Moray Maras Trek Full Day

Maras Moray Trek Information

Cusco has good option in reference Full Day hike, and one of the best option is Moray Maras Trek and Salt mines Hike where we will visit natural and Cultural tourist attractions such as Moray archeological centers with impressive Inca terraces and Maras Salt Mines.

These tourist attractions are located in the district of Maras, Province of Urubamba, Department of Cusco, The access is Cusco - Urubamba route, at km 42 there is a deviation to Maras where you enter to Maras’s town. There are many natural and cultural attractions in the sacred valley, Yanacocha Lake Trek is one of the good options.

Maras is a Andean typical town, it is located on a natural plateau on the left side of Urubamba River, the history of Maras dating back from pre-Inca age where it was inhabited by human groups such as the Maskas, then by the Inca Culture, when Inca Culture was conquered by Spanish, this place came to be inhabited by the Spanish conquerors, and today it is a fusion of both cultures, with narrow streets, colonial churches, beautiful portals and the view of the valley mountains Sacred of the Incas.

Moray's information is surprising because the Incas used natural depressions and built circular terraces which are connected by irrigation canals system (nowadays they no longer work) and communication stairs. The archaeological center of Moray is made up of 4 archaeological units of circular shape, the largest one is 150 to 170 meters deep.

The archaeological Center of Moray was studied by historians and archaeologists, they concluded that Moray was an utilitarian center, economic and Social use in the Inca age, taking into account this information we conclude that the archaeological center of Moray was a center of experimentation, adaptation and improvement of seeds at height.

Salt mines of Maras are a natural attraction whose dates from pre-Inca period with the arrival of human groups to Maras. The origin of Maras Salt mines is due to natural outcrop of water source that its composition has a large amount of Sodium. Nowadays the salt mines are exploited by the inhabitants of Maras which have approximately 2,500 wells, which form a different and impressive landscape in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

These Natural and Cultural tourist attractions make the Moray Maras Trek a great option to visit, in addition to the beautiful Andean landscapes, customs and traditions that the inhabitants of Maras and their communities still preserve.

Moray Maras Overview

Tour Start: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:30 AM.
Duration of Moray Maras Trek: Full Day Hike.
Hiking distance from Moray To Pichingoto: Approximately 8 kilometers.
Maximum Height (Moray): 3 500 m.s.n.m. / 11 482 feet
Minimum Height (Pichingoto): 2 830 m.s.n.m. / 9 284 feet
Location: Northwest of the city of Cusco.
Distance from Cusco to Maras: The distance is approximately 42 kilometers.
Visiting Season: All year, preferably from March to November.
Tour Difficulty Level: Easy.
End of Tour: We will return to Cusco between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM.

Moray Maras Trek Itinerary

The pick-up will be from your hotel in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley then we head towards the Northwest of Cusco city, we reach the deviation of Maras, 1 hour and 50 minutes approximately from Cusco.

Our Transportation will leave us close to Inca archaeological complex of Moray, There we will start our hike, in Moray we will have a guided tour and time to take photos, Moray is an Inca archaeological center where the Incas built terraces or Inca platforms in a circular way, it is surrounded by a natural plateau from where you can see the snowy chain of Vilcanota.

After visit Moray we will start the hike to Maras, in the tour we will be able to appreciate fields of crops, typical houses of Andes, landscapes of Andean area and settlers of the area that still preserve their customs and traditions since the Inca age.

We will arrive to Maras and here we will have our box lunch, then we will continue our trek, this journey through a small valley which will take us to salt mines of Maras, here we will have a guided tour, we will visit the beginning of the outcrop of the salt mines and the exploitation wells of the salt mines of Maras.

From Maras salt mines you can already see the sacred valley of the Incas and we will continue our Hike until we reach the town of Pichingoto already in the sacred valley, here our transport will be waiting for us, which will take us back to Cusco city.

Includes:

Pick up from your hotel.
Professional guide.
Tourist transport.
Food (Box Lunch).
First aid kit.

Not included:

Entrance to Moray and Maras Salt Mines.
Tips.
Extras not mentioned.

We recommend bringing:

View Map

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to do the Moray, Maras & Pichingoto Hike?

The hike can be done all year round; however, the best months are from March to November, when the weather is drier and the Sacred Valley landscapes are greener and clearer. During the rainy season (December to March), the trail can become slippery, so proper hiking shoes and a rain poncho are highly recommended. The rainy months also tend to have fewer visitors, allowing for a more peaceful and authentic experience.

What is the difficulty level of the hike?

The Moray, Maras & Pichingoto hike is considered easy to moderate. It does not require advanced physical preparation, but a good general fitness level is advised since the trek lasts about five hours and reaches a maximum altitude of 3,500 meters (11,482 ft). It is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and light adventure, combining walking through Andean landscapes with visits to archaeological sites and local communities.

What places are visited during the tour?

This hike visits three main sites: the archaeological complex of Moray, the Maras salt mines, and the traditional village of Pichingoto. In Moray, you’ll explore the famous circular agricultural terraces once used by the Incas for crop experimentation. At Maras, you’ll see over 4,000 salt ponds that have been naturally producing salt since pre-Inca times. The final stop, Pichingoto, offers panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and showcases living Andean traditions. The route perfectly combines history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

How long does the full tour take from Cusco?

The complete tour lasts about 8 hours. It starts with hotel pickup around 8:00 a.m. and finishes between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. The itinerary includes transportation from Cusco to the starting point, guided visits at Moray and Maras, a box lunch, the hiking route to Pichingoto, and return transport to Cusco. It’s a perfect one-day excursion for travelers who want to explore the Sacred Valley without an overnight stay.

Do I need to buy entrance tickets in advance?

Yes, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance to avoid delays. The entrance to Moray is covered by the Partial Tourist Ticket for the Sacred Valley, while entry to the Maras Salt Mines has an additional fee paid directly at the site. During peak season, demand is higher, so early booking ensures availability and smoother logistics for your trip.

What kind of clothing and equipment should I bring?

We recommend wearing comfortable hiking clothes, sturdy shoes with good traction, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a light jacket or windbreaker, and a rain poncho. Bring a reusable water bottle, snacks, a camera, and some cash in local currency for souvenirs or entrance fees. Since temperatures vary throughout the day, layering your clothing is the best option for comfort.

Can children or older adults participate in the hike?

Yes, children and older adults can join the hike as long as they are in good health and have moderate mobility. The trail is not physically demanding, but since it takes place at high altitude, participants should pace themselves and stay hydrated. Our guides adjust the walking rhythm to ensure everyone enjoys the experience. Trekking poles are recommended for added support, especially for those less accustomed to walking on uneven terrain.

What type of transportation is used for the tour?

The tour includes private and comfortable transportation that picks travelers up from their hotel, takes them to the starting point of the hike, and brings them back to Cusco at the end. Vehicles are well maintained and adapted for tourist routes in the Sacred Valley. In some cases, pickup can be arranged directly from the Sacred Valley if the traveler is staying there. The service focuses on safety, punctuality, and convenience throughout the journey.

Is food included, or should I bring my own?

Yes, a box lunch is included in the tour. It’s designed specifically for hikers, providing a balanced meal with nutritious and easy-to-carry items. If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), please inform us in advance so we can provide an alternative option. You may also bring extra snacks such as nuts, fruit, or energy bars for the trail.

What makes this hike special compared to other Sacred Valley routes?

The Moray, Maras & Pichingoto Hike stands out for its perfect balance of culture, nature, and local interaction. Unlike more demanding treks, this route offers the chance to explore Inca and colonial history, witness traditional salt production, and enjoy rural Andean landscapes with mountain views. It’s an authentic full-day experience close to Cusco that blends adventure, learning, and scenic beauty in one unforgettable journey.