Shapes of the Past (Maras & Moray) - Full itinerary and inclusions
.In this lovely one day tour we visit Moray, perhaps the most unusual of the Inca ruins and then descend to Sacred Valley of the Incas, via the salt mines at Salineras.
We take private transport from Cusco to Chincheros, where we will stop to visit the Market and an Awana Wasi, as well as the ruins of Chincheros and the Colonial Church. We continue on to the village of Maras and then to Moray. A pre-Inca site, though used by the Incas, Moray is a series of agricultural terraces which were believed to be an experimental agricultural station for different crop strains.
We spend about one hour exploring these huge ampitheatres before heading back cross country on foot or bike through traditional farmland to the charming village of Maras. Walking along the cusp of the Sacred Valley we are rewarded with views of the opposite snowcapped mountains. We lunch en route.
We visit sleepy, charming Maras before heading downhill to Salineras, sometimes meeting large numbers of donkey trains carrying the salt uphill. Salineras is a collection of watered terraces that take salt from an underground salty stream, which is collected by locals through a fascinating process of evaporation. The pools and salt embankments are an incredible sight against the stunning mountain backdrop.
From Salineras our private transport collects us and returns us to Cusco, via Urubamba (about 2 hours drive).
Departure: Cusco 8am Return: 5pm
Hiking: Moray - Maras 1.5 hours, Maras - Salineras1.5 hours
Salineras - Sacred Valley ½ hour
Downhill Mountain Bike option
- Part of this itinerary can be converted into a Downhill Mountain bike. The mountain bike component adds $15 to the price, per person, and must be organised at booking. Please contact us for more details.
Itinerary Notes - Shapes of the Past
- The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
- The program is subject to change, due to weather and other unexpected circumstances
- When you are visiting people's homes please be respectful. Please refer to our Responsible Tourism pages.
What's included?
For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!
- Professional, English speaking guide
- Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
- Private Transport as described in itinerary
- Boxed lunch
What is not included?
- Snacks and Water
- Boleto Turistico & Entry fees.
You should bring:
- A light day pack to carry your things
- Your Boleto Turistico (Tourist ticket)
- Water bottle and water
- Money for snacks, souvenirs and tips if you wish to tip.
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Jumper (sweater)
- Rain protection (or plastic poncho)
- the Cusco region can experience "all seasons in one day" therefore its wise to take a warm hat and gloves, as well as s sunhat, when you leave in the morning, in order to be prepared for all eventualities.
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AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS (these discounts are not cumulative)
• 5% discount on treks only for members of South American Explorers Club (SAE)
• $30 off listed price if you are doing a 3 day plus trek with Apus Peru.
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TO MAKE A BOOKING
Please visit our Make a Booking page.
You will need to email us to check availability, receive booking forms and then make your deposit. For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our Make a Booking page.
