Full Day Maras Moray Group Tour Review: An Epic Peruvian Experience

Okay, so you’re thinking about visiting Peru, and that there’s something pulling you specifically in the direction of the Sacred Valley? You may be wondering if the Maras and Moray tour is something you should put on your travel list? As a matter of fact, it absolutely should be. It turns out that this trip combines historical spots with scenery so breathtaking that it will be one of those things you won’t forget. Really, it gives a nice look into both Incan history and also the current culture of the people around Cusco. This will be my recount of going through the whole shebang with a group; I hope this helps you sort out what could be right for you.

What’s the Deal With Maras and Moray, Anyway?

Well, before we actually get moving with how the tour itself goes, that maybe it’s good to actually give some perspective on what you’re heading toward, right? See, Moray and Maras are like two totally different spots that are somewhat close to each other, and it’s almost like each shows something very distinctive in respect to Incan ingenuity. It turns out Moray has those seriously amazing terraced circular depressions which were actually employed for farming. I mean, seriously, the Incas probably were experimenting there to see how crops would grow under different circumstances and at differing altitudes. Apparently, they really got into it. Then, there’s Maras, and it features thousands of tiny salt pools, that is, you know, salt mines that’ve been around and utilized since, like, Incan days. We found that getting there to witness them and see them up close seems so fascinating, in a way, and seeing how people continue harvesting salt today is nothing short of magical.

Picking the Right Tour Thingy

Alright, so how I found this whole escapade started was through one of zillions of agencies around Cusco. Honestly, finding the right one sometimes feels a bit tricky, you know? Still, my advice is, check reviews. Obviously, go through a fair few to see what folks are saying regarding the trip in general and whether previous patrons seemed happy. Typically, you’ll want to think about the group size. Like, I selected a tour that had a decent balance—not all that big it felt totally impersonal, yet with just enough patrons for the trip to have that fun group atmosphere. First off, determine how much you will be spending. The costs definitely tend to be all over the place. Anyway, make absolutely certain regarding what is covered. Normally, the most typical tour does involve transport, a guide who speaks English, too it’s almost, but the expenses for food or those entry tickets usually do not. I think, confirm these ahead, in that case it may help to keep things very very crystal clear on your day of travel.

An Early Beginning

Basically, that day started rather early – approximately 8 a.m. is when they picked me up coming from my Cusco hotel. First off, the initial stretch involved a drive in the region of the Sacred Valley. Basically, if you haven’t experienced those mountain ranges of Peru at this time, that you are sure to be blown away; they have views of some stunning landscapes. So, during the drive, the guide started providing us with a little history as relates to the Incas, including what we may anticipate seeing, or more to the point, experiencing, at Moray and Maras. That said, as a heads up, in case you can get carsick at any time, so I think popping something like a Dramamine can seriously assist. I think those roads might get a tiny bit swervy.

Moray: Incan Agricultural Masterclass

And then, that initial site was Moray. Honestly, nothing really preps one for the perspective of witnessing these big circular terraces, you know? We’re told those Incas took advantage of the different altitudes on individual terraces to assess how that might impact plant growth. That it seems fairly mind-blowing how they have been equipped to get pretty advanced when it comes to farming. We then got around one hour there – this offers quite a bit of time to walk across the top edges or to, say, trek right down in the center, if you are feeling daring. And that there are plenty of photographic ops to be seen right here, let me tell you! Anyway, don’t skip actually taking note of what the guide suggests; the intel, which I acquired, genuinely did make those locations even more compelling.

Lunchtime in the Sacred Valley

Usually, right after Moray, they stop for lunch in a nearby village, frequently Urubamba. Of course, you might consider pre-ordering beforehand, although often that, in most situations, tour firms probably have places where there’s already kind of an arrangement set up. So, consider checking. Obviously, lunch normally isn’t included, you know? Yet it will allow you the possibility of attempting some genuine Peruvian cuisine. Really, sample some local stuff! Basically, this helps keep tourism money inside that region, besides just satisfying any cravings after trekking.

Maras: Those Incredible Salt Mines

Next off on our list was something like a visit to Maras, with the mind-blowing salt mines! So picture, I would say, something around thousands of those shallow pools being layered directly into a mountainside. People there use these to basically get salt just from spring water, that in fact has been taking place given that Incan times! This will be an experience for picture taking – trust what I am saying. Make sure that you bring along shades because all of those bright white pans together with the sun is often fairly intense, or so it seemed. Actually, our guide told the whole lot as pertains to salt extraction not forgetting its economic significance just for communities close by. Anyhow, if curious, that it could be a decent place where one purchases true, locally made salt-based stuff for those at home. This stuff supports regional families too.

Some Tour Things to Think About

Actually, while that individual trip to Moray and Maras turned out sensational, still there remain a couple of elements which can possibly improve your trip. So be mindful, the elevation could definitely mess with those folks not acclimated. Get hydrated by taking small drinks when possible including perhaps nibbling at those coca sweets or perhaps some coca tea; that normally would assist, very very slightly. Pack layered clothing at all times, right? The environment could definitely change considerably out there—you probably might get very, very sweaty down within the sun and pretty quickly cool anytime there’s that bit of shadow showing. Additionally, comfy sneakers would become absolutely essential. Actually, one may do lots of moving over irregular terrain, that being the case I think sandals are, normally, off limits. You may need money in cash. That many smaller merchants or lunch spots can’t often take cards.

Worth the time and the Money?

After visiting these locations me myself, so I’d tell you that is often an adventure which actually justifies investing the moments and amount spent. It turns out that the full day Maras and Moray trip is that great opportunity to see all sorts of historical spots coupled with fantastic views! The way that the tours often happen usually feels organized just fine, it’s almost, guides normally display strong information levels relating to this Inca culture generally. So be very ready to come face to face and feel stunned to such a degree. As a matter of fact, for folks preferring more structured trips versus exploring entirely independently I see it like something unbeatable around any Peru visit.

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