Discover the charm of Maras, a picturesque colonial town famous for its landscapes and historic mansions. Visit the Maras Salt Mines, featuring over 3,000 salt ponds harvested artisanally for generations. Conclude the tour at Moray, a fascinating Inca agricultural center with circular terraces used for crop experimentation. A tour filled with history, culture, and natural beauty.
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Maras, Moray, and Salt Mines
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
- Visit to Maras: Explore the picturesque colonial town and its historic mansions.
- Visit to the Maras Salt Mines: Admire over 3,000 salt ponds harvested artisanally.
- Visit to Moray: Discover the circular Inca terraces used for agricultural experimentation.
- Return to Cusco.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Maras with Andes Explore Peru
- We will begin our exciting excursion with Andes Explore Peru by visiting the picturesque town of Maras, which was of great importance during the Viceroyalty period. Declared Villa de San Francisco de Asís, Maras stood out as the main supplier of salt to the southern highlands. With Andes Explore Peru, you will explore the church and the mansions that still display indigenous noble crests on their façades, reflecting its rich history.
- The second destination with Andes Explore Peru will be the fascinating Maras Salt Mines. This site is known for its over 3,000 salt ponds, which have been harvested artisanally since Inca times. Today, more than 360 families continue this ancestral tradition. Andes Explore Peru will provide you with a unique experience as you explore this important natural resource, whose salt has been marketed through the Maras Sal association, protecting the community's interests since the 1980s.
- To conclude the tour, Andes Explore Peru will take you to the impressive circular terraces of Moray. These terraces, used as an agricultural laboratory by the ancient Incas, represent a challenge to the natural environment and are a clear example of Andean innovation. With Andes Explore Peru, you will learn how these terraces allowed the cultivation of a wide variety of crops such as potatoes and corn, adapting to different microclimates.
- Finally, we will return to Cusco, concluding this day of historical and natural exploration organized by Andes Explore Peru, an experience that combines ancestral legacy with the unique landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Includes:
- Private transportation
- Tourist bus
- Professional bilingual guide
- Box lunch
Not Included:
- Additional meals
- Partial Tourist Ticket (BTP)
Recommendations:
- Comfortable clothing: Wear appropriate clothing for walking, preferably layered, as the weather can vary. Don’t forget a light jacket for the wind.
- Proper footwear: Use trekking shoes or sports shoes that allow you to walk comfortably and safely on uneven terrain.
- Sun protection: Make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as you will be exposed to the sun for a good part of the day.
- Hydration: Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour. Although lunch is included, it’s advisable to carry some light snacks.
- Camera: The Q’eswachaka Bridge and its surrounding landscapes are breathtaking, so don’t forget your camera or a phone with enough battery to capture the best moments.
- Respect for tradition: This bridge holds great cultural and spiritual importance for the local communities. It’s recommended to follow the guide’s instructions and respect local customs.
- Altitude: The area is at a considerable altitude, so if you’re not accustomed to it, take your time to acclimate and avoid excessive physical exertion.
- Cash: It’s useful to carry some cash in soles for any additional purchases or tips, as not all places accept cards.
