Moray and the salt mines of Maras / half day

Highlights

• Discover the mystery and agricultural science of the Incas in Moray.
• Taste the pure pink salt and experience the ancestral magic of Cusco.
• Thousands of pink pools create a surreal landscape in the mountains.

Description

The Maras & Moray sightseeing tour is a unique experience that combines history, Inca engineering, and spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This tour takes you to two of the most impressive and enigmatic sites in the Cusco region, where the creativity and ancient knowledge of the Incas are manifested in perfect harmony with nature. The first visit is to the ancient village of Chinchero, where its people keep their culture alive. Quechua (the native language) predominates among its inhabitants, and it is one of the very few villages that maintains its original clothing, where the details of its fabric and vibrant colors stand out, taking us back to ancestral times. On this occasion, we will visit a traditional family to take part in a demonstration of the dyeing and weaving processes given by the Chinchero textile makers. We will then visit the archaeological center of Moray, an extraordinary Inca agricultural laboratory composed of huge concentric circular platforms. This site is surprising not only for its architectural design, but also for its function: the Incas used Moray as an agricultural experimentation center, creating different microclimates on each level to study the behavior of crops and improve their production. Walking through this complex allows us to understand the high level of scientific and technological knowledge that the Inca civilization achieved. The tour continues to the town of Maras, one of the first colonial settlements in the region, whose families are the owners of the salt pools that we will later see at the Salineras Salt Mines of Maras. We will visit a Maras salt sales center, have a food tasting of different snacks and chocolates made with Maras salt, and then visit the Salineras Salt Mines of Maras, one of the most photogenic and unique landscapes in Cusco. This impressive ensemble of thousands of salt ponds is fed by a saltwater spring that flows naturally from the mountain. Salt is extracted by hand, following traditional techniques that have been kept alive since pre-Inca times and are now managed by local families. The contrast between the white terraces, the Andean mountains, and the blue sky creates a truly unforgettable setting. Throughout the sightseeing tour, you'll enjoy unparalleled panoramic views, open Andean landscapes, and a special connection with the region's living culture. It's a relaxing and enriching tour, ideal for photography, contemplation, and cultural learning.

Includes

Hotel pick-up (central area) Tourism transportation Bilingual (Spanish/English) professional tour guide Permanent assistance

Excludes

Cusco Tourist Ticket (70 soles) Entrance to the Maras Salt Mines (20 soles) Meals Items of a personal nature

Important Information

• If you already have the 'CUSCO TOURIST TICKET', you no longer need to buy a ticket for MORAY.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund