Maras and Moray – Salt Terraces and Inca Landscape in the Sacred Valley

Maras and Moray at a glance

Maras and Moray are located west of Cusco in the Sacred Valley and are often visited on a combined day trip. Both destinations lie in the Maras district but showcase two very different forms of Andean cultural landscapes.

Moray is an archaeological site with concentric terraces built deep into natural depressions. MINCETUR describes the site as a significant example of Inca architecture, agriculture, and adaptation to different micro-conditions.

The Salineras de Maras consist of thousands of small evaporation ponds on a steep valley slope. Saline spring water is distributed via channels and is still used today for traditional salt production.

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Why Maras and Moray are special

Maras and Moray display two very different ways of managing water, soil, and landscape in a small area. Moray represents planned terrace architecture, while Maras forms a salt landscape still in use today.

In Moray, altitude levels, sun exposure, and protected depressions alter conditions on the terraces. This created different micro-zones that were particularly interesting for agricultural use.

In Maras, conversely, a saline spring determines the entire system. Water is distributed via small channels and evaporates in the shallow ponds until salt remains.

Salineras de Maras: Salt production in the Andes

Saline spring as the foundation

The Salineras are located on a steep slope below Maras. A saline spring feeds the system and continuously provides water for the numerous small ponds.

Channels and gradients

A finely branched channel system distributes the water over the natural gradient. This allows many ponds to be filled one after another without the need for modern pump technology.

Evaporation in the ponds

The shallow ponds increase the surface area of the water. Sun, dry air, and wind promote evaporation, gradually forming layers of salt.

Manual labor and ongoing production

Salt production is not a historical display. Local families continue to manage the ponds, handling salt harvesting, water supply, and pond maintenance primarily by hand.

Cultural landscape rather than museum

The Salineras have been on Peru's UNESCO Tentative List since 2019. The entry describes the area as a cultural landscape in the Maras district and mentions an altitude of around 3,200 meters.

Moray: Terraces, water, and microclimate

Moray consists of several circular and elliptical terrace systems. The steps follow the natural depressions, combining architecture with high-altitude conditions.

MINCETUR highlights the different micro-conditions, the handling of water and soil, and the adaptation to the terrain. These features support the interpretation as a site for intensive agricultural planning and observation.

Sun positions and seasons also played a role in the use of these agricultural spaces. However, the specific interpretation of Moray as an astronomical observatory remains a hypothesis according to MINCETUR, rather than a fully proven function.

The current MINCETUR entry rates the state of preservation as good. The cultural authority in Cusco and the municipality of Maras are responsible for management, maintenance, and protection.

Entry and tickets

Moray is part of Circuito III of the Boleto Turístico del Cusco. This partial ticket also includes Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, and Chinchero, and currently costs S/70 for foreign adults with a validity of two days.

The integrated Boleto Turístico costs S/130 for foreign adults and is valid for ten days. A reduced rate of S/70 applies to eligible students for the integrated ticket.

Admission to the Salineras de Maras is not included in the Boleto Turístico. A separate local entry fee is charged there, the amount of which should be checked before your visit.

Opening hours and best time to visit

The Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura Cusco specifies 07:00 to 17:00 daily for Moray. Access is possible year-round, provided weather and road conditions do not cause short-term restrictions.

From April to October, there is usually less rain in the Cusco area. Especially between May and September, days are often drier, though mornings at this altitude can be cool.

In the rainy season from November to March, the landscape appears greener. At the same time, precipitation can affect paths, visibility, and travel times more significantly.

Current situation

The current MINCETUR entry lists Moray as being in a good state of preservation. Management, maintenance, and conservation are carried out by the Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura Cusco and the Municipalidad Distrital de Maras.

Following a vehicle accident in late November 2025, damaged areas in Moray were professionally secured and restored. Before visiting, travelers should check local updates regarding access roads and individual visitor paths.

How demanding is the visit?

Visiting Maras and Moray is not technically difficult. In Moray, paths and stairs lead along the terraces, while the viewpoints of the Salineras require short walks on uneven ground.

The altitude is more significant than the walking distance itself. According to MINCETUR, Moray is situated at approximately 3,385 meters, which may cause unacclimatized visitors to become short of breath more quickly.

Strong sun, dry air, and wind increase the physical strain. Those who have spent a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand usually cope better with the altitude.

What to pack?

• Sufficient drinking water
• Sun protection and headwear
• Sunglasses
• A light warm layer for wind and cool mornings
• Rain jacket during the rainy season
• Sturdy and comfortable shoes
• Cash for local entry fees and small expenses
• ID and Boleto Turístico for Moray