MORAY AND MARAS SALT MINES TOUR: Inca Engineering and Andean Salt

Name: MORAY AND MARAS SALT MINES TOUR: Inca Engineering and Andean Salt
Brand: Machu Picchu Team
SKU: TOUR-6139
Price: 15 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (2725 reviews)

Moray's concentric terraces and the Maras salt pans in half a day, with a professional guide. From USD 15 per person.

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5.0 Based on 2,725 Reviews

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HALF DAY

Tour Overview

Moray And Maras Salt Mines Tour: Discover two of the Sacred Valley’s most fascinating archaeological treasures on this captivating half-day adventure. Your journey begins at 8:45 a.m., with convenient pickup from our office at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo just steps from Cusco’s historic Plaza de Armas. From there, travel comfortably in our modern tourist vehicles as our expert bilingual guides share captivating stories about the region’s rich cultural heritage. Your first stop is Moray, home to a remarkable set of Inca agricultural terraces. Here, ancient engineers carved concentric circular depressions into the earth, creating natural microclimates that allowed them to experiment with crops from different altitudes a true testament to Inca ingenuity.

Next, you’ll marvel at the breathtaking Salt Mines of Maras, where over 3,000 salt pools cascade down the mountainside in a striking golden-white patchwork. These pools have been harvested by local families for centuries, using the same traditional techniques passed down through generations.Throughout the day, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for photography and genuine cultural connection with the Sacred Valley’s landscapes and traditions. The tour concludes around 3:30 p.m., with drop-off in Cusco’s city center.

Reserve Your Moray & Maras Salt Mines Tour from Cusco

Booking is quick and secure. Click BOOK NOW to check availability, select your date, and pay online by debit or credit card. We offer daily departures, with bookings accepted until the day before the tour, subject to availability. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. The tour includes hotel pick-up in Cusco, round-trip transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and visits to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. Return to Cusco is scheduled for the afternoon, and group sizes are limited for a more comfortable experience.

Private Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour

Would you like to visit Moray and Maras with more freedom and personal attention? We can arrange a private tour exclusively for you, your family, or your group of friends. A private service allows you to travel at your own pace, spend more time at each attraction, and receive personalized explanations from your guide. The departure time can also be adjusted to better fit your travel plans. Contact us by WhatsApp or email with your preferred date, number of participants, and any special requests to receive a customized quote.

Exclusive Rate for Returning Travelers

Have you already explored Peru with Machu Picchu Team? If so, you may be eligible for a special discounted rate on the Moray & Salt Mines tour Just get in touch with us before booking and let us know which tour you took with us previously. Once we confirm your past reservation, we’ll offer you an exclusive returning-customer rate as our way of saying thank you for traveling with us again.

For more information or assistance, please contact us through any of the following channels. Our team will respond as soon as possible:

🟢 WhatsApp: +51 974 217 700
✉️ Email: info@machupicchuteam.com

Highlights

Moray and Maras Highlights

Two unique sites in half a day: the Moray terraces and the Maras Salt Mines, back in Cusco by 3:00 pm.
Moray: discover the circular Inca terraces believed to be an agricultural laboratory for testing crops.
Maras Salt Mines: more than 3,000 salt pools cascading down the mountainside, still worked by local families.
Living traditions: learn how salt has been harvested by hand since before the Incas.
Andean countryside: a scenic drive past fields, villages and snow-capped peaks.
Easy level: a relaxed cultural tour with short walks, suitable for all ages.
Professional bilingual guide: small groups of up to 16 travelers.
Perfect half-day plan: ideal for your first days in Cusco, to acclimatize before a trek or Machu Picchu.

BOOK ONLINE

FROM

USD 15 per person (Promotional Price)

Duration HALF DAY

Starts in At 8:30 AM from Machu Picchu Team Office

Group size 15

Departures DAILY DEPARTURES

Physical level Easy

Trip style Classic

Distance TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED

Meals 0 B, 0 L, 0 D

5.0 Excellent · 2,725 reviews

"Just finished 4 days with Yuri & Jose, they were both amazing, super helpful and attent..."

