Mexican Tourists at Moray and Maras: A Journey Through Terraces, Salt Mines, and Andean Traditions

Ultima actualización en 14 November, 2025 por Waman Adventures

Last Updated on 14 November, 2025 by Waman Adventures

Mexican tourists at Moray and Maras will discover impressive landscapes. Moray stands out for its circular terraces used by Incas for cultivation, while in Maras you can see famous salt mines, where salt is extracted artisanally. In this guide we tell you how to get there, what to do, and useful tips so you make most of your trip. Get ready for unique cultural and natural adventure in Peruvian Andes. Let’s explore together!

Moray and Its Role as an Inca Agricultural Laboratory

The tourist is exploring the Moray laboratory.

Tourists who visit Moray are amazed by the complexity of its circular terraces.

Moray was built by Incas, probably on pre Inca culture structures. It’s believed first terraces could have been created by local villages, like Quechua communities.

Modern excavations and various studies indicate Incas used Moray as agricultural experimentation center, bringing soils from different regions to optimize crop growth.

Altitude

Located at 11,483 feet (3,500 meters).

Characteristics:

• You’ll find concentric circular terraces (called “muyus”) excavated in natural terrain depressions, with amphitheater shape.
• Largest of these circles can reach up to 98 feet (30 meters) depth from upper edge to center.
• Terraces are built with stone retaining walls, have irrigation channels and underground drainage system to avoid water accumulation.

Functions:

• Seed acclimatization: here plants from warmer regions were adapted so they could grow in higher areas.
• Agricultural trial: experimenting with crops like potato, corn, quinoa, amaranth, coca, and other medicinal plants, testing them at different environmental levels to see which adapted best to each altitude.
• Ritual or ceremonial function (possible): it’s believed it could also have spiritual purpose, related to nature worship, like Pachamama.

Did you know…?
At Moray soils from different regions were transferred to test crops like potato, corn, and quinoa.

Maras: Tradition of Living Salt Mines

The Maras salt mines are one of the most impressive landscapes in Peru.

The tourist visited the Maras Salt Mines during the dry season.

Maras Salt Mines have pre Inca origin. Ancient peoples already used saline water springing from underground springs in Qaqawiñay mountain. Ceramics from pre Inca cultures like Chanapata and Killke have been found in area, supporting their use long before Incas’ arrival.

Altitude:

Located at 10,499 feet (3,200 meters).

Characteristics:

• You’ll see set of between 2,000 and 4,500 salt pools (figure varies by source), distributed on stepped terraces on Qaqawiñay hill slope.
• Saline water emerges naturally from underground spring, with high salt content.

Functions:

• Salt production for local use: here salt is produced serving to preserve food, cook, or use in domestic tasks within communities.
• Ritual or medicinal use: Maras salt also has traditional uses, and it’s believed to help treat certain skin conditions, among other healing purposes.
• Cultural heritage: this place preserves ancestral techniques still in force, and additionally has great tourist and educational value.

Did you know…?
Maras pink salt is recognized for its purity and minerals, and is exported to different parts of world.

Typical Climate and Environmental Conditions

Climate in Moray

Climate at Maras Salt Mines

How to Get There From Cusco: Routes, Transportation, and Options

Main Vehicle Route

• Cusco to Maras: from Cusco city, you take highway toward Urubamba. Distance is approximately 31 miles (50 km) until reaching Maras district.
• Main highway to Maras: once you take detour toward Maras, paved road of about 2.5 miles (4 km) awaits you.
• Maras to Moray: from Maras town, you continue via paved road of approximately 4.3 miles (7 km) until reaching Moray archaeological site.

Transportation Options

Organized Tour

• Tourist vehicle
• Professional guide in Spanish or English
• Round trip transportation from Cusco

Independent Transportation

• From Cusco to Maras: you can take vehicle from Pavitos street bound for Urubamba. It’s important to indicate you need to get off at detour toward Maras. Price per person varies between $1.30 and $2.65 (5 and 10 soles), depending on transport.
• From detour to Maras: you can continue in local taxi or mototaxi, or walk if you prefer.
• Return to Cusco: you can return by same route or continue to Urubamba, and from there take shared transport (collective) back to Cusco.

Private Transportation

• You can hire taxi or private service for day, departing from Cusco.
• You’ll have total comfort and freedom to stop at other points of interest during route.
• It’s ideal option for groups, families, or if you prefer to avoid public transportation.

Travel Options

Best Time to Visit: Climate, Light, and Tourism

During the rainy season, the weather can become somewhat chilly.

During the dry season, there is usually good weather.

Warning:
In rainy season there’s mud and slippery trails; bring waterproof clothing and appropriate footwear.

Dry Season

Exact months:

• Begins approximately in April.
• Extends until October.
• Within this period, best months are usually May, June, July, August, and September.

