How to Visit Maras and Moray from Cusco (Guide + Tips)

Maras and Moray: How to Get There, Entrance Fees, and Tips

Thinking about visiting Maras and Moray from Cusco? Great choice!

While they might not be as famous as some of the other spots in the Sacred Valley, these two destinations are absolutely worth your time—and usually much less crowded.

The Maras salt mines, with thousands of shimmering white pools carved into the mountainside, and the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, once used by the Incas for crop experimentation, make for one of the most unique day trips from Cusco.

In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through how to visit Maras and Moray on your own or with a tour. You’ll find current prices, tips on how to get there, and all my best advice to plan your visit smoothly and stress-free.

The salt mines of Maras

The salt mines of Maras offer one of the most beautiful natural spectacles of the Sacred Valley.

If you know Pamukkale in Turkey, you will see that it has something very similar, but it is much bigger!

These salt pans have been used since the time of the Incas to extract salt with an evaporation process, from a natural source of very salty water.

Today there are more than 3000 water wells exploited by 800 families from local communities.

Access to the salt ponds is limited so as not to damage them, but you can take fantastic pictures!

Visit Maras with a local community

Medialuna is a welcoming town that has embraced community-based tourism to share its culture and way of life with travelers.

They offer half-day and full-day experiences where you can discover local traditions—like making chicha, weaving traditional textiles, learning about medicinal plants, and meeting their beloved guinea pigs.

On the full-day tour, you’ll even take a guided walk with Don Tiburcio to the famous Maras salt mines—a unique and meaningful way to experience one of the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites.

To contact them: turismorural.ml@gmail.com

Moray, an Inca agricultural research center

Only 4 miles from Maras, Moray is an unusual site, which surprises with its circular agricultural terraces.

Some will see an extraterrestrial message, similar to the crop circles.

Sorry to disappoint you, but it’s really nothing out of an X-Files episode. But, yes, it does shows the advancement of Inca culture!

At the time of the Inca empire it was an agricultural research center, composed of circular platforms that created 20 different microclimates, with an irrigation system.

With a temperature difference of 60°F between the highest and the lowest terrace, they were able to grow many plants from the Andes, but also from tropical regions.

They even created hybrid species.

How to Get to Maras and Moray from Cusco

You can visit Maras and Moray either on your own or with a guided tour. Taking a tour is the best option if you’re short on time and prefer not to worry about transportation.

The tour includes pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, a visit to the terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras, as well as the services of a professional guide.

You can book it here:

In addition to the entrance fee for Maras (20 soles), you will need to purchase the Tourist Ticket to visit Moray:

Is It Possible to Visit Maras and Moray Without a Tour?

Yes, absolutely! Here’s how you can do it:

By colectivo:

This is the best option if you want to visit Maras and Moray independently.

• Take a colectivo (shared taxi) from Pavitos Street in Cusco to the intersection of the highway and the entrance to Maras (10–15 soles per person).
• Right where you get off, you’ll find taxis that can take you to the salt mines of Maras and Moray for about 50 soles (or 30 soles if you only visit Maras).
• To return to Cusco, wait by the road and flag down another colectivo heading back.

By bus:

• Take a bus from Cusco to Urubamba.
• From Urubamba, take another bus to Moray.
• You can also take a taxi from Urubamba (around 40 soles to Moray, or 15 soles per person if you share for both Maras and Moray).
• Try to negotiate the round-trip fare in advance.

By private taxi:

• A private taxi from Cusco to visit Maras, Moray, and Chinchero costs around 100 soles for the day.

What Is the Entrance Fee to Maras and Moray?

The entrance to Maras is not included in the Tourist Ticket and must be paid separately at the site: 10 soles per person.

Moray is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket, and it is mandatory to purchase the ticket to access the site — there is no option to buy a single entrance ticket.

Where to Stay to Visit Maras and Moray?

There aren’t any particularly interesting accommodations directly next to Maras and Moray.

