Maras and Moray are two archaeological sites located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a region in Peru that was home to some of the most advanced civilizations of pre-Columbian South America. Maras is an ancient salt mine which still produces salt today. The site consists of over 3,000 small ponds filled with water from a nearby stream and fed by natural springs. By evaporating this salty water, residents have been able to produce high quality salt since pre-Inca times.
Moray is an archaeological site consisting of several large circular terraces cut into a steep hillside. It is believed to have been used as an ancient agricultural laboratory where Inca farmers experimented with different crops at various altitudes and microclimates within the same area. Evidence suggests that Moray was also used for astronomical observations due to its unique design and location on top of a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape – perfect for studying stars or predicting seasonal changes in weather patterns.
These two sites not only provide insight into ancient Peruvian cultures but also offer visitors breathtaking views as they explore their ruins – making them must-see destinations when visiting Peru’s Sacred Valley.
We are a local travel agency specialized in tours and treks in the region of Cusco, Peru. Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will take you on an unforgettable journey through some of the most incredible ruins in the world.
We offer a variety of tours that will allow you to explore the ruins of the Inca Empire, from the ancient city of Machu Picchu to the ancient sites of Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman, and Pisac. Our tours are designed to provide you with an in-depth look at the history and culture of the Incas, as well as an opportunity to take in the breathtaking sights of the Andes Mountains.
We provide all the necessary equipment and supplies for your tour, including comfortable transport, knowledgeable guides, and local cuisine. Our guides are passionate about the history and culture of the Inca Empire and are eager to share their knowledge with our visitors.
Join us on an unforgettable journey through the ruins of the Inca Empire and experience the beauty and mystery of this ancient civilization. Contact us today to book your tour and start your adventure!
Departure & Return location
Cusco hotel transfer
Departure Time:
07:00 am or 1:00 pm
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Recommended to carry
Our half-day trip begins at either 7:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., depending on your preference. We will take you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then, in our private car, we will transfer you to Cruzpata town, a little settlement in the center of the Andes highlands.
We will give you a quick security briefing regarding the ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) and the trip once you arrive in Cruzpata. Following that, we will ride the ATVs to the Moray archaeological site. When we arrive, we will dismount the ATVs and enter the site, where you will be given a brief guided tour. You will learn about the remarkable construction of Moray’s Inca circular terraces.
The terraces at Moray are separated by walls that range from 3 to 10 feet (1 to 3 meters) high. Each terrace has a different microclimate due to its location within the depression, allowing for experimentation with crops such as corn, potatoes, quinoa and other vegetables native to the Andes Mountains area. These experiments allowed the Incas to determine what types of crop yields would be best suited for each region throughout their empire.
Then, we will go on to the Maras Salt Mines. The stunning peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range can be seen along the way. Among these are the Verónica and Waqaqwillka mountains.
We will need to abandon the ATVs once we reach Maras in order to visit the nearby salt mines. The Maras Salt Mines, also known as the Salineras de Maras, are a set of thousands of salt pans located in the Sacred Valley of Peru. The site is made up of over 3,000 small terraced pools that have been used since pre-Inca times to harvest salt from an underground stream.
The water originates from a nearby mountain spring and flows through the ancient irrigation canals into each pool. As it evaporates due to evaporation caused by the sun and wind, it leaves behind crystallized salt which is then harvested by hand.
After visiting Maras, we will return to Cruzpata. Then we will bring you back to Cusco city.
+51 992 764 112
cuscotravelperu1@gmail.com
The Maras & Moray ATV Tour (Half Day) with Cusco Peru Explore was an absolute blast! This adventure-filled tour allowed me to explore the unique sites of Maras and Moray while enjoying the thrill of riding an ATV. The knowledgeable guides ensured our safety and provided interesting information along the way.
