Hiking in Moray and Salt Mines Trail

Trip Length

Group Size

Activity Type

Hiking Adventure

Physical Level

Easy

Overview

There are some trips that are just about getting off the beaten path, and then there are those that let you walk right into history. For me, the full-day hike to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines is firmly in that second category, and it’s been on my wish list for ages. I’m not just talking about a quick visit; I’m craving the chance to actually hike the ancient trails that have connected these magical sites for centuries, with the epic Vilcanota mountain range as a constant, stunning backdrop.

The idea of exploring the legendary Inca laboratory at Moray and then descending towards the surreal, shimmering landscape of the salt mines… it’s the ultimate day trip in my book. This isn’t just a tour; it’s an adventure that can lead right to the doorstep of Machu Picchu, making it a perfect addition for anyone also planning to hike the Short Inca Trail. I can’t wait to experience it.

Trip Highlights I Can’t Wait to See

The charming colonial town of Maras.
Incredible, sweeping mountain scenery.
The spectacular and mysterious archaeological site of Moray.
The exceptional, ancient salt mines in their full glory.
Marvelous views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
A potential stop at a weaver´s home in Chinchero.

Highlights

Itinerary

DAY 1: Hiking Through History from Moray to the Salt Mines

The day kicks off with a pickup from the hotel in Cusco (elevation: 3,399 meters / 11,152 feet) in our private transport. The drive itself sounds like part of the experience—a 40-minute journey towards the Sacred Valley that takes us through the high agricultural plains of Chinchero (elevation: 3,762 meters / 12,343 feet), an area filled with fields of potatoes and cereals. I love that there’s an optional stop here to visit a local weaving center; it feels like a genuinely authentic touch.

From there, we’ll continue our drive to the town of Maras (elevation: 3,380 meters / 11,089 feet). I’ve read about its beautiful colonial houses and their out-standing Spanish door arches, which are unique to the region—I’ll definitely have my camera ready for those picturesque details. A little while later, we’ll arrive at the main event: the Inca ruins of Moray (elevation: 3,500 meters / 11,483 feet). This is the legendary “Inca laboratory.” I can’t wait to walk around this incredible site while the guide explains all the history of this wonderful place.

After we’ve finished exploring Moray, our gentle hike begins. We’ll set off on foot towards Maras town, passing through active farming fields as the trail leads us to the salt pans, or Salineras. This is where the landscape becomes truly surreal. Visitors can still see the fascinating salt mine, which is owned by local families and has more than 3,000 glittering pools in production—a tradition that dates back to pre-Inca times. It’s a living piece of history. Finally, we’ll walk down into the Urubamba Valley (approx. elevation: 2,871 meters / 9,420 feet) for a well-deserved lunch.

In the afternoon, our transfer will take us back to Cusco. Or—and this is a brilliant option for planning an all-out trip—you can connect from here to Aguas Calientes to get a head start on visiting Machu Picchu.

Meals included: Box lunch

Inclusions

Included

Private transportation to the beginning point of the hike.
An English-speaking tour guide to bring the history to life.
A box lunch is included.
Transfer back to Cusco or your connection point.

No Included

Drinks and snacks.
Tips for the crew (guide and driver).
Entrance fees to the sites (you’ll need your Cusco Tourist Ticket, or Boleto Turístico).

What to Bring

A reusable water bottle, camera, sunblock, and a hat.
A rain coat or a light rain poncho.
Cash (Peruvian Soles) for tips, souvenirs, or any extras.
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or runners.
Warm clothes (like a fleece or jacket) for the return trip to Cusco.
A small or medium-sized backpack.
Your Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for entrance fees.

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Why Choose "Peru Day Tours" for your next adventure

OUR TOUR GUIDES

A highly qualified professional with extensive experience in the art of guiding will lead your tour. They have years of dedication to nature walks, have medical certifications and an overflowing passion for leading people on unforgettable adventures.

OUR CHEFS

We understand how essential a delicious hot meal is to revitalize and comfort your body after a challenging hike. Therefore, on each expedition with Ausangate Peru, you will find chefs with extensive experience in preparing meals during the hikes.

MEALS: WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

All our hiking trips offer a varied selection of delicious meals, rich in carbohydrates, proteins and essential fats. We have carefully selected foods that adapt perfectly to the natural environment.

OUR MULEETERS AND HORSES

Our experienced muleteers and their faithful horses are responsible for all our equipment and will always be available in the safe and comfortable camps, ready to receive us.

Faqs

What is the sacred valley of the Incas?

The sacred valley is a sacred place where they grew products so that the entire empire could feed themselves because the lands were fertile, that is why the Inca descendants lived in the place. The same place also connected the Inca with their sun god.

What is in the sacred valley?

There are very important works as a maximum expression of their high philosophy, science, technology and art of the Incas such as temples, enclosures and laboratories that only they were able to build with the help of their sun god and form a great empire.

What attractions are visited?

The most visited attractions are the following:

The archaeological complex of Pisac: it was a place where there was a greater number of terraces and which could be seen in the shape of a Pisac.
The archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo: it is a place where you can see a great fortress and impressive architecture.
The Maras salt mines: in this place you can see an incredible place where nature transformed the place of salt deposits through a legend.
Moray archaeological complex: it is a place where you can see an impressive product air conditioning laboratory.
Chinchero archaeological complex: it is a place where you can see a place where the capaq ñan passing through was like a refuge.

Climate

It has a very temperate climate, sometimes it is warm, but in the months of January to March, little rain falls on some days, but the rest of the day it has a bright blue sky and it is very pleasant to walk and enjoy the landscape and its surroundings. .

How to do the tour?

To get to the sacred valley you can do it on your own but the most advisable thing is to hire a tour of the sacred valley that will cost you very cheap and your trip will be guaranteed, safe and organized because they already have transportation, food and a guide to help you. You will drive at all times without any risk.

How much does it cost to do the tour?

To be able to take the tour of the sacred valley it will cost you very cheap by hiring a travel agency that will cost you S/. 75 visiting all the tourist attractions and the income depends on the ticket that acquires the partial ticket this s/. 70 and the general ticket is s/.130.

How long does the tour last?

The valley tour takes place for an entire day, which is approximately 8 hours from the starting point to the return point with a tour of approximately one and a half hours at each point of the tourist attractions.

There are restaurants?

In the sacred valley there are many tourist restaurants, basic and local, but all of them provide you with good first-class service such as:

Moray Viewpoint.
Munay restaurant.
Incas house restaurant.
They will restore tunupa

Is there medical care?

In the Sacred Valley, if you have an emergency or if you suffer an accident, you will be quickly evacuated to a clinic since the Sacred Valley has the best medical care clinics such as: