Moray, Maras, Salt Mines & Inca Trail

Cusco, Machu Picchu
from
$ 100.00
1 Dia
Moray, Maras, Salt Mines & Inca Trail
Moray, Maras, Salt Mines & Inca Trail
Moray, Maras, Salt Mines & Inca Trail
Moray, Maras, Salt Mines & Inca Trail
Moray, Maras, Salt Mines & Inca Trail
Moray, Maras, Salt Mines & Inca Trail
Moray, Maras, Salt Mines & Inca Trail
Moray, Maras, Salt Mines & Inca Trail
Moray, Maras, Salt Mines & Inca Trail
Moray, Maras, Salt Mines & Inca Trail

Moray, Maras, Salt Mines & Inca Trail

1 Dia from $ 100.00
Trip Length
1 Dia
Group Size
Min 2 Persons
Activity Type
Hiking Adventure
Physical Level
Easy

Tour Overview

This impressive tour combines the globally renowned Inca Trail journey to Machu Picchu with Cusco’s most conventional tours, including the Sacred Valley tour, the Inca terraces of Moray, and the Salineras de Maras.

Experience the Inca Empire in just 3 days filled with culture, adventure, and tradition. In under a week, you can witness the finest of the Inca heritage and partake in the Inca Short Trail adventure. This package encompasses the City of Cusco, the agricultural hubs of Maras and Moray, the traditional Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the thrill of a 2-day hike to Machu Picchu.

This package suits solo travelers, groups of friends, or families looking to explore Machu Picchu. Availability depends on the Short Inca trail’s capacity. For those seeking adventure, we invite you to discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas uniquely and enjoyably through our ATV Tours Cusco.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Moray, Maras & Salt Mines Tour

At 07:00, we collect you from your hotel to transport you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a fertile agricultural region created by the Urubamba River. Next, we visit the town of Chinchero, where you can explore the colonial temple with captivating frescoes in the portico, constructed atop the foundations of an Inca edifice. Subsequently, we proceed to Moray, where you can admire the intriguing circular crop terraces used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation and seed acclimatization. Our journey continues to the Maras Salt Mines.

In Maras Salt Mines, you can witness the compact salt pools meticulously constructed in the shape of terraced steps along a narrow valley. These small salt pools are supplied by a saltwater source located near the commencement of all the salt pools. The salt of Maras has been collected since pre-Inca and Inca times. Following this, we head to Urubamba Town, renowned as the valley’s capital. Here, we partake in a buffet lunch at one of its charming tourist restaurants that offer traditional Andean cuisine. We proceed with our tour to visit the still-thriving Incan settlement of Ollantaytambo, where our Tour Guide leads us through its Incan fortress, providing insights into its purpose and history. The town and fortress are strategically positioned, commanding a breathtaking view of the valley. This significant archaeological site is celebrated for being one of the finest surviving illustrations of Incan urban planning and engineering. It is renowned for its colossal steep terraces that safeguard the Incan fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish suffered a significant defeat during their conquest! Overnight in Ollantaytambo.

Rise early, have breakfast, and prepare for the 2-day hike to Machu Picchu. Proceed on foot to Ollantaytambo’s railway station, where we board a train bound for Km 104, home to an Inca Trail checkpoint. Amidst the Andean mountains and tropical forests, a magnificent Inca Trail meanders through the mountains and the Sacred Valley. Our initial archaeological stop is Chachabamba (2,200 m / 7,218 ft), nestled along the banks of the Urubamba River. WiƱaywayna (2,650 m / 8,696 ft) sits atop. Following this, we make our way to the Intipunku (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), offering a panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft). Here, you can also spot a variety of flora and fauna, along with diverse bird species. The hike takes approximately 6 to 7 hours until you reach the Sun Gate, known as the ā€œInti Punku,ā€ where you can catch the first panoramic glimpses of Machu Picchu.

