Highlight of the day: Circular terraces, Andean rural architecture and hundreds of salt pools worked by local families.

Pick up from your hotel

The Peceros Agency Travel team will pick you up between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

The collection will be made from accommodations located within the urban area of Cusco and with vehicular access. When the hotel is on a pedestrian street, narrow or with traffic restrictions, we will coordinate a nearby point.

After gathering the passengers we will leave towards the northwest area of Cusco. The journey gradually ascends towards the plateau located between Chinchero and Maras.

During the morning you may feel cold, especially between May and August. Wear a light jacket that you can remove when the temperature rises.

Start technical data

• Pick up time: Between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
• Initial altitude: Approximately 3,399 m s. n.m.
• Transportation: Van, minivan or tourist minibus
• First sector: Maras Plateau
• Road type: Asphalt and rural access
• Approximate time of the first transfer: Between 50 minutes and 1 hour and 20 minutes

Travel to Maras

The tour continues through rural sectors where you can see agricultural fields, small houses, herds and mountains.

In dry season, the landscape has yellow and ochre tones. During the rainy season, the fields turn green and fog, puddles and mud may appear on the secondary roads.

When the sky is clear it is possible to observe sectors of the Urubamba mountain range.

The path includes some curves. Movement-sensitive passengers should take the precautions recommended by their doctor.

Town of Maras

We will reach the town of Maras, located in the province of Urubamba.

MINCETUR registers Maras as a traditional village located approximately 3,375 m s. n.m.

During the tour you can see narrow streets, adobe constructions and some stone covers. Several houses preserve elements related to families who settled in the area during the colonial period.

The visit to the village can be made from the vehicle or by a short walk, depending on the schedule and traffic conditions.

The guide will explain the relationship between Maras, the plateage farmland and the salt flats found on the nearby slope.

You can also see the village church from the outside. The entry will depend on your opening hours and scheduled religious activities.

Transfer to Moray

After Maras we will continue to the Moray Archaeological Park.

The route crosses agricultural land and open spaces. In some places the vehicle can slow down due to narrow roads, agricultural machinery or the presence of animals.

During the dry season, dust may be lifted. In rainy months, mud and small delays may occur.

Moray Archaeological Park

Moray is part of the attractions included within the Cusco Tourist Ticket. (COSITUC – BTC CUSCO TOUR TICKET)

The site is formed by natural depressions modified by circular terraces. Its distribution generates an image very different from that of other archaeological centers in Cusco.

From the viewpoints you can see how the platforms descend towards the center and adapt to the relief.

Moray is often described as a space related to agricultural experimentation. This interpretation is based on the shape of their terraces, the differences in level and the particular conditions that can occur within the depressions.

The guide will explain existing theories without presenting as absolute certainty what is still part of archaeological interpretation.

not everything that is popularly stated about Moray is fully demonstrated. What can be observed is an accurate planning of the platforms, channels and unevenness.

The hike is done by signposted trails and viewpoints. Access to lower levels may be restricted to protect structures.

Perception of the traveler in Moray

The size of the circles is best understood by observing them from different points.

From the first viewpoint, the terraces appear to form an almost symmetrical design. When walking a few meters, it is noticeable that each level responds to the natural shape of the terrain.

The wind may feel strong because the park is in an open area. Although the sky is cloudy, the solar radiation remains high.

There are no long climbs, but altitude can cause accelerated breathing in people who just arrived in Cusco. Walk without haste and warn the guide if you feel dizzy.

Departure to the Salineras de Maras

After Moray we will board the vehicle again and continue to the Salineras de Maras.

The road descends progressively through a rural area. Some parts are narrow and have curves.

As we get closer, the landscape changes and the hillside begins to show small stepped structures.

Salineras de Maras

The Salineras de Maras are located in the district of Maras and are linked to the peasant communities of Maras and Pichingoto.

The complex is made up of numerous pools built on a hillside. These receive salt water through a network of small channels.

The water remains in the pools and, as it evaporates, leaves a layer of salt that is subsequently collected and processed.

Although some old descriptions mention about 3,000 pools, the number can vary over time due to expansions, sector recovery, and productive changes. Therefore, it is more necessary to talk about thousands of pools.

Production depends on the climate. During the dry season, evaporation allows to observe lighter shades and a greater accumulation of crystals. In the rainy months, the pools may have darker colors.

The salt flats have been inscribed since 2019 on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural asset proposed by Peru. (World Heritage)

Currently, the tour usually concentrates on viewpoints and authorized sectors. The entrance between the pools may be restricted to protect the product and avoid accidents.

The Salt Process

The guide will explain in a simple way how salt is produced:

• Salt water arises from a spring.
• Small channels lead the water to the pools.
• Each pool receives a controlled amount.
• Solar radiation and wind favor evaporation.
• The crystals are deposited on the bottom.
• The salt is collected and classified.

Work demands constant care. Families should clean channels, repair edges, and control water ingress.

The color and texture of the salt can change depending on the depth of extraction, process and season.

Contact with the local population

In the surrounding area you will find shops and stalls attended by residents.

Purchases are voluntary. You can find:

• Get out of different presentations.
• Mixtures with herbs.

We recommend asking the price before buying and requesting a voucher when applicable.

Ask permission before directly photographing vendors or workers.

Return to Cusco

After visiting the Salineras we will board the vehicle to return to Cusco.

The arrival is scheduled at approximately 3:00 p.m.

The schedule may vary due to:

• Road conditions.
• Time spent in each place.
• Local controls.
• Needs of the group.

In group service, the descent is usually done at a central point. In the private service you can coordinate the return to the hotel when there is vehicular access.

Technical Details

• Altitude: Approximately 3,375 m s. n.m.
• Estimated time of visit: Between 20 and 30 minutes
• Type of land: Cobbled streets, land and paved surfaces
• Difficulty: Very easy
• Transportation: Tourist vehicle
• Weather: Fresh and with possible wind
• Services available: Small shops, bathrooms subject to availability and sale of local products