Maras & Moray – Salt, stone and Inca ingenuity
Description
Two landscapes, two stories, and one journey into the remarkable relationship between the Incas and their environment. In the Sacred Valley, the ancient salt pools of Maras descend along the mountainside while the enormous terraces of Moray reveal an extraordinary approach to agriculture and experimentation.
This experience has been designed for travelers who want to discover some of the most unusual landscapes near Cusco while learning how ancient Andean communities made use of the natural resources around them. From the brilliant salt pools to the perfectly shaped terraces of Moray, every stop offers a different perspective on the ingenuity and adaptability of the Andean people.
The combination of history, nature, and traditional practices makes Maras and Moray an ideal half-day experience for those looking to explore a different side of the Sacred Valley.
Itinerary
- Maras – The Ancient Salt Mines: Our journey begins with a visit to the salt mines of Maras, a spectacular collection of thousands of small salt pools built into the mountainside.
- Natural saltwater emerges from an underground spring and is distributed through a carefully designed network of channels. As the water flows into the individual pools and gradually evaporates under the sun, layers of salt are left behind.
- For generations, local families have continued this traditional practice, making the salt mines not only an impressive landscape but also an example of a living Andean tradition.
- We will have time to explore the viewpoints, appreciate the intricate network of salt pools, and learn about the traditional methods used to obtain this valuable natural resource.
- Moray – The Inca Agricultural Terraces: We then continue toward Moray, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley.
- From above, the enormous circular terraces resemble a natural amphitheater carved into the earth. However, these terraces were carefully constructed and are believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation.
- The different levels create variations in temperature and environmental conditions, allowing different crops to be cultivated and studied.
- As we walk around the site, our guide will explain the importance of agriculture within the Inca Empire and how the Incas adapted their farming techniques to the diverse environments of the Andes.
- The Andean Landscape – A Journey Through the Sacred Valley: Between Maras and Moray, we will travel through the beautiful countryside surrounding the Sacred Valley.
- The route offers views of agricultural fields, traditional communities, mountains, and valleys, providing a glimpse into the rural landscapes that continue to form an important part of life in the Cusco region.
- After completing our visits, we will begin our return journey to Cusco.
Includes
- Tourist transportation throughout the tour.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English).
- Guided visits to Maras and Moray.
- Permanent assistance throughout the tour
Does not include
- Entrance fee to the Maras salt mines.
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco), including the entrance to Moray.
- Food and beverages.
- Personal expenses.
- Gratuities.
Recommendations
- Tourist transportation throughout the tour.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English).
- Guided visits to Maras and Moray.
- Permanent assistance throughout the tour
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