Overview
Moray and Maras sit in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, roughly 40–50 km northwest of Cusco city, at elevations ranging from approximately 3,300 to 3,500 metres above sea level. Together they form one of the most visited and visually distinctive archaeological and cultural stops in the Cusco region.
Moray is an Inca archaeological site consisting of several concentric circular terraces (known locally as andenes) set into natural depressions in the earth. The largest depression contains about a dozen rings descending to a flat floor. Researchers believe the site functioned as an agricultural laboratory, with each terrace level creating a distinct microclimate — temperature differences between the top and bottom terraces can reportedly reach around 15°C — though the site's exact purpose remains a subject of scholarly debate.
Maras, a few kilometres away, is home to the Salineras de Maras: thousands of small salt pans carved into a hillside, fed by a natural saltwater spring. Families in the Maras community have harvested salt here since pre-Inca times, and the cooperative ownership structure continues today. The pans turn vivid terracotta and white depending on the season and stage of evaporation, making them a striking landscape subject.
The village of Maras itself is a small, relatively quiet Andean community and functions primarily as a service point for visitors heading to either site. Facilities are limited; most accommodation and dining options are found in Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo.
Before You Go
Altitude
Both sites sit above 3,300 metres. If you are arriving from sea level, allow at least one to two days in Cusco to acclimatize before visiting. Symptoms of altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Coca leaf tea is widely available and traditionally used by locals; consult a physician before travel if you have cardiovascular or respiratory concerns.
Visas
Peru's entry requirements vary by nationality. For current, accurate visa information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Peruvian immigration authority (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones). Do not rely on informal sources for visa rules.
Boleto Turístico
Access to Moray is included in certain circuits of the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco), a regional pass covering multiple sites. Verify current circuit options, pricing, and inclusions directly with the Dirección Regional de Cultura Cusco or at official sales points in Cusco, as configurations and fees change periodically. Entry to the Salineras de Maras is managed separately by the local community; verify current admission arrangements on arrival or through a reputable tour operator.
What to bring
- Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) — UV intensity is high at this altitude
- Layers: mornings and evenings are cold even in the dry season; midday can be warm
- Sturdy footwear with grip for uneven stone paths
- Cash in Soles — card payment is not reliably available at either site
- Water and snacks; food vendors are present but limited
Getting There
From Cusco City
Most visitors reach Moray and Maras by organized day tour departing from Cusco, which is the most straightforward option. Shared and private minivan tours are widely available through agencies in Cusco's historic centre; these typically combine both sites and sometimes include Chinchero or Ollantaytambo. Verify departure times and what is included before booking.
For independent travelers, colectivos (shared taxis/minivans) run from Cusco toward Urubamba along the main Sacred Valley road. You can alight at the turnoff for Maras town (ask the driver; the village of Maras is signposted) and either walk, take a mototaxi, or hire a local taxi for the remaining distance to each site. Schedules and availability vary; verify locally.
By Bicycle
Some operators offer guided cycling tours that descend from the Chinchero plateau toward Maras and Moray. This is a popular option for those comfortable on bikes at altitude and on mixed-surface roads. Bikes and guides can be arranged through agencies in Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
Nearest Transport Hubs
- Cusco (Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, CUZ) — the primary regional gateway
- Urubamba — a larger Sacred Valley town with more frequent colectivo connections; approximately 12–15 km from Maras
Getting Around
The sites of Moray and Maras are approximately 5–6 km apart by road. There is no regular public transport running directly between the two sites. Options include:
- Mototaxis available from Maras town to both sites (negotiate fare in advance)
- Hired taxi for the day from Cusco or Urubamba — a common and practical choice for independent travelers
- Walking: a trail between the sites exists and is used by hikers, but it involves significant elevation change and exposure; assess your fitness and altitude tolerance honestly before attempting it without a guide
At Moray, visitors walk the rim and descend stone paths into the terraces on foot. The Salineras de Maras have a path along the edge of the salt pans; standard sturdy shoes are adequate. Neither site requires specialist equipment.
