Maras and Moray Salt Mines Tour | Half-Day from Ollantaytambo

This half-day tour to the Maras and Moray Salt Mines offers a unique opportunity to explore two of the most fascinating sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The tour not only allows you to discover Inca agricultural engineering through the impressive Moray terraces, but also to understand the ancient salt production process at the Maras Salt Mines, a place of great natural and cultural beauty. Throughout this tour, travelers will experience the rich history of the region while enjoying spectacular landscapes and a deep connection with local traditions.

The tour provides an excellent cultural immersion in the innovative agricultural systems of the Incas and the current traditions of the Maras communities. With a guided and educational approach, participants not only experience these impressive monuments but also learn about the relationship between the Incas and their natural environment. This tour is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive experience of history, nature, and culture in a short time.

⛰️Detailed Itinerary of the Maras and Moray Salt Mines Tour from Ollantaytambo | Half Day

🚐 Pickup from your hotel in Ollantaytambo

The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Ollantaytambo, a picturesque living Inca village in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Our tour bus will arrive promptly at your hotel, and from there, we will begin our journey northeast, ascending a paved road that offers spectacular views of the mountains, agricultural terraces, and the typical crop fields of the region.

🌿 Arrival in Moray | Inca Experimental Agricultural Complex

After a short drive, we arrive at Moray, an impressive set of concentric terraces built within natural depressions in the ground. This archaeological site was an Inca experimental center for testing different crops and microclimates, such as potatoes, corn, and quinoa, adapting them to the various altitudes of the Tahuantinsuyu. During the guided tour, you will learn about:

1. Inca agricultural engineering and the creation of microclimates.
2. How seeds were distributed from Moray to the four regions of the empire.
3. The use of circular terraces to improve food production.
4. You will have free time to explore the site, take photos, and admire the perfect symmetry of the terraces.

🏞️ Transfer to the Maras Salt Mines

We board the vehicle again and head toward the Maras Salt Mines, located on the slopes of a mountain above the Urubamba Valley. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Chicón and Verónica snow-capped mountains, surrounded by fields cultivated using ancient techniques.

🧂 Guided Tour of the Maras Salt Mines

The Maras Salt Mines are a group of more than 3,000 artisanal pools fed by an underground saltwater spring. These pools are worked by local families who follow the tradition of solar evaporation to obtain Andean pink salt. During the visit:

1. The guide will explain the traditional salt extraction process.
2. You will walk along the paths that border the pools (always respecting the restricted areas).
3. You will learn about the medicinal and culinary properties of Maras salt.
4. Optionally, you will have the opportunity to purchase derived products such as flavored salt, creams, salt-infused chocolates, and mineral baths.

🛍️ Free Time for Shopping and Rest

After the visit, you will enjoy a few minutes to purchase local products directly from the communities. Take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the unique landscape, taking photos of the impressive white scenery that contrasts with the green of the valley.

🚗 Return to Ollantaytambo (approx. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)

We begin the return trip to Ollantaytambo, descending along the same scenic route. The journey lasts approximately 30 minutes, and we arrive at the starting point around 1:30 PM, concluding this half-day cultural, natural, and archaeological experience in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

✅Includes

🚐 Transportation from your hotel in Ollantaytambo: Punctual pickup from your accommodation in Ollantaytambo with comfortable and safe transportation for the entire tour.

🌄 Guided tour of Moray: Discover the Inca agricultural complex and learn about the agricultural engineering used by the Incas to experiment with different crops and microclimates.

🏞️ Panoramic views: During the trip, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the mountains, agricultural terraces, and typical fields of the Sacred Valley.

🧂 Guided tour of the Maras Salt Mines: You’ll learn about the traditional salt extraction process in the more than 3,000 artisanal pools, fed by an underground spring.

🛍️ Opportunity for local shopping: You’ll have time to purchase local products such as flavored salt, creams, and chocolates made from Maras salt.

📸 Free time for photos and rest: Enjoy free time to take photos of the unique landscape and relax before returning.

🚗 Return transportation to Ollantaytambo: After the visit, you’ll return to Ollantaytambo in the same private transportation, enjoying a scenic and peaceful journey.

❌Not Included

👌 Partial or General Tourist Ticket (required to enter Moray). Moray is included in the Sacred Valley Partial Tourist Ticket (S/ 70.00 for foreigners and S/ 40.00 for nationals) or the General Tourist Ticket (S/ 130.00).
This ticket is valid for several days and allows access to various archaeological sites. Purchased in Cusco or at the site entrance (cash only).
✨Maras Salt Mines Admission: Access to the salt mines costs S/. 20.00 per person and is payable upon entry. It is not included in the tour price.

🍽️ Meals outside the tour: Meals outside of visits to tourist sites are not included; only tour-related food is provided at designated locations.

🧳 Personal Expenses: Any personal purchases, such as souvenirs or products other than those offered on the tour, are not included.

🏨 Accommodation in Cusco or surrounding areas: Accommodation before or after the tour in Ollantaytambo is not covered by the package.

💳 Tips: Tips for guides and tour staff are not included and are optional, based on satisfaction with the service received.

✨Recommendations

🍴 Follow a light diet: Due to the nature of the tour, it is ideal to maintain a light diet before leaving, especially if you are sensitive to altitude changes.

🧳 Comfortable and appropriate clothing: Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the mountain climate, with closed-toe shoes for walking on the terraces and trails. Don’t forget a light jacket in case it gets cold at higher altitudes.

💧 Hydration: Make sure you bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout the tour, especially in the mountain climate.

🌞 Sun protection: Although the weather can be cool, solar radiation in the mountains can be intense, so it is recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

📸 Extra camera and battery: The landscapes in the Sacred Valley are spectacular, so don’t forget your camera or cell phone with enough battery to capture the breathtaking views.

🛍️ Respect local traditions: If you choose to purchase products from local communities, remember to respect local customs and ensure you support local producers.

✋ Avoid sudden temperature changes: The temperature difference between day and night can be significant, so we suggest bringing an extra layer for the afternoon or evening.