Maras Moray from Ollantaytambo
Half Day
Half Day
7+ Years
Traditional 1-Day Tour
“Agricultural Experiment Center of Moray and Maras Salt Mines from Ollantaytambo”
This tour is perfect for those returning after visiting the marvelous Machu Picchu citadel and wanting to make the most of their time, exploring other key sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Places to Visit
- Moray Terraces or Agricultural Experiment Center
- Surrounded by the imposing Andes mountains, Moray is one of the famous Inca ruins near Cusco, consisting of three groups of circular terraces descending 150 meters from the highest to the lowest terrace. Each group has 12 levels of terraces.
- Maras Salt Mines
- The salt mines consist of approximately 3,000 pools fed by an underground spring. Located at 3,380 meters, 56.8 km from the city of Cusco in the Sacred Valley. According to legend, the salt formed from the tears of Ayar Cachi (one of the brothers of Ayar Manco, founder of Cusco), who cried upon failing to establish the Tahuantinsuyo. The tears were dried by the sun, forming salt flats with pink and lilac hues.
- Chinchero Viewpoint
- Chinchero was chosen by Inca Tupac Inca Yupanqui to establish his residence. He ordered the construction of beautiful palaces for his personal use and that of his panaca. In 1536, during the Spanish invasion, Manco Inca began his rebellion by burning Chinchero to prevent the Spanish from resupplying and pursuing him as he retreated to unknown jungle regions.
- Department
- Cusco
- Departure / Return Location
- Pick-up from your hotel / Hotel
- Departure Time
- 08:30 AM (flexible schedule)
- Return Time
- 2:30 PM (flexible schedule)
- 1st Activity: Start in Ollantaytambo
- The tour begins in the living city of Ollantaytambo, where we pick you up from the train station based on your arrival time or from your hotel. We start before or after Machu Picchu, visiting the treasure of the Sacred Valley and the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological complex. After exploring the only inhabited Inca village or living museum, we continue to the Moray terraces or agricultural experiment center.
- 2nd Activity: Maras Town
- After this visit, we pass through the picturesque colonial town of Maras and its beautiful plaza.
- 3rd Activity: Visit to Maras Salt Mines
- Our next stop is the famous Maras salt mines, “a sea of salt in the mountains,” operated by locals and exported to various countries, before heading to Cusco.
- 4th Activity: Chinchero
- En route, we stop in Chinchero, where you can visit one of the textile production centers to observe their ancestral dyeing and crafting techniques. Then, we enjoy a stunning view of the Chinchero Archaeological Center from the viewpoint.
The Tour Includes:
- Pick-up from your hotel.
- Tourist transportation.
- Entrance tickets to the sites visited.
- Professional guide.
The Tour Does Not Include:
- Food and drinks, unless otherwise specified.
Recommendations:
- Casual and comfortable sportswear.
- Walking shoes.
- Cap and light jacket.
Aidett
Cristian
Raul