Characteristics:

• Clear skies and excellent visibility.
• Morning temperatures: between 68 and 71°F (20 and 22°C).
• Night temperatures: can drop to 39°F (4°C) or even 32°F (0°C).
• Sun is usually intense around noon.

What to see and do this season:

• Moray’s circular terraces offer clear views and good access, without mud.
• You’ll enjoy valley viewpoints, where Andes views aren’t covered by fog.
• You can do long excursions, Sacred Valley walks, archaeological routes, and many outdoor activities.

Rainy Season

Exact months:

• Begins in November.
• Rainiest peak occurs in December, January, and February.
• Ends approximately in March.

Characteristics:

• Rains are frequent and abundant, generally in afternoon.
• You’ll find high humidity, cloudy skies, and possibility of fog early morning.
• Rivers and pools may be murky; some paths may be muddy or present landslide risk.
• Night temperatures are warmer compared to dry season.

What to see and do this season:

• You’ll see very green landscapes, with vibrant flora and intense natural contrasts.
• You can also enjoy nearby towns, their gastronomy and museums, as alternative to outdoor excursions.

“Intermediate” Months

• Late rainy season: April and May.
• End of dry season, with moderate rains: September and October.

Characteristics:

• In September and October, climate remains dry, but there may be light rains toward end.
• You’ll find fewer tourists compared to June‑August, meaning more tranquility.
• In April and May months, rains decrease considerably and skies are clearer.

What to see and do

• You can take advantage of green landscapes remaining after rainy season, ideal for photography.
• Enjoy trails, terraces, and walks without typical high season crowding.
• It’s possible you’ll coincide with local festivities, celebrated on these dates and enriching cultural experience.

Warning:
During rainy season (November to March) paths can become slippery; use footwear with good traction.

Featured Activities to Make Most of Moray and Maras

If you visit Moray and Maras, there are several activities you can enjoy, especially if you come from Mexico:

Moray Archaeological Terrace

• You can walk among terraces and observe different levels of each terrace, as each has different temperature and humidity.
• Bring your camera or phone to photograph circular structure from viewpoints.
• Enjoy panoramic views of mountains surrounding place.

Maras Salt Mines

• Observe traditional salt extraction process, from filling with saline water, evaporation, and mineral collection.
• You can explore salt pools, walking around terraces and appreciating different tones salt acquires (white, pink, golden) according to daylight.
• It’s possible to see local communities working. If you have opportunity, interact with them and learn about their traditional methods.

The tourist observes the landscape from his ATV.

The tourist gazes at the snow-capped mountains and landscapes.

Adventure Tours (ATV / Quad Bike)

• Feel adrenaline of driving at high altitude, touring rural trails while driving ATV.
• Make stops at viewpoints, Andean villages, lagoons, or other panoramic points during route.
• Check with your operator if it’s possible to combine route with Chinchero or Sacred Valley to expand experience.

Walks and Light Hiking

• You can walk between nearby towns like Maras, and explore their colonial streets, plazas, and local markets.
• You can also visit local communities along way, observe traditional agriculture, know their customs, and take advantage of photography opportunities.

What to Bring and How to Prepare for Visit

• Shoes with good sole (trekking or athletic type).
• Light snacks (dried fruits, energy bars).
• Camera or cell phone with good camera.
• If you come from Mexico, don’t forget to bring your identity document and, if applicable, your tourist ticket.
• Layered clothing: t-shirt, light sweater, and waterproof jacket.
• Small and comfortable backpack.

Mexican tourists enjoy pleasant days in Moray and Maras.

Typical Food You Can Try Nearby

• Fried trout: river fish (trout) prepared fried or grilled, served with potatoes, rice, and salad.
• Native potatoes: variety of Andean potatoes, served boiled or baked, often accompanied by cheese or chili.
• Chuño: potato dehydrated by natural freezing, used in traditional soups or stews.
• Corn with cheese: large grain Andean corn, served with fresh cheese. It’s very typical appetizer or snack.
• Chicken broth: substantial soup with chicken pieces, potatoes, noodles, and local herbs.
• Lomo saltado: beef stir fry with onion, tomato, french fries, and rice; delicious Peruvian Chinese fusion.
• Ají de gallina: creamy stew of shredded chicken with yellow chili, soaked bread, and nutmeg, served with rice.
• Trout ceviche: Cusco version of classic ceviche, prepared with fresh trout, lemon, chili, and onion.
• Olluquito with charqui: stew made with olluco (Andean tuber) and dried alpaca or beef meat.

Mexican tourists at Moray and Maras have complete guide to fully enjoy these destinations full of history and tradition. If you don’t know which activities to choose, don’t worry. Here we offer you all information and necessary tips so your experience is simple and enriching. Discover every corner with Waman Adventures. Contact us at +51 979 858 544 and get ready to live unforgettable adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions for Mexican Tourists at Moray and Maras