THE MARAS-MORAY & SALT MINES TOUR

Description

This circuit is perfectly organized for nature-loving visitors while allowing them to simultaneously become familiar with more archeological sites.
On this tour, we visit a different part of the Sacred Valley which is actually located northwest of the city of Cusco.

The following places of visit:

1.- THE TOWN OF MARAS.

This was an important town, populated by noble Cuscanians of the Inca empire that were stripped of their palaces in the Qosqo and had to settle in different towns; among them was Maras.
Maras was also an important town in the colonial period because it was the main supplier of salt at the time. It is characterized by the unique construction style of its houses. This can be seen in the large, grandeur houses that preserve the markings of indigenous nobility found in its facades. Inscribed on lintels are the Scriptures in stone or some iconography that represented each family.

2.- THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF MORAY.

The Moray archaeological site is the only one of its kind in the region. It was built with terraces and agricultural platforms with depressions or gigantic natural holes. Each terrace or platform has its own irrigation channel and microclimate that allowed for the cultivation of more than 250 plant species. These platforms also served as an Inca agricultural laboratory to experiment with their crops.

3.- THE SALT MINES.

Also known as “the Salinas de Maras in Cusco”, this mine is located on the slope of the hill. It is formed by approximately 5,000 wells that exist in the form of terraces that were designed exclusively by the Incas. This salty liquid emanates naturally from underground and flows to the top of the wells. The water seeps into the pools, and it evaporates because of the intense heat from the sun, causing coarse crystals to form.
For the salt extraction, the locals demonstrate to visitors their ancient techniques.