Moray and the Maras Salt Mines are two of the most fascinating attractions in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and are commonly visited together on a day trip from Cusco.
Although they are relatively close to each other, the experience is completely different. At Moray, you will find enormous circular terraces built into natural depressions in the landscape, while at Maras you will see thousands of small salt ponds where salt is still produced through a natural evaporation process.
In this guide, you will find updated information for 2026, including what to see, entrance fees, how to get there from Cusco, how much time you need, and what to know before visiting.
Where are Moray and the Maras Salt Mines?
Both attractions are located in the province of Urubamba, in the Cusco region, within the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Moray is located in the district of Maras at approximately 3,380 meters (11,089 feet) above sea level. The Maras Salt Mines are located at a lower elevation on the mountainside, where a natural saltwater spring is used for salt production.
Because the two attractions are relatively close, they are commonly included in the same half-day excursion from Cusco.
A typical route from Cusco may include:
Cusco → Chinchero → Moray → Maras Salt Mines → Cusco
Depending on your itinerary, it is also possible to combine these attractions with other sites in the Sacred Valley.
Moray: The Inca Circular Terraces
Moray is one of the most unusual archaeological sites in the Cusco region.
At first glance, its enormous circular terraces look like a giant amphitheater carved into the landscape. In reality, the site consists of several sets of concentric agricultural terraces built inside natural depressions.
The main depression reaches approximately 45 meters (148 feet) in depth, while the terraces have an average height of around 1.8 meters (5.9 feet).
But the most interesting thing about Moray is not simply its unusual shape.
What was Moray used for?
Archaeological research and official tourism information describe Moray as a center associated with agricultural experimentation, where different environmental conditions could have been used to study agricultural crops.
PromPerú describes the site as being related to processes of domestication, acclimatization, and hybridization of wild species for human consumption.
This is why Moray is often described in tourism literature as an “agricultural laboratory.”
However, there is an important distinction: “agricultural laboratory” is a modern way of explaining the site’s possible function. It should not be understood as meaning that the Incas had a laboratory in the modern scientific sense.
Did Moray have different microclimates?
There are environmental differences between the upper and lower parts of the depressions due to their depth, orientation, and construction characteristics.
These variations have contributed to the interpretation of Moray as a place connected to agricultural experimentation and the adaptation of crops to different growing conditions.
However, it is better not to present the frequently repeated claim of an exact 15°C temperature difference between the upper and lower terraces as an established fact.
The archaeological importance of Moray does not depend on that specific number.
Can you walk down to the bottom of Moray?
Visitors can explore the site through designated paths and viewpoints.
Access conditions may vary depending on conservation and safety regulations, so you should not assume that every section of the terraces is open to visitors.
Always follow the designated routes and instructions from the site’s staff.
Maras Salt Mines: Thousands of Salt Ponds on the Mountain
A short distance from Moray are the famous Maras Salt Mines, one of the most distinctive landscapes in the Sacred Valley.
The complex consists of approximately 3,000 salt ponds built along the mountainside.
The salt does not come from the ocean.
The process begins with naturally occurring saltwater that emerges from underground in an area known as Qoripujio. The water is then distributed through small channels into the individual ponds.
As the water is exposed to sunlight, it gradually evaporates and leaves behind salt crystals.
The salt is then collected and processed for sale.
How old are the Maras Salt Mines?
Salt production in this area has pre-Columbian origins, meaning that it existed before the arrival of the Spanish.
During the Inca period, salt production was part of the economic use of this natural resource.
Today, the salt mines remain connected to local producers and continue to function as a salt-producing area as well as one of the most important tourist attractions in the Sacred Valley.
This is one of the most interesting aspects of Maras: it is not simply an abandoned archaeological site. Traditional salt production continues in the area today.
In 2024, Maras Salt was recognized as the first geographical indication from Cusco, a distinction related to the product’s authenticity and place of origin and one that benefits hundreds of local salt-producing families.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Moray and the Maras Salt Mines in 2026?
This is one of the most important things to know before planning your excursion.
Moray and the Maras Salt Mines have different entrance systems.
Moray Entrance Fee 2026
Moray is part of Circuit III of the Cusco Tourist Ticket, along with other Sacred Valley attractions such as Chinchero, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo.
