Everybody has heard of the mighty Inca Empire and the many wonderful ruins they left behind. Most people know something about the famous Machu Picchu and the legends surrounding the mysterious Inca Citadel. Therefore, it is a dream for many travelers to do a Peru travel and see its treasures. Besides, there is so much to see and do in this incredibly diverse country.
One of the Inca sites that you should visit in the Cusco region is the Maras and Moray attractions, not far from Cusco City. These historical jewels will give you a different perspective of the Andean culture and architecture. For this and much more, the Machu Travel Peru team wants to share with you a little bit about these two great destinations. Remember that this is just a glimpse of what these exciting places have to offer.
This video introduces Maras and Moray, two remarkable sites in the Sacred Valley of Peru. It shows the Moray agricultural terraces and the Maras Salt Mines, helping travelers visualize these locations before reading the historical background and practical visiting tips explained below.
Incredible tourist attractions in Cusco
Maras
The salt mines in Maras have been active since before the times of the Incas. The site features around three thousand salt wells, some of which are dry and others that are still in use. However, the mines and the surrounding areas feature some of the most stunning man-made and natural beauty you will see anywhere.
Some of history
Since pre-Inca times, salt has been obtained from Maras. The highly salty water comes from an underground spring. The flow from the springs is directed into a system of channels that run into the salt ponds.
It is thought that the saltpans were originally constructed by the Wari Civilization, which is pre-Inca. However, the Incas saw the opportunity to harvest the salt for themselves and to trade, so the ponds were expanded further up the hillside.
Today, families of the local community own the pans; the salt is collected and sold locally in shops and markets nearby. Your first sighting of the saltpans will amaze you; the white saltpans against the green mountains alone are worth the journey.
Moray
While Maras’s salt flats will astound you with their man-made and natural beauty, Moray is more a testament to the human genius of the Incas. On a visit to Moray, be prepared to be amazed at the incredible terraced platforms covered in lush green grass of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The site was said to be an open-air area for the investigation and testing of different types of soil and crops. Agriculture was so important to the Incas that they regularly conducted investigations into plants and seeds. The main products the Incas cultivated were potatoes, coca, and corn, which were the basis of their diet.
You might also be interested in: everything you need to know about the Peruvian Sacred Valley.
As a tourist attraction
The other aspect of any tour to Moray is the stunning landscape that surrounds the site; the mountains will take your breath away. Plenty of photo opportunities to be had on a tour to Maras and Moray. These ruins are different from a tour to the ruins in the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu, as there are not many tourists, so you will have the sites to yourself, which cannot be a bad thing. Also in the area are plenty of adventure activities like zip-lining, quad biking, bike riding, and many beautiful walks and hikes to do around this area.
Other alternative options
When visiting the Cusco area on their Peru Holiday, most people visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will find the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. These ruins with their an interesting history and legends that will fascinate you for hours. The ruins are very popular with the day-trippers from Cusco, with buses filled with tourists making the journey every day. They are worth the visit for the spectacular views and the lessons you will learn. In Pisac, apart from the ruins, there is a daily market, which attracts hundreds of tourists every day. The market is a great place to buy presents for the family at home and to get some great photos of the local people who come to the market to sell their handmade treasures. The Sacred Valley is also a great place to spend some time, as the climate is very mild compared to Cusco, and the lovely villages cater to tourists with nice hotels that will suit every budget.
The crown jewel
We cannot forget to mention that on every trip to Peru, you must visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, located around three hours from Cusco city by train. This magnificent example of Inca architecture will not fail to impress. While you are at Machu Picchu, why not experience some of the many treks around the area, like Huayna Picchu, the mountain in front of Machu Picchu, where you will get spectacular views of the Inca Citadel. Discover the Machu Picchu mystery; you can do so on a private luxury or a ready-made itinerary.
You might also be interested in: Where is Machu Picchu
“REMOTE PLACES COULD BE THE BEST OPTION TO FIND NEW AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES”
When you journey to Peru, do not forget to take the time to discover all the mysteries of all the ancient cultures of Peru, many thousands of years of history that ends today with a mix of people who will welcome you with open arms. But for an interesting day out, travel to the Salt pans of Maras and the Inca Terracing at Moray, something interesting to see for all of the family. The Machu Travel Peru team hopes this information has helped bring you closer to your dream destination. If you have any additional questions, our advisors will be happy to help you learn more about this and other exciting destinations.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact Us today to plan your dream adventure!