BoardingPass605159 28/09/2026

"Une superbe expérience ! L’équipe est au top, une superbe ambiance un tracé magnifiqu..."

Bouhet M 28/09/2026

"Great experience, an unforgettable adventure all thanks to Eduardo and Marx. Big thank ..."

Kristina K 27/09/2026

"Eduardo is the best guide! Really tailored our experience around our pace and flexibili..."

Zak L 27/09/2026

"This experience was amazing. The guys are really nice and the landscapes seems like AI...."

Jose Alejandro Navarro 27/09/2026

"I had such a great time on this guided tour! Everything was really well organised, and ..."

Mihai 26/09/2026

"Incredible, a very polite and attentive person, he knows a lot about the mountain, a to..."

Renato C 26/09/2026

"We did the 2-day trail and were very satisfied with our guides Miguel and Alice. The wa..."

Thomas L 25/09/2026

"Really enjoyed my 2 days Inca trail with the Macchu Picchu team. Miguel was an excellen..."

Adewuyi O 25/09/2026

"I did the 5D/4N Salkantay Trek with Machu Picchu Team and it was an amazing experience!..."

Global35234380610 25/09/2026

Moray's concentric terraces and the Maras salt pans in half a day, with a professional guide. From USD 15 per person.

Reserve Your Moray & Maras Salt Mines Tour from Cusco

Private Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour

Exclusive Rate for Returning Travelers

For more information or assistance, please contact us through any of the following channels. Our team will respond as soon as possible:

🟢 WhatsApp: +51 974 217 700
✉️ Email: info@machupicchuteam.com

Highlights

Moray and Maras Highlights

Two unique sites in half a day: the Moray terraces and the Maras Salt Mines, back in Cusco by 3:00 pm.
Moray: discover the circular Inca terraces believed to be an agricultural laboratory for testing crops.
Maras Salt Mines: more than 3,000 salt pools cascading down the mountainside, still worked by local families.
Living traditions: learn how salt has been harvested by hand since before the Incas.
Andean countryside: a scenic drive past fields, villages and snow-capped peaks.
Easy level: a relaxed cultural tour with short walks, suitable for all ages.
Professional bilingual guide: small groups of up to 16 travelers.
Perfect half-day plan: ideal for your first days in Cusco, to acclimatize before a trek or Machu Picchu.

Trip itinerary

8:30 a.m. Meeting Point
Meet your group at the Machu Picchu Team office, located at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, just steps from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.

Departure to Moray (approx. 1.5 hours)
Set off on a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley toward Moray, taking in panoramic views of the Andes along the way.

Arrival & Entrance to Moray
Upon arrival, present your BTG (Boleto Turístico General o Parcial) or purchase your entrance ticket if it isn’t already included.

Guided Visit to Moray
Explore the remarkable Inca circular terraces, believed to have functioned as an agricultural laboratory. Your guide will explain how ancient engineers used these terraces to experiment with crops across different microclimates.

Free Time at Moray
Take some time to wander at your own pace, snap photos, and soak in the surrounding landscape.

Transfer to the Maras Salt Mines
Continue with a short drive to the Salt Mines of Maras, a striking complex of salt pools still actively used by local families today.

Guided Visit to the Salineras de Maras
Discover the traditional salt-harvesting techniques passed down through generations, along with the cultural significance these salt flats hold for the local community.

Return to Cusco
Begin the drive back toward Cusco.

3:00 p.m. Tour Ends
Arrival in Cusco’s city center, with drop-off at a convenient location near the Plaza de Armas.

