The 10 Best Maras and Moray Tours to Book

Choosing the right tour depends on your budget, time, and thirst for adventure. Most tours depart in the morning to catch the best light. You can find comprehensive options in our guide to the best Sacred Valley day tours. Here are the top specific experiences available right now.

Quick picks for your trip:

• Best overall: Private Full-Day Guided Tour
• Best for families: ATV Quad Bike Adventure
• Best budget: Shared Morning Group Tour
• Best unique: Mountain Bike Maras Loop

1. Name: Shared Morning Group Tour
   Type: sight
   Why go: This is the most cost-effective way to see both sites. You enjoy a professional guide and shared transport.
   Best for: Budget-conscious travelers and solo explorers.
   Where: Pick-up in Ollantaytambo center.
   Time: 5-6 hours.
   Cost: $30 - $50 USD.
   Getting there: Van pick-up from your hotel or the main plaza.
   Tip: Bring small change in Soles for the Maras entry fee.
2. Name: Private Maras and Moray Guided Experience
   Type: experience
   Why go: You get a dedicated vehicle and a flexible schedule. This allows you to stay longer at the salt pans for photos.
   Best for: Couples or small families wanting privacy.
   Where: Custom pick-up from any Ollantaytambo hotel.
   Time: 4-5 hours.
   Cost: $100 - $150 USD per group.
   Getting there: Private sedan or SUV with a driver-guide.
   Tip: Request an 8:00 AM start to beat the large bus crowds.
3. Name: ATV Quad Bike Moray Adventure
   Type: activity
   Why go: It adds an adrenaline rush to the historical sightseeing. You drive through dusty backroads with incredible mountain views.
   Best for: Adventure seekers and active teenagers.
   Where: Transfer to the Maras plateau base.
   Time: 4 hours.
   Cost: $60 - $80 USD.
   Getting there: Tour operator provides a van to the ATV base.
   Tip: Wear clothes you do not mind getting very dusty.
4. Name: High-Altitude Mountain Bike Loop
   Type: activity
   Why go: It is a physical way to connect with the landscape. You cycle between the salt mines and the terraces on dirt paths.
   Best for: Fit travelers and cycling enthusiasts.
   Where: Starts on the plateau above the valley.
   Time: 4-5 hours.
   Cost: $70 - $90 USD.
   Getting there: Vehicle transport to the starting point.
   Tip: Ensure your bike has good suspension for the rocky sections.
5. Name: Peruvian Paso Horseback Trek
   Type: experience
   Why go: Ride a traditional Peruvian Paso horse through the countryside. It is a peaceful way to approach the Maras salt mines.
   Best for: Animal lovers and slow travelers.
   Where: Ranch located near the town of Maras.
   Time: 3-4 hours.
   Cost: $80 - $110 USD.
   Getting there: Taxi or tour van to the horse ranch.
   Tip: Apply plenty of sunscreen as there is little shade on the trail.
6. Name: Chinchero, Maras, and Moray Circuit
   Type: day trip
   Why go: This adds a visit to the weaving village of Chinchero. It provides a full day of cultural immersion beyond just the ruins.
   Best for: Those wanting a complete Sacred Valley overview.
   Where: Includes three distinct locations on the high plateau.
   Time: 8-9 hours.
   Cost: $60 - $100 USD.
   Getting there: Full-day tour van from Ollantaytambo.
   Tip: Check the Ollantaytambo market shopping tips to compare textile prices later.
7. Name: Maras to Pichingoto Hiking Trail
   Type: activity
   Why go: You hike down from the salt mines to the Urubamba River. The descent offers unique angles of the salt evaporation ponds.
   Best for: Hikers and photographers.
   Where: Trail starts at the Maras salt mines exit.
   Time: 3 hours of hiking.
   Cost: Included in standard private tour prices.
   Getting there: Drive to Maras and get picked up at the river bridge.
   Tip: The trail is steep and can be slippery when dry.
8. Name: Sunset Photography Private Session
   Type: experience
   Why go: The light on the white salt pools is magical at dusk. Most groups leave by 4:00 PM, leaving the site quiet.
   Best for: Professional and hobbyist photographers.
   Where: Specifically focused on the Salineras de Maras.
   Time: 3 hours.
   Cost: $120 - $160 USD for a private vehicle.
   Getting there: Private transport arranged locally.
   Tip: Verify the site closing time as it varies by season.
9. Name: Luxury Gastronomy and Moray Tour
   Type: experience
   Why go: Visit the Moray terraces followed by a world-class meal. Some tours coordinate with high-end restaurants overlooking the ruins.
   Best for: Foodies and luxury travelers.
   Where: Moray archaeological site and nearby dining.
   Time: 5-6 hours.
   Cost: $150 - $300 USD (including meal).
   Getting there: Private luxury transport.
   Tip: Book any famous restaurant reservations months in advance.
10. Name: Moray and Maras Express Half-Day
    Type: sight
    Why go: This is perfect if you have a train to catch. It covers the essentials quickly so you can return to the station.
    Best for: Travelers with tight afternoon schedules.
    Where: Direct round trip from the village.
    Time: 3.5 hours.
    Cost: $40 - $60 USD.
    Getting there: Private taxi or small group van.
    Tip: Review the Machu Picchu train logistics to ensure you arrive on time.

What to Expect on Maras and Moray Tours

Visiting these sites offers a contrast to the high stone walls of the ruins. You will see how the Incas worked with the natural environment. Moray consists of several enormous circular depressions in the earth. Researchers believe these were used as an agricultural laboratory. Each level has a different microclimate for testing crops.

Nearby, the Salineras de Maras features thousands of small pools. These pools collect salt from a natural underground spring. This spring has been active for centuries. Local families still harvest the salt today using traditional methods. The view of white pools against the red canyon is stunning.

The altitude at these sites is higher than Ollantaytambo village. Moray sits around 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level. You should visit after you have spent time at the living Inca village history sites. Proper acclimatization will make the short walks much easier. The sun is intense at this height, so protect your skin.

Essential Logistics for Your Sacred Valley Trip

To enter Moray, you need the Cusco Tourist Ticket. This is officially known as the Boleto Turístico. You can purchase this at the entrance of most major ruins. Visit the official COSITUC website for the latest prices and rules. This ticket also covers the primary Ollantaytambo ruins visitor guide locations.

Note that the Maras salt mines require a separate entry fee. This fee goes directly to the local community that manages the land. It is not included in the general tourist ticket. Currently, the cost is roughly 20 Soles per person. It is best to pay this in local currency to avoid bad exchange rates.

Most travelers enjoy visiting other top attractions near Ollantaytambo the day before. The weather is best from May to September during the dry season. During the rainy season, some paths can be muddy. Check with Peru Travel for regional safety updates and seasonal events. Taxis are plentiful in town if you prefer to go without a guide.