Urubamba is the closest town, but depending on your itinerary, I recommend staying in either Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Here are my hotel suggestions for every budget!

Staying in Cusco

• Backpacker La Bo’M: One of the best hostels in Cusco. Founded by Sarah, a French expat, it includes a delicious crêperie next door. Perfectly located in the charming neighborhood of San Blas, it offers good Wi-Fi, a cozy vibe, and of course, amazing crêpes to start your day! Dorms from only $13 USD and private rooms from $33 USD.

• La Casona Real Cusco: For those looking for more comfort, this charming traditional-style guesthouse is located on a quiet street just steps from the Plaza de Armas. Impeccably clean, with hot water, great Wi-Fi, and a warm welcome. Breakfast included, all from just $76 USD per night!

• Hotel Tierra Viva Cusco San Blas: In the lovely San Blas neighborhood, this upscale hotel offers spacious rooms with very comfortable beds. Its modern décor with local touches and peaceful interior courtyard make for a relaxing stay. Buffet breakfast included. From $98 USD per night!

• Antigua Casona San Blas: A chic and intimate 4-star hotel in San Blas. It features very comfortable rooms, a warm atmosphere, and a tasteful blend of modern and traditional décor. Don’t miss their Piedra & Sal restaurant, one of Cusco’s best. Excellent breakfast included. From $250 USD per night.

• Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel: For a romantic stay in Cusco, this 5-star gem is housed in a spectacular colonial building across from Coricancha, with roots dating back to Inca times. Enjoy the indoor pool, gym, spa, bar, and restaurant. Delicious breakfast included. From $325 USD per night.

Staying in Ollantaytambo

• Las Portadas: This is the best budget option in Ollantaytambo. A typical local house with a lovely garden and mountain views, just 5 minutes from the main square and 15 minutes from the train station. Rooms from just $23 USD with breakfast included.

• Casa de la Chola: A beautiful room in a charming lodge located just outside of town, about 10 minutes from Ollantaytambo train station. Perfect for nature lovers. From $60 USD per night, with a breakfast that’s a true treat for food lovers.

• Apu Lodge: A lovely hotel with a garden and fantastic views of the mountains and Inca ruins. Very peaceful location, with spacious and comfortable rooms that can host up to 5 people. Friendly staff. Excellent breakfast included. From $93 USD per night!

• El Albergue Ollantaytambo: A countryside-style hotel located right at the Ollantaytambo train station, perfect for catching the early train to Machu Picchu. Comfortable rooms, a beautiful green garden, an organic farm, and a peaceful setting. Onsite you’ll also find an excellent restaurant, a coffee roastery, and a craft distillery. Breakfast included. From $275 USD per night!

Staying in Urubamba

• Mama Green Eco Lodge: a relaxing eco-stay surrounded by gardens, with a shared lounge and a sunny terrace. Daily breakfast with vegetarian and vegan options. Located near the bus station. From $24 USD per night.

• Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado: a high-end hotel with mountain views, large gardens, gym, sauna, spa, and the Alma Viva restaurant. There’s even a small planetarium! Buffet breakfast included, from $152 USD per night.

• Tambo del Inka, Luxury Collection Resort & Spa: one of the most luxurious hotels in Peru, set along the Urubamba River. Indoor and outdoor heated pool, spa, restaurant, and bar. Exclusive private train station to Machu Picchu (departure 6:50 a.m., return 6:43 p.m.). From $490 USD per night.

What is the best time to visit Maras and Moray?

You can visit all year round, however the best time is from April to October during the dry season.

Itinerary to visit the Sacred Valley in 2 days

To make the most of your time, I suggest this itinerary from Cusco:

• Day 1: Chinchero, Maras, Moray
• Day 2: Pisac and Ollantaytambo

If you end up in Ollantaytambo, you can spend the night in the village and take the train to Machu Picchu the next day.

Where to eat in Maras and Moray?

As for restaurants, there are not many options around here, so bring a snack in your backpack or wait until you get to Urubamba, Ollantaytambo or Pisac to eat.

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