Short answer: Moray and the Maras Salt Mines are in the Sacred Valley, 1h–1h30 from Cusco via Chinchero. There is no direct public transport to the sites, so the easiest way is a private half-day tour (about 5h round trip), which with Viajes D’MARC costs US$71 (S/ 250) per vehicle.
What are Moray and the Maras Salt Mines
- Moray: circular Inca terraces shaped like an amphitheater, believed to be an agricultural lab: each level has a different temperature.
- Maras Salt Mines (Salineras): thousands of salt pans on the hillside, worked by local families for centuries. Salty spring water evaporates in the sun.
- Maras village: colonial adobe houses and a 16th-century church, halfway between the two sites.
How to get from Cusco to Maras and Moray
| Option | Approx. time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colectivo toward Urubamba + local taxi | Half day or more | Cheap | Several changes and haggling on each leg |
| Shared tour | 5–6h | Organized | Fixed schedule, big group and shop stops |
| Viajes D’MARC private tour | 5h | Leave when you want, just your group, hotel pick-up | Priced per vehicle (best for families and groups) |
Tickets
Moray is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico, Sacred Valley circuit or full ticket). The Maras Salt Mines have a separate entrance fee, paid at the gate and run by the community. Prices change each season, so check them before you go.
Altitude, weather and best time
- Moray sits at about 3,500 m and the Salt Mines a little lower: a good acclimatization trip, since it is lower than Cusco.
- The Salt Mines photograph best in morning or mid-afternoon sun.
- December to March is rainy and the paths get muddy: wear shoes with good grip.
- The pans produce mostly in the dry season (May to October), when they look white.
Combine it with Chinchero or Ollantaytambo
Staying in the Valley or catching the train to Machu Picchu? Do the full route: Chinchero, Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo, ending at the station. Need transport only? See the Cusco to Chinchero taxi.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need for Maras and Moray?
Half a day: about 5 hours round trip from Cusco, with enough time at each site.
Can I visit Maras and Moray on my own?
Yes, by colectivo toward Urubamba and then a local taxi, but it takes several changes. A private tour leaves from your hotel and goes straight to both sites.
How much is a private Maras and Moray tour?
With Viajes D’MARC, US$71 (S/ 250) per vehicle, not per person.
Is Moray included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
Yes. The Maras Salt Mines are paid separately at the entrance.