Moray & Maras Salt Mines

Inca terraces in concentric circles, and a hillside of salt pans still worked by hand.

  • Duration: 5 - 6 hours (half day)
  • Format: shared, private

Moray is a great amphitheater of circular Inca terraces descending into the earth, where each level holds its own microclimate; many believe the Incas used it as an outdoor laboratory to experiment with crops from different altitudes. A short drive away, the salt pans of Maras spill down the mountainside in thousands of white and ochre pools, fed by a single salty spring since pre-Inca times and still worked by hand by local families exactly as they have been for centuries. Together the two sites make one of the most photogenic half-day trips in the Sacred Valley, with sweeping views of the snow-capped Andes along the way.

Why we chose it

  • Two completely different landscapes -- one agricultural, one mineral -- in a single easy half-day outing
  • Moray's terraces are still not fully understood, which makes for one of the most interesting guide stories in the Sacred Valley
  • The salt pans are a living, working site, not a museum piece -- families still harvest by hand as their ancestors did
  • Morning light (roughly 8-10am) gives the best photos and the smallest crowds, before the mid-morning tour buses arrive

Highlights

  • Circular Inca terraces of Moray, believed to be an ancient agricultural laboratory
  • Thousands of hand-worked salt pans cascading down the Maras hillside
  • Panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the snow-capped Andes en route
  • Still-active salt production run by local families, unchanged for generations
  • Combines well with a night in the Sacred Valley or a stop on the way to Ollantaytambo

Ideal for

  • photographers
  • travelers based in the Sacred Valley
  • families

Practical information

Good to know
Moray and the Maras salt mines sit at around 11,500 feet, slightly higher than Cusco. Altitude sickness (soroche) is common at this elevation, especially for travelers flying in directly from sea level (e.g. Lima) and starting a tour the same or next day -- that combination is the most frequent cause of serious symptoms we see. Spend at least 1-2 days acclimatizing beforehand, walk slowly, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and try coca tea. This matters especially for older travelers and anyone with heart, lung or blood pressure conditions, who should consult a doctor before the trip and tell their guide immediately if they feel unwell.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Maras salt mines entrance fee included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico)?

No. Maras is privately administered by the local salt-producing community and charges its own separate entrance fee, paid in cash (soles) at the gate. Moray, on the other hand, is covered by the Boleto Turistico's partial circuit, along with Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.

Do I need cash for this tour?

Yes. The Maras salt mines only accept cash in Peruvian soles at the entrance -- there is no card payment and no ATM on site, so bring soles from Cusco or Urubamba beforehand.

What is the best time of day to visit?

Early morning, roughly 8-10am, offers the softest light for photos and the fewest visitors, since most group tours arrive between 11am and 2pm.

How difficult is the walking at each site?

Both sites involve easy, mostly flat or gently sloping dirt paths. At Maras, the path down alongside the salt pans has some uneven, slightly slippery footing near the pools, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Moray's terrace rims have a short, unpaved walking loop with a few stepped sections; the site sits at about 11,500 feet (3,500 m), so it's best enjoyed after a day or two of acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.