After an early morning breakfast, we continue our Inca Trail hike for approximately 2 hours, reaching the enigmatic city of Machu Picchu. We enter the city early for prime photo opportunities. The Machu Picchu tour is conducted privately, offering a glimpse of one of the most spectacular cities of the ancient world. Conceived by Inka Pachacuteq, this magnificent city boasts houses, temples, storehouses, a vast square, and a labyrinth of narrow streets and stairways. It is encircled by agricultural terraces. Following a comprehensive 2-hour tour, you have leisure time to revel in the magic and spirituality of this city. Additionally, you have the option to embark on a 45-minute ascent to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (peaks overlooking Machu Picchu, offering panoramic views of the Inka city). The 2-day Inca Trail culminates with a train journey to Ollantaytambo, from where we are transported by van back to Cusco.

Inclusions

Included in the trip

  • Pre-trek briefing (Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing)
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo (01 night), Hotel in Aguas Calientes (01 night)
  • Meals: 01x Breakfast and 01x Lunch on the Sacred Valley Tour
  • Inca Trail Permits and entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
  • Entrance fee to Chinchero,Moray and Ollantaytambo
  • Entrance fee to Salt Mines or Salineras
  • Professional guide in Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo & Inca Trail
  • Train round trip to Machu Picchu
  • Bus up and down to Machu Picchu

No Included

  • Meals not details
  • Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($ 80)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips
  • 1 Liter and half of water (per person- at least!).
  • Personal snacks (optional).
  • Water-resistant trekking shoes.
  • Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, and socks).
  • Waterproof clothing (poncho).
  • Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts).
  • Sunhat and sunglasses.
  • Sun cream.
  • Water bottles such as Nalgene.
  • Basic medications.
  • Walking sticks.
  • Personal items.

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Faqs

Why Choose us

When it comes to planning an unforgettable adventure in Cusco, Peru, the choices can be overwhelming. With so many travel agencies vying for your attention, it’s essential to select one that stands out and offers a truly exceptional experience. That’s where “Tierras Andinas” Travel Agency comes into play. Here are some compelling reasons why you should choose us for your Cusco adventure:

  1. Local Expertise: Our agency is headquartered in Cusco, and our team consists of local experts who have an intimate knowledge of the region. This ensures that you’ll have access to the best-kept secrets, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and insider tips that only locals can provide.
  2. Tailored Itineraries: We understand that every traveler is unique. That’s why we specialize in crafting tailor-made itineraries that cater to your specific interests, budget, and schedule. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a cultural explorer, we can create a personalized itinerary just for you.
  3. Authentic Cultural Experiences: At “Tierras Andinas,” we believe in responsible tourism and promoting authentic cultural interactions. We offer tours and activities that allow you to connect with local communities, learn about their traditions, and contribute positively to their livelihoods.
  4. Experienced Guides: Our team of experienced, bilingual guides is passionate about sharing their knowledge and ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout your journey. They are certified and well-versed in the history, culture, and natural wonders of Cusco.
  5. Sustainable Tourism: We are committed to preserving the pristine beauty of Cusco’s natural environments. Our agency follows sustainable practices to minimize our ecological footprint and contribute to the long-term conservation of the region.
  6. Customer-Centric Approach: Your satisfaction is our top priority. We go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service, from the moment you inquire about a trip to the time you return home. We are always available to address your questions and concerns promptly.
  7. Safety First: Safety is paramount, especially when exploring remote areas. We adhere to the highest safety standards and regularly maintain our equipment to ensure your well-being during every adventure.
  8. Variety of Options: Whether you dream of trekking to Machu Picchu, exploring the Sacred Valley, or embarking on a thrilling adventure, “Tierras Andinas” offers a wide range of tour options to suit your preferences.
  9. Transparent Pricing: We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for, ensuring peace of mind during your trip.
  10. Positive Reviews: Don’t just take our word for it; our satisfied customers speak for themselves. We have received numerous positive reviews and testimonials from travelers who have had incredible experiences with us.

Travel Guide

A day trip is ideal for exploring two notable sites of the Inca civilization located in the Sacred Valley.

Visiting Maras and Moray from Cusco in just one day is perfectly feasible and without rushing. To give you an idea, if you opt for a guided tour, it is a half-day excursion.

