good value. However, if you prefer more personalized attention or have concerns about company reliability, you might want to investigate options with higher review scores or smaller groups.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

For the curious traveler eager to see two of the most fascinating sites near Cusco, this tour provides a solid balance of history, scenery, and local culture. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy seeing how ancient practices continue today, like salt mining in Maras, and want a visual and tangible connection to Inca innovations through Moray.

The value for money is good, considering transportation, guide service, and the opportunity to explore sites that are otherwise difficult to visit independently. Yet, it’s wise to be aware of the potential for variable service and extra costs for entrance fees.

If you’re interested in an authentic, educational experience that combines active sites with scenic beauty, this tour is a good bet. Just keep your expectations aligned and check your booking status in advance to avoid disappointments.

FAQ

Are transportation and guides included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes transportation and a professional guide, making it easy to focus on the sites rather than logistics.

Do I need to pay for entrance tickets separately?
Yes, entrance fees to the Salt Mines and Moray are not included, so plan to purchase these locally.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:30 am, with pickup arranged from your hotel or designated meeting point.

How long will I spend at each site?
Expect about one hour at each location, which allows enough time to enjoy the sites without feeling rushed.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the high altitude (especially at Moray) and walking involved may be challenging for some. Use your discretion based on your physical condition.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for entrance fees, water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. A camera will let you capture the striking landscape and sites.

In all, this tour offers a window into ancient Inca ingenuity and rural life, wrapped in a manageable day trip from Cusco. It’s an excellent choice for history buffs, curious explorers, and anyone wanting a meaningful glimpse of Peru’s archaeological treasures.