Tour Summary

Pick-up time: 8:30 a.m. from the Machu Picchu Team office
Duration: Approximately 6.5 hours (8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Places visited: Moray and the Maras Salt Mines
Maximum altitude: Moray, 3,600 meters above sea level
Minimum altitude: Salt Mines, 2,800 meters above sea level
Tour type: Guided cultural and archaeological half-day tour
Weather: Generally mild and sunny, with cooler, windier conditions at higher elevations
Transportation: Round-trip tourist transportation from Cusco
Estimated return: 3:00 p.m., back in Cusco’s city center

MORAY AND MARAS SALT MINES TOUR: Inca Engineering and Andean Salt

What is included

Professional Bilingual Guide

Travel with the support of an expert, English-speaking bilingual guide who brings the history, culture, and archaeological significance of both Moray and the Maras Salt Mines to life throughout the tour.

Comfortable Tourist Transportation

Enjoy a smooth, scenic ride through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley aboard our modern, well-maintained tourist vehicles.

Small-Group Experience

The Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour typically operates with groups of around 12 to 14 travelers, with a maximum of 16 participants. This limited group size allows for better coordination, closer interaction with your guide, and a more comfortable experience at each site. It also gives you more opportunities to ask questions and receive personalized attention throughout the day.

Return and Drop-Off in Cusco

The tour returns to Cusco at approximately 3:00 p.m., with drop-off at the Machu Picchu Team office in Plaza Regocijo, just one block from the Plaza de Armas.

Free Luggage Storage

When you book with Machu Picchu Team, you’re welcome to leave your luggage safely at our main office at no extra cost. Since the tour begins and ends here, picking up your belongings upon return is quick and convenient.

Safety and Assistance

Your safety and comfort are our priority. Your guide carries a first-aid kit and is prepared to assist with minor health concerns or unexpected situations along the way. As this is primarily a cultural and archaeological tour rather than a strenuous hike, the pace is relaxed and comfortable. Even so, your guide will provide clear guidance and support at sites with stairs, uneven terrain, or higher elevations.

Entrance Fees for the Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour

To enter Moray, one of the main archaeological sites included in this tour, you’ll need the Cusco Tourist Ticket, known locally as the Boleto Turístico del Cusco (BTC). This ticket can be purchased in Cusco city (at the Municipality) or directly at the entrance to Moray. Payment must be made in cash and Peruvian soles only — U.S. dollars, other foreign currencies, credit or debit cards, and digital payments are not accepted, so we recommend bringing the exact amount.

🎟️ General Tourist Ticket – 130 Soles

Valid for 10 days, this ticket grants access to 16 attractions across Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including Moray, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay, Tipón, Pikillacta, and several museums in Cusco. It’s the best option for travelers planning to visit multiple archaeological sites during their stay.

🎟️ Partial Tourist Ticket – 70 Soles

Valid for 2 days, this ticket covers the four main Sacred Valley sites: Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. It’s a practical choice if you’d also like the flexibility to visit those additional sites during your stay, even though this tour includes only Moray.

Maras Salt Mines Entrance – 20 Soles

The entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines is not included in either version of the Tourist Ticket and must be paid separately at the entrance, in cash and Peruvian soles. We recommend bringing the exact amount to make entry quick and hassle-free.

WHAT TO WEAR AND PACK FOR MORAY AND MARAS SALT MINES TOUR

What To Wear

Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows you to move easily.
Dress in light layers, as mornings can be cool and temperatures may rise during the day.
Use comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes with good grip, since some paths can be uneven or dusty.
Bring a light waterproof jacket or rain poncho, especially during the rainy season.
Wear a hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Andean sun.

What To Carry In Your Backpack

A refillable water bottle
Light snacks such as energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit
Sunscreen and lip balm
Sunglasses
A rain poncho or lightweight waterproof jacket
Camera or fully charged smartphone
Passport or national ID
Student ID, if applicable
Cash in Peruvian soles for entrance fees, souvenirs, and personal expenses
Personal medication, if required

Prices and options

Official Rates & Pricing Plans

* All rates are in USD per person

Book online

Rate Option	Price per person
STANDARD Standard Price	$17 USD
PROMO Promotional Price	$15 USD

2026 & 2027 prices: the rates above are valid for bookings with travel dates in 2026 and 2027.

Standard or Promotional Price?