Tour to Maras and Moray from Cusco

The most comfortable and easiest way to get to Maras and Moray is by booking a tour in Cusco. That’s precisely what we did, since these tours usually include a guide.

However, as we mentioned above, you will see this excursion promoted in all the travel agencies in Cusco. Our advice is to make sure of the reputation of the local agency before making a reservation.

After spending a month living in Cusco while volunteering, we heard several stories where reliability left a lot to be desired. Unfortunately, we saw this repeat itself on several occasions. Don’t be swayed by the price alone, as sometimes paying a little more can give you a better guarantee.

If you prefer to make an online reservation with complete confidence, we provide you here with the website that we use to book excursions and guided tours, which can be very useful on your trip to Peru.

The Maras Moray tour leaves Cusco at 8:30 in the morning and lasts approximately 6 hours. Includes transportation from your hotel and a visit with a guide.

How much does the entrance fee to Maras Moray cost?

Entrance fees to the Maras salt mines and the Moray archaeological site are not included in the tours. The entrance fee to Maras is only 10 soles, while Moray is included in the Cusco tourist ticket.

In this case, among all the tourist ticket options, you will need the 2-day tourist card for the Sacred Valley.

What to see in the Salineras de Maras

The Maras salt flats are one of the most beautiful places you can visit near Cusco. There are 3,000 salt mines located at 3,380 meters above sea level and are supplied by an underground spring that was already exploited in pre-Inca times.

These pools of Andean pink salt are barely five square meters each and create a spectacular landscape. Extraction is a simple process: when the water evaporates, the crystallized salt is carefully removed with shovels and rakes.

Curiosities about the Maras salt mines that caught our attention:

One of them is that the wells are not sold, they are passed down as an inheritance from grandparents to grandchildren.

This salt is said to be of better quality than sea salt and is considered one of the best in the world, along with Himalayan salt. Furthermore, it is important to note that there are only four places in the world where pink salt can be extracted, and the Maras mines are one of them.

Salt is sold to the Japanese for 30 dollars per 400 grams, while there it is bought for 5 soles (a little more than 10 euros).

Trip Advisor Reviews

About Tierras Andinas

“Tierras Andinas” emerged from our deep desire to introduce these captivating tourist destinations to explorers. We specialize in unveiling the most breathtaking locations and offering genuine adventures. The cornerstone of “Tierras Andinas” is our esteemed team of guides, who prove to be our most priceless resource. They possess fluency in English and an unwavering enthusiasm for the local culture. These guides are rigorously trained and consistently stay informed about first-aid techniques, equipped with satellite phones to swiftly contact medical professionals during emergencies. Rest assured, our guides will ensure that you experience these terrains as if you were journeying alongside cherished family and friends.

EXPERT AND 100% LOCAL TOUR OPERATOR

All of our Tours and Walks are provided exclusively by TIERRAS ANDINAS staff and professional guides. What that means for you is that TIERRAS ANDINAS will never refer you to another company or third party.

OUR CAMPING TEAM

Enjoy a good night's sleep in our spacious and professional EUREKA waterproof 4-season igloo tents. All our tents are for four people. Only 2 people will sleep in each, leaving plenty of space to be comfortable and store your travel bag.

SMALL GROUPS FOR BIG AMAZERS

To guarantee a more personalized service for our guests, at TIERRAS ANDINAS we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate with larger groups.

UNIQUE TOUR AND HIKE PACKAGES FOR ALL BUDGETS

We have the most personalized tours and packages for all budgets. They are designed to meet the wants and needs of our customers who are looking for something unique in their travel experience.

GOURMET AND SUBSTANTIAL MEALS

TIERRAS ANDINAS has one of the most outstanding food services. Our chefs have been highly trained to prepare the best Peruvian food on our hikes.

OUR COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT

TIERRAS ANDINAS conducts annual cleanup campaigns that raise awareness among people around the world who share a desire to help protect the environment. It is our commitment to create a positive and sustainable contribution to the quality of life of rural Andean communities.

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