Visiting: Moray archaeological site · the Maras salt mines
Overview
The Moray & Maras Salt Mines Tour is a relaxed half-day trip from Cusco to two of the Sacred Valley's most distinctive sights. First you explore Moray, the Incas' extraordinary circular agricultural terraces — concentric rings set into the earth, believed to have worked as a laboratory for crops across different microclimates. Then you continue to the Maras salt mines, thousands of salt pools cascading down the mountainside, still harvested by hand by local families using techniques passed down for centuries.
It's an easy, mostly cultural outing with no demanding hiking — you travel by comfortable vehicle and walk only short distances at each site. The drive through the Sacred Valley is scenic in itself, with panoramic Andean views along the way, and an expert bilingual guide brings the history and the salt-making tradition to life.
🧂 Perfect for a free morning or a spare afternoon. The tour starts at 8:45 am from our Cusco office and you're back in the city by mid-afternoon, so it pairs easily with the rest of your Cusco plans. Small groups, daily departures, and one of the best-value day tours around Cusco.
Your Day — Step by Step
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1
Office start (8:45 am) → drive to Moray
We meet at 8:45 am at our office, Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, just steps from Cusco's Plaza de Armas, where you gather with your group before departure.
From there we begin the scenic drive of about 1.5 hours through the Sacred Valley toward Moray, enjoying panoramic views of the Andes along the way.
Good to know: The drive itself is part of the experience, with panoramic Andean views — keep your camera handy.
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2
Guided visit of Moray
At Moray your guide leads you through the fascinating Inca circular terraces — an agricultural laboratory of distinct microclimates — explaining their historical significance and unique design. (Entry uses the Cusco Tourist Ticket; see below.)
Afterwards you have free time to explore on your own, take photos and appreciate the landscape before continuing the tour.
Good to know: Moray's concentric rings each hold a slightly different microclimate — ask your guide how the Incas used them to test crops.
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3
The Maras salt mines
A short drive on takes us to the Salineras de Maras, a stunning complex of over 3,000 salt pools still worked by local families. (A separate 20-soles entry is paid at the gate.)
Your guide explains the traditional salt-harvesting methods passed down through generations and the cultural importance of these salt flats, with time to admire the view and browse handcrafted salt products.
Good to know: The salt pools are still harvested by hand by local families — it's the tour's most photogenic spot.
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4
Return to Cusco (~3:00 pm)
After visiting the salt mines we begin the drive back toward Cusco, retracing the route through the Sacred Valley.
We arrive in Cusco's city centre around 3:00–3:30 pm, with a drop-off in a convenient location near the Plaza de Armas — leaving the rest of your day free.
Good to know: You're back by mid-afternoon, so the tour pairs easily with the rest of your Cusco plans.
Tour at a Glance
| Duration | Half day (no overnight) |
| Two stops | Moray terraces · Maras salt mines |
| Difficulty | Easy — short walking at each site |
| Getting there | ~1.5 h drive each way through the Sacred Valley |
| Meals | None included — bring a snack |
| Group size | Small group · max 18 |
| Start / End | Our office 8:45 am · back ~3:00–3:30 pm |
| Entrances | Moray (Tourist Ticket) + Maras 20 soles · paid locally |
What's Included
Tap any item to see the full details.
Included
Not included
Entrances: the Tourist Ticket & Maras
Entry to Moray is covered by the Cusco Boleto Turístico, which is not included in the tour and is bought on the day. It's paid in cash, in Peruvian soles only. The Maras salt mines are separate — a 20-soles entry paid at the gate. There are two Tourist Ticket options:
| Ticket | Price | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Partial (BTG) | 70 soles | Moray & the main Sacred Valley sites · valid 2 days |
| Full (BTG) | 130 soles | 16 sites incl. Cusco city & ruins · valid 10 days |
The Maras salt mines are not part of the Tourist Ticket — entry is a separate 20 soles, in cash at the gate. If you only want to see Moray, the Partial ticket is the one you need; bring enough cash in soles for both.
Prices — 2026 Season
This is a small-group half-day tour to Moray and the Maras salt mines. We offer a standard rate, plus a special rate advertised for the group service. Entrances (the Tourist Ticket for Moray and the 20-soles Maras fee) are paid locally in soles and are not included.
| Rate | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $16 | Online or office booking |
| Special rate | $15 | Group-service promotional rate |
Prices per person, group service. You can book online (a small card fee applies) or at our Cusco office up to the day before. Remember to bring cash in soles for the Tourist Ticket and the Maras entrance.
What to Pack
This is an easy half day — no special gear needed, just comfortable clothes, good walking shoes and some cash for the entrances.
- Always with you: cash in soles (Tourist Ticket 70/130 + Maras 20 + snacks/souvenirs), plus your passport or ID — and a student card if you have one, for discounts.
- Clothing: dress in layers, bring a light rain jacket or poncho, and sun protection — sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the strong high-altitude sun.
- Extras: a reusable water bottle, a snack or two (no meals are included), your camera or phone, and any personal medication.
How to Book
Book online or in person at our Cusco office (Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo). There are daily departures and you can reserve online until 7:00 pm the day before. Pay safely by debit or credit card online (a small fee applies), or in cash (USD, EUR or soles) at the office.
- Choose your date — daily departures available.
- Enter your details (name, nationality, hotel in Cusco, WhatsApp number).
- Pay securely by card online, or reserve and pay at our office.
- Confirm — you'll get a confirmation email, then meet us at the office at 8:45 am on your tour day.
Full refund: cancel at least 48 hours before the tour for 100% back.
Partial refund (50%): cancel 24–48 hours before the tour.
No refund: cancellations less than 24 hours before, or no-shows.
Agency cancellations: if we must cancel for weather, strikes or other unforeseen reasons, you receive a 100% refund.
Date changes: free if requested at least 24 hours in advance by email to info@machupicchuteam.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour starts at 8:45 am from our office at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, just steps from Cusco's Plaza de Armas. You meet us there for a punctual departure; when you book we'll ask for your hotel name in Cusco so we can confirm the meeting details with you.
It's a half-day tour. We leave the office at 8:45 am, drive about 1.5 hours to Moray, visit Moray and then the Maras salt mines, and return to Cusco's city centre around 3:00–3:30 pm — leaving the rest of your day free.
Two are not included and paid locally in cash (soles): Moray is entered with the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) — Partial 70 soles (Moray + the main Sacred Valley sites, valid 2 days) or Full 130 soles (16 sites incl. Cusco, valid 10 days); and the Maras salt mines charge a separate 20 soles at the gate. Cards and dollars aren't accepted for these, so bring enough cash in soles.
Yes, it's easy. There's no demanding hiking — you travel by comfortable vehicle and walk only short distances at Moray and Maras, on uneven ground. It suits all ages and is a relaxed option for a first day in Cusco or a free half day.
Two highlights of the Sacred Valley: the concentric circular agricultural terraces of Moray, and the dazzling Maras salt pans — over 3,000 pools still harvested by hand. The salt mines are the tour's most photogenic spot, which is why most of our photos show them.
Included: round-trip transport, a professional bilingual guide and guided visits of both sites. Not included: the entrance fees (Tourist Ticket + Maras), meals, tips and travel insurance. Bring cash in soles for the entrances, comfortable clothes and walking shoes, sun protection, water and a snack, since no meals are included. Groups are usually 14–16 people (max 18).
