Cusco: Half Day Tour Maras+ Moray

Cusco: Half Day Tour Maras + Moray — a well-priced, half-day adventure that takes you beyond the bustling streets of Cusco to explore two extraordinary sites that embody Peru’s ancient ingenuity and natural beauty. For just $31 per person, you’ll spend around six hours enjoying Inca agricultural experimentation and colonial salt production, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Andes.

What we love about this tour is how it combines two very different yet equally captivating sites—Moray’s terraces that resemble an ancient agricultural laboratory, and Maras’ shimmering salt pools carved into the mountainside. The guides, like Mario, are known for their knowledgeable storytelling that brings the sites alive in a friendly, approachable way. Another highlight: the route through snow-capped peaks and lush fields offers postcard-perfect scenery that truly sets this experience apart.

A possible consideration is the cost of entry fees not included in the base price—an extra 20 soles for the salt mines and 70 soles for the tourist ticket—so budget accordingly. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues, given the uneven terrain and walking involved. This tour is perfect for those with a keen interest in Inca culture, beautiful landscapes, and a manageable time commitment.

If you’re looking for a compact, engaging glimpse into Inca ingenuity combined with scenic vistas, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want a quick yet meaningful experience outside the city, without the need for a full-day commitment.

Key Points

• Affordable and efficient: At just $31 per person, this half-day trip offers great value for a cultural and scenic experience.
• Diverse sites: Combining Moray’s terraces and the Maras salt mines offers a varied perspective on Inca and colonial industries.
• Breathtaking scenery: The drive through the Andes provides photo-worthy views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys.
• Knowledgeable guides: Expect friendly, informative commentary that enhances your understanding of each site.
• Flexible timing: Check availability for different start times, making it easy to fit into your Cusco itinerary.
• Extra costs: Remember, entrance fees to the salt mines (20 soles) and the tourist ticket (70 soles) are additional.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Cusco: Half Day Tour Maras + Moray

The Itinerary and Highlights

This tour starts bright and early, with pickup from your hotel around 8:30 a.m. It’s a comfortable start, especially if you’re acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude. The drive lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes, during which you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Andean landscape—mountains capped with snow, fields of yellow wheat, and small villages where traditional life continues largely unchanged.

Your first stop is Moray, a site that often surprises visitors. The Inca engineers created three amphitheater-like terraces deep into the earth, forming a natural bowl. These terraces, with their clever microclimates, WERE believed to serve as agricultural experiments—allowing the Incas to test how different crops would grow under varying conditions. We loved how our guide, Juan, explained the purpose of these terraces, emphasizing their role in Inca innovation. The circular terraces also offer excellent photo opportunities, especially with the backdrop of mountains and open sky.

Next, you’ll head to the salt mines of Maras, only about two miles away. These over 3,000 salt pools are a marvel—small, shiny, and seemingly random, but carefully maintained for centuries. The pools are fed by a small mountain stream, and as the water evaporates, it leaves behind crystals of salt that shimmer in the sunlight. According to reviews, the views of the salt pools against the mountainous backdrop are “spectacular” and “worth capturing on camera,” making this a photographer’s paradise. Guided explanations reveal how colonial-era salt production still persists here, connecting the past to the present.

What to Expect at Each Site

At Moray, the terraces are accessible via a series of paths suitable for most travelers, but uneven terrain means it’s not ideal for those with mobility concerns. The site’s natural bowl shape provides incredible acoustics and unique perspectives, making it a favorite for those interested in Inca engineering.

The salt pools of Maras are on a hillside, with viewing platforms that allow excellent photo angles. The pools’ shimmer and the backdrop of the Andes make for memorable images—some even say it’s like walking into a salt-colored mosaic. Our guide explained that the pools are still in use today, with some pools belonging to local families or cooperatives.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The transportation is a comfortable minivan, giving you flexibility and a smooth ride through the scenic landscape. Group sizes tend to be moderate, allowing for a more personalized experience, and guides like Mario are known for their friendly, informative approach.

The timing is optimized to avoid the busiest hours at the sites, and the total tour lasts approximately six hours. This makes it a reasonable option if you’re short on time but still want to absorb some of the area’s best sights.

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Price and Value

At $31, this tour is hard to beat in terms of value. The price includes hotel pickup, transfers, bilingual guidance, and insurance, which means you won’t have to worry about extra logistics. However, keep in mind that the additional entry costs—70 soles for the tourist ticket and 20 soles for the salt mines—are separate expenses. When considering the total cost, it’s still a fair investment for the quality of sights and guides.

Authenticity and Experience

Travelers consistently praise the authenticity of the experience. Comments like “our guide was very knowledgeable,” and “the views and sites exceeded expectations,” reflect the quality of the tour. It’s not a rushed visit—there’s plenty of time at each site to take photos, ask questions, and soak in the surroundings.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This half-day adventure is ideal for travelers who want to see key Inca and colonial sites without spending a full day. It’s perfect for those interested in culture, history, and scenery, but who prefer a more relaxed pace. It also suits travelers on a tight schedule, given its reasonable duration and price.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, the colorful salt pools and panoramic mountain views offer plenty of opportunities. For families or casual travelers, the manageable walk and guided explanation make for an engaging and educational outing.

However, if you have mobility issues or prefer a less physically demanding experience, this might not be the best choice. Also, those who want to explore more sites or delve deeper into Inca history might prefer a full-day tour.

Final Thoughts

This tour packs a lot of value into a short timeframe. For just over $30, you’ll visit two of the most distinctive sites near Cusco, each showcasing different aspects of Andean life—Moray’s engineering marvels and Maras’ shimmering salt pools. The scenery alone makes it worth the trip, but the knowledgeable guides and manageable pace elevate the experience.

Whether you’re a history buff wanting to understand Inca agricultural innovation or a photographer eager to capture stunning landscapes, this tour offers a genuine, memorable taste of the region’s richness. It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking an authentic, insightful, and scenic half-day escape from Cusco’s busy streets.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transfers from your hotel and back are included in the tour price, ensuring a comfortable ride through the scenic Andean landscape.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts about six hours, including travel time, site visits, and guided explanations.

What do I need to bring?
Bring your passport or ID card, as it might be needed for entry and verification purposes. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking on uneven terrain.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the tour price does not include the entry to the salt mines (20 soles) or the tourist ticket (70 soles). These are paid separately.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
While most people with moderate mobility can enjoy it, it’s not ideal for those with mobility impairments due to uneven ground and walking involved.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your spot online. You can also cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility to your travel plans.

This Cusco: Half Day Tour Maras + Moray offers a compact yet richly rewarding experience that highlights the ingenuity of the Inca and the natural beauty of the Peruvian Andes. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers eager to see iconic sites with informative guides and stunning views—all without overextending your travel day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby