Maras, Moray & Salt Mines Half - Day Tour
PRICE FROM
$20.00 USD
price per person in group service
Cusco | Chinchero Textil I Moray I Salt Mines I Cusco
Duration of the trip:
1/2 Day
Physical Level:
Easy
Altitude:
3500 m.a.s.l
Group Size:
18 people
Type of Tour:
Classic
| Overview - Maras Moray and Salt Mines
The Maras Moray and Salt Mines tour is one of the best half-day experiences in Cusco, perfect for travelers who want to discover unique Inca sites and spectacular landscapes in a short time.
This cultural journey takes you through the Andean highlands near the Sacred Valley, a region known for its agricultural history, traditional villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Thanks to its proximity to Cusco, this tour is ideal for visitors looking for a complete cultural experience without spending a full day.
During this Maras Moray and Salt Mines tour from Cusco, your first stop will be Chinchero, a traditional Andean village famous for its Inca heritage and textile traditions. Here you can visit the archaeological remains, the colonial church, and a local weaving center where artisans demonstrate ancestral techniques.
You will then continue to Moray, one of the most fascinating Inca archaeological sites, known for its circular terraces that functioned as an agricultural experimentation center. This site shows the advanced engineering knowledge of the Incas.
The highlight of the tour is the visit to the famous Maras Salt Mines, also known as the Salt Mines of Maras, a spectacular formation of more than 3000 salt pools built on the mountainside and still used today by local families.
Throughout the Maras Moray and Salt Mines half day tour, you will enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Andes, traditional farming landscapes, and unique cultural sites, making this one of the most recommended short tours from Cusco.
Detailed Itinerary – Maras Moray and Salt Mines
Day 1: Maras Moray and Salt Mines
Hotel Pickup in Cusco
Your Maras Moray and Salt Mines tour begins with hotel pickup in Cusco between 08:00 a.m. and 08:30 a.m.
Pickup time may vary depending on your hotel location and traffic conditions. Our team will coordinate everything in advance to ensure a smooth start to your experience.
Once the group is ready, we begin our scenic drive through the Andean highlands, passing traditional villages, farming areas, and beautiful mountain landscapes on the way to our first destination.
Chinchero – Andean Culture & Traditions
Our first stop is Chinchero, one of the most traditional villages near Cusco and an important cultural site included in the Maras Moray and Salt Mines half day tour.
Here you will visit a local textile center where Andean families demonstrate traditional weaving techniques using alpaca wool and natural dyes extracted from plants and minerals.
You will also explore the Chinchero archaeological site and its colonial church, built on top of Inca foundations, showing the fusion of Inca and Spanish history.
This stop offers great opportunities for cultural learning and photography.
🌾 Moray: Inca Agricultural Laboratory
Next, we head to Moray, one of the most unique archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. The impressive circular terraces were used by the Incas as an agricultural research center to study crop adaptation at different altitudes.
Enjoy a guided explanation followed by free time for exploration and photography.
🧂 Maras Salt Mines
We continue to the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, made up of more than 3,000 salt ponds that have been harvested since Inca times. These salt pools are still owned and maintained by local families.
You’ll have time to walk through the area, learn about the salt extraction process, take photos, and purchase salt-based souvenirs.
Return to Cusco
After a full day of exploration, we return to Cusco, arriving approximately between 14:00 p.m. and 14:30 p.m., with drop-off near the city center.
What Is Included?
- Tourist Transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish.
What Is Not Included?
- Entrance Fees (70 soles for a one-day ticket or 130 soles for a 10-day ticket)
- Entrance Fees ( S/. 20 soles)
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Extra drinks or snacks
- Optional tips
Maras Moray and Salt Mines Half Day (Prices for 2025 and 2026)
Pricing & Booking Information
Group service · Daily departures
From USD $ 20.00 per person (cash price)
Tourist transportation
Professional English/Spanish guide
💳 Online card payment available.
A small processing fee applies to card payments.
🚨 High demand tour – advance booking is recommended.
Private Service
From USD $60 per person (minimun 2 people) – price varies by group size
Flexible departure time
Private transportation
Personalized guiding
Ideal for couples, families, and friends
Request your private Sacred Valley Tour quote via WhatsApp
Payment Options
To secure your booking, we offer flexible payment options:
✔ 50% deposit online to confirm your reservation
✔ Remaining balance paid in Cusco (cash recommended)
✔ Full payment by card available upon request
Required Information for Booking
To confirm your reservation, please send us the following information:
Full name
Nationality
Hotel name in Cusco
WhatsApp number (including country code) or Peruvian mobile number
(Essential for coordinating your hotel pick-up)
Once we receive your details, we will send you a secure payment link (+ 5%) via WhatsApp or email .
Cancellation & Refund Policy – Maras Moray and Salt Mines Tour
We understand that plans can change, so we offer the following policy:
✔ More than 24 hours before departure:
Full refund available.
✔ Less than 24 hours before departure:
No refund (last-minute cancellations).