For 2026, COSITUC lists the following prices:
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Partial Tourist Ticket – Circuit III – foreign visitors | S/70 |
| Partial Tourist Ticket – Circuit III – Peruvian visitors | S/40 |
| Comprehensive Tourist Ticket – foreign visitors | S/130 |
| Comprehensive Tourist Ticket – Peruvian visitors | S/70 |
The Partial Tourist Ticket for Circuit III is valid for 2 days and includes the attractions belonging to that circuit.
The Comprehensive Tourist Ticket is valid for 10 days.
Do I need to buy a ticket just for Moray?
No.
Moray does not have a separate entrance ticket. You need a tourist ticket that includes Circuit III, such as the corresponding partial or comprehensive ticket.
This can be useful if you also plan to visit other archaeological sites included in the same circuit.
Maras Salt Mines Entrance Fee 2026
The Maras Salt Mines are not included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Entrance is paid separately.
As a reference for 2026:
- Peruvian visitors: S/15
- Foreign visitors: S/20
It is recommended to carry cash in Peruvian soles, especially if you also want to purchase local salt products.
Because entrance fees and access conditions can change, it is always a good idea to confirm the current price before your visit.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Moray and Maras?
If you are a foreign visitor and do not already have the Cusco Tourist Ticket, the entrance costs would be approximately:
Partial Tourist Ticket – Circuit III: S/70
Maras Salt Mines entrance: S/20
Total entrance fees: S/90 per person.
For Peruvian visitors:
Partial Tourist Ticket – Circuit III: S/40
Maras Salt Mines entrance: S/15
Total entrance fees: S/55 per person.
These amounts cover entrance fees only and do not include transportation, a guide, meals, or other tourist services.
How to Get to Moray and Maras from Cusco
There are several ways to visit these attractions.
Option 1: Organized Tour from Cusco
This is the easiest option if you want to visit both places in the same excursion.
Tours generally include tourist transportation and a guide, and some itineraries also include Chinchero or other Sacred Valley attractions.
The main advantage is that you do not have to coordinate several different forms of transportation yourself.
Having a guide can also make a significant difference at Moray because the shape of the terraces alone does not explain their possible agricultural function.
Option 2: Visit Independently
It is also possible to organize the trip independently using public transportation and local taxis.
One common option is to travel from Cusco toward the Maras area and then arrange local transportation to the attractions.
The disadvantage is that travel times and costs can vary, and finding transportation back from the tourist sites may not always be as easy as getting there.
If you choose to travel independently, it is a good idea to plan your return transportation in advance.
Option 3: ATV Tour
Another popular alternative is an ATV tour through Maras and Moray.
This option turns the cultural visit into a more active experience and usually uses rural roads and trails in the surrounding area.
Keep in mind that riding an ATV requires attention and compliance with the operator’s safety instructions.
How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Moray and Maras?
You can usually visit both attractions in half a day without adding too many additional stops.
A typical itinerary can be:
Cusco → Moray → Maras Salt Mines → Cusco
If you want to add Chinchero, a textile workshop, Urubamba, or other Sacred Valley attractions, you will need additional time.
You can also incorporate Moray and Maras into a longer Sacred Valley itinerary.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Moray and Maras?
There is no single perfect time for everyone.
If your priority is avoiding some of the busiest periods, an early departure is generally a good choice.
Morning visits can also provide more comfortable temperatures for walking and good conditions for photography.
At the Maras Salt Mines, the appearance of the ponds changes depending on the season, water levels, and evaporation conditions.
This means that the colors and appearance you see in photographs online may be different from what you experience during your visit.
Our recommendation
If your schedule allows it, consider visiting in the morning.
You will also have enough time to return to Cusco and continue with other activities during the day.
Is Visiting Moray and Maras Difficult?
The excursion does not require a high-difficulty trek.
However, it is not completely flat or effortless either.
Both sites have paths, stairs, uneven surfaces, and some changes in elevation.
Moray is also located at a considerable altitude.
If you have just arrived in Cusco and are not yet accustomed to the altitude, take your time, stay hydrated, and avoid unnecessary physical exertion.
For most travelers with a normal level of fitness, the excursion is manageable.
How High Are Moray and the Maras Salt Mines?
The exact elevation varies depending on the specific point being measured.
As a reference:
Moray: approximately 3,380 m / 11,089 ft above sea level.
Maras Salt Mines: located at a lower elevation than Moray, at roughly 3,000 m / 9,843 ft above sea level, depending on the area being considered.
Therefore, although the two attractions are commonly visited together, they are not at exactly the same elevation.
If you are traveling directly from Lima or another low-altitude location, taking your first excursions in Cusco at a relaxed pace is a good idea.
What Should You Bring to Moray and Maras?
For this excursion, we recommend bringing:
- Sunscreen.
- A hat or cap.
- Sunglasses.
- Drinking water.
- Comfortable shoes with good grip.
- A light jacket or clothing suitable for changing temperatures.
- A rain poncho during the rainy season.
- Your passport or Peruvian ID.
- Cash in Peruvian soles.
- A camera or smartphone for photographs.
Weather in Cusco can change quickly, so even on a sunny day, it is a good idea to carry some rain protection.
Can You Buy Salt at the Maras Salt Mines?
Yes.
Different products made from Maras salt are sold in the area.
Buying local products can be a good way to take home a souvenir from the Sacred Valley while supporting the local producers connected to this traditional activity.
If you plan to buy salt, remember to carry cash in Peruvian soles.
Can You Visit Maras and Moray with Children?
Yes. Both attractions can be visited as part of a family trip.
However, you should pay attention to stairs, changes in elevation, and areas where the ground may be uneven.
If you are traveling with young children, keep them close to adults and always follow the designated paths and permitted areas.
Is It Worth Visiting Moray and the Maras Salt Mines?
Yes, especially if you want to experience a part of the Sacred Valley that combines archaeology, agriculture, traditional practices, and dramatic landscapes.
Moray stands out for the engineering of its terraces and its connection with agricultural experimentation.
The Maras Salt Mines, on the other hand, show how a natural resource can continue to be part of a traditional productive activity today.
Both attractions can also be visited during the same excursion from Cusco without dedicating an entire day exclusively to them.
For these reasons, Moray and Maras are excellent additions to a Cusco and Sacred Valley itinerary.
Moray and Maras Salt Mines: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moray included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
Yes. Moray is part of Circuit III of the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Are the Maras Salt Mines included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
No. The Maras Salt Mines have a separate entrance fee.
How much does Maras cost in 2026?
As a reference, S/15 for Peruvian visitors and S/20 for foreign visitors.
How much does the Tourist Ticket for Moray cost?
The Partial Tourist Ticket for Circuit III costs S/70 for foreign visitors and S/40 for Peruvian visitors.
Can I visit Moray and Maras on the same day?
Yes. In fact, combining the two attractions is one of the most common excursions from Cusco.
Are Moray and Maras in the same place?
No. They are two separate attractions located in the Maras area. They are relatively close to each other, which is why they are commonly visited on the same tour.
Do I need a guide to visit Moray?
A guide is not mandatory for visiting the site, but a good guide can help you understand the function of the terraces, Inca agricultural techniques, and the historical context of Moray.
Can I visit Maras and Moray independently?
Yes. You can organize the trip independently, although you will need to coordinate transportation between the different locations.
Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour from Cusco
If you prefer to visit these attractions without having to coordinate transportation between Cusco, Moray, and Maras, you can join an organized tour.
At Machupicchu Luna Tours, we offer a tour combining both attractions:
Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour
We also offer an alternative for travelers who prefer a more active experience:
ATV Tour to Maras, Moray and the Salt Mines
If you are planning your trip to Cusco and are not sure how to fit Maras and Moray into the rest of your itinerary, contact us through WhatsApp and we can help you organize the route according to the number of days you have available.
Quick Summary
Moray: archaeological site associated with Inca agricultural experimentation.
Maras Salt Mines: complex of approximately 3,000 salt ponds where salt is produced through the evaporation of naturally occurring saltwater.
Location: Urubamba Province, Cusco.
Moray: included in Circuit III of the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Partial Tourist Ticket – Circuit III 2026: S/70 foreign visitors / S/40 Peruvian visitors.
Maras Salt Mines: separate entrance fee.
Maras entrance fee 2026: S/20 foreign visitors / S/15 Peruvian visitors.
Recommended time: half a day for both attractions.
Difficulty: low to moderate, depending on the visitor’s fitness and the uneven terrain.
Recommended: bring water, sun protection, comfortable shoes, rain protection, and cash in Peruvian soles.
