Maras and Moray: Bus or Bicycle Day Tour

Your 1-day journey begins with a visit to the fascinating agricultural experiment center of Moray. Situated at 3,450 meters (11,319 feet) above sea level, Moray showcases remarkable Inca ruins comprising circular, terraced platforms with an intricate irrigation system. These impressive depressions, sometimes called ‘muyus’ in Quechua, are up to 150 feet deep, with each terrace approximately 1.80 meters (6 feet) high. Believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory, Moray allowed the cultivation of various crop varieties by utilizing distinct microclimates within its different levels.

Next, you’ll explore the charming town of Maras, a picturesque settlement that retains much of its colonial architectural beauty. Admire extraordinary doorways featuring finely carved stone lintels and bas-relief sculptures. During the colonial era, Maras was a significant location, and you can still see paintings depicting the disciples by the famous artist Sinchiroca Mareno.

The final stop is the iconic Salt Mines of Maras (Salineras de Maras). This unique site features thousands of small, terraced salt evaporation ponds carved into the hillside, fed by a natural brine spring. These archaeological remains confirm that this valuable resource was known and utilized in pre-Hispanic times, likely serving as a crucial salt supply for the Inca population. The traditional salt extraction technique has been passed down for centuries, representing a true marvel of miniature hydraulic engineering. Each pool has its own inlet and outlet channels for water, allowing for evaporation and the collection of salt grains. Salt extraction is seasonal, occurring primarily during the dry season from May to November or early December, and the pools are typically inherited within families.