Shapes of the past

Maras – Moray – Salineras – The Sacred Valley

There is more to life than simply increasing its speed. Gandhi

In this lovely one day tour we visit Moray, perhaps the most unusual of the Inca ruins and then descend to Sacred Valley of the Incas, via the salt mines at Salineras.

We arrive at the turnoff for Maras nearly two hours after leaving Cusco, from where we take a private taxi and arrive at the mysterious Moray. A pre-Inca site, though used by the Incas, Moray is a series of agricultural terraces which were believed to be an experimental agricultural station for different crop strains.

We spend about one hour soaking up the fabulous atmosphere of Moray before heading back cross country through traditional farmland to the charming village of Maras. Walking along the cusp of the Sacred Valley we are rewarded with views of the opposite snowcapped mountains. We lunch en route.

We visit Maras before heading downhill to Salineras, sometimes meeting large numbers of donkey trains carrying the salt up hill. Salineras is a collection of watered terraces that take salt from an underground salty stream, which is collected by locals through a fascinating process of evaporation.

From Salineras we head downhill, cross the Urubamba River and take public transport to Urubamba and then public bus back to Cusco.

Departure: Plaza de Armas, Cusco 8am Return: 5.30pm to Plaza de Armas

Hiking: Moray – Maras 1.5 hours, Maras – Salineras 2 hours,

Salineras – Sacred Valley ½ hour

*You can join this tour with one of our other day tours for a fascinating visit to the Sacred Valley. Accomodation and meals will be at your own cost. Please ask for more information.*

Included: English, spanish & quechua speaking guide , Boxed Lunch & Transport by public bus

Not included: Entry fees to Moray and Salineras, water & Snacks

What you need to bring: Money for entry fees, snacks and souvenirs, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, jumper (sweater), rain protection (or plastic poncho), plus any other personal items you might wish.

Our Shapes of the Past tour is perfectly combined with one of our Cultural Extensions - Chicha & Sapo!

PRICE