💡 This policy applies because transportation, guide services, and restaurant reservations are arranged in advance.
Packing List for Maras Moray and Salt Mines Half Day
To make the most of your trip, we recommend bringing the following essentials:
💰 Money & Essentials
- Cash in USD or Peruvian soles
- Money belt or secure pouch
👕 Clothing
- Lightweight shirts or t-shirts
- Fleece or warm layer
- Waterproof or windproof jacket
- Hiking pants and/or comfortable trousers
- Shorts (optional for warm days)
- Thermal underwear (for cold conditions)
- Wool hat, gloves, and warm accessories
👟 Footwear
- Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes
- Comfortable sandals (optional)
- Long hiking socks
🌞 Sun & Weather Protection
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (high SPF recommended)
- Rain poncho or waterproof cover
- Backpack rain cover or plastic bags
🧴 Personal Items
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable)
- Small towel
- Insect repellent
- Personal medications
💊 Health & Safety
- Basic first aid kit (band-aids, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, etc.)
- Rehydration salts or tablets
- Water bottle
- Water purification tablets or filter (optional)
🔦 Gear & Extras
- Flashlight or headlamp (recommended)
- Camera or smartphone with charger
- Extra batteries or power bank
- Small backpack for daily use
- Notebook or book (optional)
💡 Additional Tips
- Bring only what you need to keep your backpack light
- Weather can change quickly, so layers are essential
- Carry some extra cash for snacks,
Contact us by email to check availability, request detailed information, and receive your secure payment link. Our team will reply within a short time to assist you with your booking.
Booking
Maras Moray and Salt Mines Half Day Tour
Starting from
$ 20.00 USD
per person
Group & private options available
Contact us on WhatsApp to check availability, private options, and confirm your booking.
BRIEF CONDITIONS
• 50% deposit required
• Secure payment link provided (+5%)
• Balance paid in Cusco
Why Choose This Maras Moray and Salt Mines Tour?
🏔️ Explore the highlights of the Maras Moray and Salt Mines tour, including the traditional village of Chinchero, the fascinating circular terraces of Moray, and the impressive Salt Mines of Maras in a perfectly organized half-day experience.
📸 Enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, scenic valleys, and traditional Andean farming landscapes throughout the journey.
⭕ Discover the advanced agricultural engineering of the Incas at Moray and learn how these terraces created different microclimates for crop experimentation.
🧂 Visit the famous Maras Salt Mines, one of the most unique attractions near Cusco, where more than 3000 salt pools are still harvested using ancestral techniques.
🎓 Learn about Inca history and Andean culture with professional bilingual guides who make every stop informative, interesting, and memorable.
⏱️ Perfect for travelers with limited time, this tour offers one of the best cultural experiences you can do near Cusco in just a few hours.
👉✨ Choose the Maras Moray and Salt Mines tour and discover incredible Inca landscapes in an unforgettable half-day adventure.
FAQs – Maras Moray and Salt Mines Tour
Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Maras Moray and Salt Mines half day tour, including information about entrance fees, transportation, guided services, altitude, weather conditions, and essential travel recommendations to help you plan a safe and memorable experience from Cusco.
❓ What is the Maras Moray and Salt Mines tour?
The Maras Moray and Salt Mines tour is a half-day cultural experience from Cusco that includes visits to Chinchero, the circular terraces of Moray, and the famous Salt Mines of Maras. It is ideal for travelers who want to explore important Inca sites in a short time.
❓ How long is the Maras Moray and Salt Mines tour?
This tour usually lasts between 5 and 6 hours, depending on traffic and group size. Most morning tours return to Cusco around 14:00.
❓ Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket for this tour?
Yes. Moray requires the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC). The Maras Salt Mines have a separate entrance fee that is paid directly at the control point.
❓ How difficult is the Maras Moray and Salt Mines tour?
This is considered an easy tour with short walks and plenty of time to explore each attraction. No hiking experience is required.
❓ What should I bring for the Maras Moray and Salt Mines tour?
We recommend bringing:
• Comfortable walking shoes 👟
• Sunscreen ☀️
• Sunglasses 🕶️
• Water 💧
• Cash for entrance tickets 💵
• Camera 📸
• Warm jacket 🧥
❓ What is the best time to visit Maras Moray and Salt Mines?
The best time is during the dry season (April to October) for better weather and clearer views. However, the tour operates all year.
❓ Is hotel pickup included in the Maras Moray and Salt Mines tour?
Yes. Most tours include hotel pickup in Cusco, especially from hotels located in the historic center.
Explore More Tours in Cusco
- Vinicunca, Cusco - Peru
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Hike through the stunning Andean landscapes and discover the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain. A breathtaking adventure filled with scenic views, fresh mountain air.
$30 / Person
1 Day
- Cusco - Peru
City Tour Cusco
Explore the most important archaeological sites and colonial landmarks of Cusco in a half-day cultural experience.
$15 / Person
1/2 Day
- Cusco – Sacred Valley, Peru