The Sacred Valley of the Incas

Along this route we visit the Salineras de Maras and Moray...

El Valle Sagrado de los Incas

The Sacred Valley of the Incas:

We booked a tour (little beknown by us it was actually a private tour just for the two of us) to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The tour was about 6hrs, visiting the Manos de la Comunidad, Salineras de Maras, and Moray, including a hotel pickup and dropoff.

Here is my review of the tour: “The private tour with Fabrizio and his driver Freddie was definitely better than I had expected, and one of the best things to do in Cuzco. Apart from the Salineras de Maras and Moray, which are incredible places to visit and definitely not to be missed, visiting the Manos de la Comunidad and seeing all the animals like llamas and alpacas, and how they handmake all kinds of textiles was great! To be honest it was one of the highlights of my time here in Peru!”

Now let me show you all about it! The tour of the Maras-Moray salt mines includes a visit to a rescue centre for endemic animals, a place where we can learn about (Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas and Huanacos), and the importance of the Andean condor. We visited the Maras salt mines and the Inca MORAY agricultural experimentation centre. Tours are done in small groups of no more than 10 people, which guarantees a more personalised experience…

Manos de la Comunidad (Hands of the Community):

Pick up from your hotel at 08:00; and private transportation will take you approximately 15mins to the rescue centre for native animals of South America (Llamas, Alpacas, Huanacos & Vicuñas). You’ll be able to feed them, find out more about them, how to identify each one, and take some silly selfies. You’ll also see guinea pigs, although to some it may be a pet, for other you may find them on their plate since it is a delicacy here (well so is alpaca). We will see the importance of the Andean condor; the community is a cultural centre where various local traditions & customs are appreciated, as well as ancestral textile techniques where you will learn to recognise textile works made by local residents. You’ll be able to see them take the wool from the animals and make them into clothing, completely from scratch, all by hand – to be honest, this place was a highlight for me of the tour!

Salineras de Maras:

After visiting the Manos del la Comunidad, we head for about an hour trip in the car to the salt mines of Maras. On the way you’ll appreciate the majestic landscape of the sacred valley of the Incas, upon arriving at the salt mines the professional guide will show you around for approximately 45mins where you will learn why we have salt in the mountains of the Andes, the importance of salt in the time of the Incas, and its current use and its benefits for local residents. Also in this attraction you can have the option of buying the famous Flor de Sal (Fleur de Sel) and Sal Rosada (pink salt).

Moray:

Next, after the Salineras de Maras, we head for approximately 30mins by transport to the centre for experimentation and genetic improvement of agricultural products in the time of the Incas (MORAY), where the guide will explain the most impressive agricultural experimentation centre. You’ll also learn the importance and purpose of the expansion of genetic diversity of agricultural production in the Inca empire. Moray is an Incan agricultural site full of circular terraces used to cultivate foods like potatoes. The centre of each terrace has a specific temperature, and ducts were cut out so during the rainy season, the water would flow into the centre but it wouldn’t flood, it would enter by a natural plug. After this visit we head back to Cusco approximately an hour away, dropping you off in the centre or at your hotel.

To be honest I can’t recommend this experience enough, it was a great little day trip! For 2 people it cost about €160, if you’re interested, book your trip now at 2025 Salineras de Maras Moray and Hands of the Community (Cusco) - with Trusted Reviews

Next up, it’s a journey of a lifetime, trust me! Stay tuned!