Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines are three of the most fascinating attractions in Peru’s Sacred Valley, offering a perfect blend of history, engineering, and breathtaking landscapes. Located northwest of Cusco, this region reveals the ingenuity of the Inca civilization and the enduring traditions of the Andean people.
Moray is an extraordinary archaeological site featuring a series of circular agricultural terraces carved into the earth. These terraces functioned as an Inca agricultural laboratory, where different microclimates allowed the Incas to experiment with crops and adapt them to varying altitudes and temperatures.
Just a short distance away lies the town of Maras, a quiet colonial village known for its traditional lifestyle and panoramic views of the Andes. Nearby are the famous Salt Mines of Maras (Salineras), a spectacular network of thousands of salt ponds that have been used since pre-Inca times. Fed by a natural saltwater spring, the pools create a striking white landscape that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding mountains.
Today, visitors can walk along the paths overlooking the salt pans, learn about traditional salt extraction methods still practiced by local families, and enjoy one of the most photogenic sites in the Sacred Valley. A visit to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines offers an unforgettable cultural experience and is an essential stop on any journey through the Cusco region.