The Maras Salt Mines and Moray are two of the most impressive and historic sites in Peru. Located in the Sacred Valley, the Maras Salt Mines have been an important source of income for the local communities since pre-Inca times. The salt mines consist of over 3,000 individual pools that were built into terraced hillsides to collect salty water from a natural underground spring. This salty water is then evaporated by the sun to form pink salt crystals that are harvested by hand each day.
Moray is an archaeological site located nearby that was used as an agricultural testing ground for different crops during Inca times. It consists of several large circular terraces dug deep into the earth, with each one representing a different climate zone from warmer near sea level to colder at higher elevations. Despite its age, many features still remain intact and it’s possible to explore this unique site on foot, or even take a tour with knowledgeable guides who can explain more about its history and importance during Inca times.
Visiting both sites provides visitors with insight into how people in Peru lived centuries ago while also offering stunning views across the surrounding landscapes. Whether you go alone or join a guided tour, visiting Maras Salt Mines and Moray will be sure to leave you feeling inspired by their incredible beauty and significance in Peruvian culture today!
Full Trips Peru is a professional travel agency that specializes in providing unique, authentic experiences to visitors of the beautiful country of Peru. We offer tours and packages to some of the most incredible places in Peru, such as Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Machu Picchu. Our experienced guides will take you on an unforgettable journey through these ancient sites, giving you a chance to explore their unique culture and history.
We also provide personalized services tailored specifically for our customers’ needs. From transportation arrangements to accommodation bookings, we make sure all your requirements are taken care of, so that you can enjoy a hassle-free experience. Don’t hesitate any longer, join us on an adventure through one of South America’s most fascinating countries today.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
8:30 am.
At 8:30 am, we will come to your Cusco hotel and take you in our private car to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First, we will visit Maras town. Once we get there, we will enter the town and go see the salt mines nearby. The remarkable pink hue of these salt mines provides a captivating sight, unique in the Andes mountains.
Before entering the Maras Salt Mines, you will need to get an admission ticket. Once inside, our tour guide will explain how pink salt is extracted and collected from the various ponds in the area.
Afterwards, we will go to the Moray archaeological site. In order to enter Moray, buying a tourist ticket is necessary. From afar Moray looks like a stadium or theater of some sort. However, its exact purpose remains mysterious. Some scholars think that Moray was some kind of ancient research center, where plants from warm areas, like coca leaves, were grown. When visiting Moray, you will find that it gets a little warmer as you go down to the lower levels of the site.
After exploring Moray, we will return to Cusco city, where we will be arriving around 2:00 pm.
I recently visited the Maras Salt Mines in Peru, and it was an amazing experience! The salt terraces cascading down the mountainside are breathtaking, and learning about the ancient methods still used today was fascinating. It’s a unique, picturesque spot that offers stunning views and a glimpse into local culture. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in the Sacred Valley!