Moray Maras Salt Mines

We recommend dressing as follow for the Moray & Maras Salt Mines Sacred Valley Tour

• T-shirt
• A jacket or windbreaker
• Long pants
• Sunglasses
• Small Backpack to carry water, some snacks, camera, etc.

What to bring for the tour

• 1 liters of water (there are options to buy along the way)
• Snacks such as, apple, cereal bar, sweets and chocolates
• Sun cream
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Cash in soles for extras and entrance fee to the Sacred Valley & Maras Salt Mines

What was Moray archaeological site used for? 

The Moray archaeological site is best understood as a sophisticated Inca agricultural laboratory. Its unique concentric terraces create a series of micro-climates, with temperature differences of up to 15°C (27°F) from the top level to the bottom. The Incas used this natural phenomenon to experiment with and adapt different crops, such as potatoes, maize, and quinoa, to varying climatic conditions. This was a cornerstone of their agricultural mastery, allowing them to sustain their vast empire.

What is the elevation of Maras salt mines in Peru? 

The Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras) are situated at an elevation of approximately 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level.

What is the elevation of Moray? 

The Moray archaeological site is located at an even higher altitude, approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level.

How bad is altitude sickness in Peru? 

Altitude sickness (known as soroche in Peru) is a genuine concern and can vary significantly from person to person, regardless of age or fitness level. In the Cusco region, where elevations often exceed 3,400 meters (11,000 ft), symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath are common for many travelers.

Key Points:

• It’s Manageable: For most, it’s a mild, temporary inconvenience that lasts 24-48 hours as the body acclimatizes.

• Preparation is Key: The best strategies are to arrive in Cusco or the Sacred Valley a day or two early to acclimatize before any strenuous activity or visiting high-altitude sites like Moray.

• Prevention Tips: Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol for the first day, and consider coca tea. Medications like Acetazolamide (Diamox) can be effective but require a prescription—consult your doctor.

• Severity Varies: While most experience mild symptoms, it can become severe (HAPE or HACE), so it’s crucial to listen to your body, ascend slowly, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Is Maras in the Sacred Valley? 

Yes, the town of Maras and the Maras Salt Mines are located within the Sacred Valley of the Incas, northwest of Cusco.

How close is the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu? 

The Sacred Valley is the primary gateway to Machu Picchu. The journey involves traveling from the valley towns (like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba) to the Machu Picchu entrance.

• By Train: The most common route is the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu). This journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Overall Proximity: In terms of logistics, you are very close. Most tours to Machu Picchu originate from or pass through the Sacred Valley, making it the perfect place to acclimatize before your visit to the iconic citadel.