The Moray and Maras Salt Mines tour includes the same services at both rates. The promotional price is our thank-you to travelers who also explore Peru with us.

Standard

Standard Price

For all travelers who book this tour on its own.

Best for: travelers with half a day to explore two of the most unique sites in the Sacred Valley.

Promo

Promotional Price

For travelers who also book another tour with Machu Picchu Team, or who have traveled with us before.

How to get it: mention your other Machu Picchu Team booking when you reserve this tour.

Half day

Moray & Maras Salt Mines

Meet at our office in Cusco (Plaza Regocijo) at 8:30 am
1.5-hour scenic drive through the Andean countryside
Moray: guided visit to the circular Inca terraces, plus free time
Maras Salt Mines: guided visit to more than 3,000 salt pools and how salt is harvested
Back in Cusco around 3:00 pm, near Plaza Regocijo

Included

What Your Price Covers

Round-trip tourist transport from our office in Cusco
Professional bilingual guide
First aid kit
Free luggage storage at our office in Cusco

Entrance fees not included: Moray requires the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico), and the Maras Salt Mines entrance is S/ 20. Both are paid in cash and in Peruvian soles.

Which tourist ticket? The partial ticket (S/ 70, valid 2 days) covers Moray, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The general ticket (S/ 130, valid 10 days) covers 16 sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Good to know: this tour starts and ends at our office, with no hotel pickup. Meals are not included, so have breakfast before and bring some snacks.

Want more adventure? Visit Moray and Maras by ATV on our Moray and Maras ATV Tour. Private tours are also available on request.

Group Size

Small groups with a maximum of 16 travelers.

Book solo, as a couple or with friends: you’ll join travelers from around the world who booked the same date.

Daily Departures

We depart every day of the year.

You can book online until 9:00 pm the day before your tour.

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund.

Need to change your date? Reschedule for free until 7:00 pm the day before.

Travel information

HOW TO BOOK THE MORAY AND MARAS SALT MINES TOUR FROM CUSCO

Online Booking: Reserving your Moray & Maras Salt Mines Tour online is fast, simple, and secure.

Click the BOOK NOW button.
Choose your preferred departure date — we operate daily tours throughout the year.
Complete the booking form with your full name, nationality, hotel or accommodation in Cusco, and WhatsApp number.
Pay securely using a debit or credit card (a 3.99% online processing fee applies).
Once payment is confirmed, you’ll automatically receive a confirmation email with your receipt and reservation details.
Our team will follow up with a second message confirming your exact pick-up time along with useful information for the tour.

Online reservations are accepted until 9:00 PM the day before departure, subject to availability.

Booking at Our Office in Cusco

You’re also welcome to book in person at our main office, located at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco. Our staff will walk you through the itinerary, included services, archaeological entrance tickets, optional expenses, and any other details before confirming your reservation.

Payment Methods

Cash in Peruvian soles, US dollars, or euros
Debit or credit card (3.99% processing fee applies)

Information Required to Book

Please have the following details ready:

Full name
Nationality
Hotel or accommodation in Cusco
WhatsApp number with country code, or a Peruvian mobile number
Your accommodation and contact information are essential for us to coordinate your exact hotel pick-up time.

CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS, AND REFUNDS

Changes and Rescheduling

You may change your travel date or switch your booking to another available tour, such as Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo, Humantay Lake, or the Ausangate Seven Lakes Tour. Changes can be made at no extra cost up until 7:00 PM the day before your scheduled departure, subject to availability. To request a modification, reach out through:

📧 Email: info@machupicchuteam.com
🟢 WhatsApp: +51 974 217 700

Customer Cancellation Policy

100% refund: Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour
50% refund: Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure, but before 7:00 PM the previous day
No refund: Cancellations made after 7:00 PM the day before the tour, or in case of a no-show

Online payment and card processing fees may be non-refundable.

Cancellation by Machu Picchu Team

If Machu Picchu Team needs to cancel the tour due to severe weather, road closures, political unrest, safety concerns, or other circumstances beyond our control, we’ll offer you the option to reschedule, choose another available tour, or receive a refund for any services that couldn’t be provided.

Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket to visit Moray and the Maras Salt Mines?

Yes. To enter Moray, you need a valid Cusco Tourist Ticket. There is no individual entrance ticket available only for Moray. If you already have the General Tourist Ticket, which is valid for 10 days, you may use it as long as it is still valid and you have not yet visited Moray. If you do not have a Tourist Ticket, you can purchase the Partial Tourist Ticket for 70 soles that you can buy at the gate of Moray, which includes entrance to Moray and other archaeological sites. Please note that the entrance fee to the Maras Salt Mines is separate from the Cusco Tourist Ticket and must be paid directly at the entrance. The current fee is 20 soles per person.

What makes this tour special?

The Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour combines two very different and unique attractions. Moray is one of the most remarkable Inca archaeological sites in the region. Its circular terraces are believed to have been used as an agricultural experimentation center, where the Incas studied crops and different microclimates. There is no other Inca construction quite like it. The Maras Salt Mines are equally impressive. Thousands of salt pools cover the mountainside and are still used by local families today. During the visit, you will see how salt is traditionally collected, following methods that have been practiced since pre-Inca and Inca times.

Why are breakfast and lunch not included?

The tour begins at approximately 8:30 AM, after the usual breakfast time, and returns to Cusco at around 3:00 PM, allowing you to have lunch in the city afterward. There are also no suitable restaurant stops along the route that fit the tour schedule. For this reason, breakfast and lunch are not included, and the tour price has been calculated without meals. We recommend having breakfast before departure and bringing water and a light snack for the journey.

How much time is spent at each attraction?

Because this tour visits only two main attractions, you will have more time to enjoy each one. The visit to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines usually lasts between one and one and a half hours at each location. This provides enough time for the guided explanation, independent exploration, photographs, and enjoying the scenery without feeling rushed.

Why is hotel pick-up not included?

Hotel pick-up is not included because traffic in central Cusco can be very heavy during the morning. Collecting passengers from different hotels could delay the departure and make it difficult to follow the planned schedule. For this reason, all travelers meet directly at the Machu Picchu Team office at 8:30 AM. Our office is centrally located and can be easily reached on foot from many hotels in the historic center. You may also take a taxi to the meeting point. Meeting at one location allows us to begin the tour on time and makes the departure faster and better organized.

Photo gallery

WHY BOOK THE MORAY AND MARAS SALT MINES TOUR WITH MACHU PICCHU TEAM?

Direct Local Tour Operator from Cusco

Machu Picchu Team is a 100% local company from Cusco and directly operates the tours we offer. When you book the Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour with us, your reservation is handled by our own team, guides, drivers, and operations staff. Working without unnecessary intermediaries allows us to maintain better control over the service, provide clear communication, and ensure that the tour is delivered as described.

Competitive Local Prices

We offer one of the most competitive prices in the local Cusco tourism market while maintaining a reliable and well-organized service. Our rates are based on the real operating costs of the tour and include professional guidance and comfortable tourist transportation. We aim to provide excellent value without adding unnecessary commissions or inflated prices.

Daily Departures

We operate the Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour every day, giving you greater flexibility when choosing your travel date. You can reserve the tour for any available day, even at short notice, subject to availability. Daily departures also make it easier to adjust your plans or reschedule your tour when necessary.

Important Notice Machu Picchu tickets sell out fast! We highly recommend booking at least 3 months in advance to secure your preferred dates.

Talk to a Local Expert

Hi, I'm Maria! I've hiked the Inca Trail over 50 times. Let me help you craft the perfect itinerary for your adventure.

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WhatsApp +51 974 217 700

Email info@machupicchuteam.com

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Just finished 4 days with Yuri & Jose, they were both amazing, super helpful and attentive. Thank you to the kitchen staff as well! Definitely a challenge, but in the end it all worth it!

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Bouhet M

Level Moderated

Group 16

Departures Daily Departures

From US $ 250 Return by bus

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$ 15 USD per person (Promotional Price)

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