Things to See & Do
Moray Archaeological Site
Explore the circular terraced depressions — there are three main ones, with the largest being the most photographed. Walking the full circuit around the rim and descending to the centre of the main depression takes around 45–90 minutes depending on pace. Interpretive signage is present on-site, though coverage is limited; hiring a licensed local guide in Cusco will substantially enrich the visit.
Salineras de Maras (Salt Pans)
Walk the paths that wind among thousands of individual salt pans. The best light for photography is generally in the mid-morning or late afternoon. Visitors can purchase locally harvested salt directly from community vendors at the site — a straightforward way to support the cooperative. The view from the upper path looking down the terraced hillside is particularly striking.
Village of Maras
The village is a working Andean community and not a tourist attraction in itself, but walking its narrow streets gives a sense of everyday Sacred Valley life. The colonial-era church on the main plaza is worth a brief look. Be respectful of residents and their privacy.
Combining Sites
Most visitors combine Moray and Maras in a single half-day or full-day itinerary, sometimes extending the trip to include Chinchero (approximately 20 km east), which has its own Inca terraces and a well-known artisan textile market.
Food & Drink
Food and drink options at both sites are limited to small vendor stalls selling snacks, drinks, and occasionally simple cooked food. Do not rely on finding a sit-down meal at either location.
The town of Maras has a small number of basic restaurants catering mainly to locals; quality and availability vary. For a wider selection of restaurants, plan to eat before departing Cusco or after returning, or stop in Urubamba, which has a more developed dining scene with options ranging from local huaraches and caldo de gallina to international-oriented restaurants near the main plaza.
Bring sufficient water for your visit. At altitude, hydration is more important than at sea level. Bottled water is available from vendors, but carrying your own reduces plastic waste and ensures supply.
Practical Information
Money
Carry cash in Peruvian Soles. ATMs are not present at the sites or reliably in Maras village. Withdraw cash in Cusco before departure. Small denominations are useful for vendor purchases and mototaxis.
Connectivity
Mobile signal is intermittent at Moray and the salt pans. Download offline maps (e.g., Maps.me or Google Maps offline) and any relevant information before leaving Cusco.
Toilets
Basic toilet facilities are available at both sites, typically managed by attendants. A small fee in Soles is usually expected; carry coins.
Emergency Contacts
In a medical emergency at altitude, the nearest significant medical facilities are in Cusco city. Peru's general emergency number is 105 (police) and 116 (fire/ambulance/general emergency), though response times in rural Sacred Valley areas vary. Confirm emergency numbers locally and with your accommodation on arrival, as services and numbers can change.
Responsible Tourism
Do not step on or damage the salt pans at Maras — they are active working agricultural plots belonging to community members. At Moray, stay on designated paths to protect the terraces. Pack out any litter.
Safety
Moray and Maras are considered generally safe for tourists. The main risk factors are environmental rather than security-related: altitude sickness, strong UV radiation, and slippery or uneven stone paths after rain.
Petty theft is always a possibility at tourist sites; keep bags closed and in sight, and avoid displaying expensive equipment unnecessarily. Organized tours from reputable Cusco agencies add a layer of logistical security and local knowledge.
The road between Cusco and the Sacred Valley involves mountain driving with steep sections and curves. If hiring a private driver independently, choose vehicles in visibly good condition and confirm the driver is familiar with the route.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Maras salt pans are not a heritage relic — they are an active, community-owned enterprise. Families hold individual pan assignments within a larger cooperative structure that predates Spanish colonization. Purchasing salt at the site and treating the workers and their pans with respect is the most appropriate visitor behavior.
Quechua culture and language remain strong throughout the Sacred Valley. Basic courtesies in Quechua (Allianchu — how are you? / Allinmi — I'm well) are appreciated but not expected. Spanish is sufficient for most interactions.
If visiting on a Sunday, be aware that the Sacred Valley, including nearby Chinchero, hosts traditional markets that can significantly increase traffic and tour group volumes. Plan timing accordingly if you prefer a quieter experience.
