Maras Salt Mines to Moray Inca Ruins | Self-Guided Sacred Valley Hiking Tour
The Sacred Valley Peru boasts incredible hiking trails and adorable villages dotted with Inca ruins, surrounded by stunning mountains, all while maintaining almost a lost-in-time, tranquil nature kind of feeling. Two of the most popular destinations in the Sacred Valley are the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Inca ruins. These two unmissable Peru attractions can be combined in a full-day self-guided Sacred Valley hiking tour.
While there are many options for these sites and many other Sacred Valley highlights offered by multiple Cusco tour companies, it’s best to slow down to savor one of the most preserved areas of the entire Inca Empire.
Exploring the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Archaeological Park without a tour means that you get to avoid the crowds, soak in the scenery, and bonus, it’s budget-friendly.
This full-day tour is a mostly flat hike with just a gradual increase to the Maras Salt Mines and again to the Moray ruins. Don’t forget that the altitude in Maras Peru is over 11,00 feet, so even gradual inclines can feel drastic on your lungs at this height
This Sacred Valley hiking guide to the Maras Salt Mines and Moray Inca ruins includes: how to reach the sites via public transportation, a downloadable hiking map, and other travel tips for exploring more of Peru’s Sacred Valley.
Adventure awaits! Here’s how to hike from Maras to the Moray Archaeological Park.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, be mindful of constantly changing trail conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
- Where to Stay in the Sacred Valley Peru?
- Map & Overview | Hike from Maras to Moray Inca Ruins
- How to Reach Media Luna in the Sacred Valley
- Hike from Media Luna to Maras Salt Mine
- Tour the Maras Salt Mines
- Hike from the Maras Salt Mines to Moray Inca Ruins
- Tour Moray Archaeological Park
- Tips on Leaving Moray Inca Site
- How to Leave Maras Peru
- Total Cost of Self-Guided Hiking Tour | Maras Salt Mines to Moray Inca Ruins
- Independently Hike the Maras Salt Mines to the Moray Ruins
Where to Stay in the Sacred Valley Peru?
Hands down, my favorite village to explore the Sacred Valley is Urubamba Peru. It’s possible to do this hike as a long day trip from Cusco, but I highly suggest spending at least 3 -4 days in the Sacred Valley. It’s magic, I promise.
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The village of Urubamba may not be the most charming or visually appealing village in Peru’s Sacred Valley, but what it lacks, it makes up for with its central location, a busy main bus terminal with frequent bus and collectivo departures, and many hikes like Saywa Mountain and the crystal blue alpine lake of Laguna Juchuycocha.
Urubamba has excellent places to eat, a superb traditional market, and artisan shops, all while maintaining an authentic Peruvian feeling.
The convenient bus terminal has frequent collectivos to the nearby village of Ollantaytambo, which is the gateway to Machu Picchu either via train or the Classic Inca Trail.
Ollantaytambo is an awesome small town in Peru with old Inca trails that climb to the tops of mountains where treasures like Inti Punku Sun Gate await. Don’t miss the scenic hike up to the sacred site of Pumamarca, which is a fortress that is said to resemble a puma.
There are also collectivos to Calca, which connects to Lares Valley, and Pisac, and constant departures to Cusco via collectivos and buses.
Urubamba is easily connected to the entire Sacred Valley of Peru and is the perfect base to spend a few days.
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Map & Overview | Hike from Maras to Moray Inca Ruins
This hiking itinerary starts and ends at the main bus terminal in Urubamba.
⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail.
Maras to Moray Inca Ruins Sacred Valley Hike Logistics
- This is an Out & Back Trail or a Loop Trail
- The trailhead starts in Media Luna, passes through the Maras Salt Mines, continues to Maras Peru, and finishes at the to Moray ruins
- From Maras, it’s easy to catch a collectivo back to Cusco or back to Urubamba
- One-Way Distance (Media Luna to Moray Inca Ruins): 7 miles
- Excursion Duration: 5 – 9 hours
- The trail is mostly flat, with a gradual ascent here and there
- Trail Markers: One sign from Media Luna to Maras Salt Mines. From the front entrance of Maras Salt Mines there are no signs to Maras Peru. Once in Maras, there are red and white sign markers all the way to Moray Archaeological Park.
- There are no buses or public transportation from the Moray Inca ruins back to Maras Peru.
- Walking this route will add another 2.25 miles to the Moray Peru hiking map (9.25 miles total for the day)
Plan on 7 – 9 hours depending on hiking skills, breaks, and pit-stops. Plan on less time if you utilize a taxi between the Moray ruin and Maras Peru.
Personal Hiking Route Notes
I left Urubamba at 7:00 a.m. and arrived back at 14:00. Logistically, I hike pretty fast and didn’t take a lot of photos at the Maras Salt Mines. First, I hiked from Media Luna to the Maras Salt Mines, and onto the Moray Inca ruins.
At the Moray Archaeological Park, I took a break, ate snacks, and walked the many viewpoint trails of the Moray terraces. I hiked back to Maras village and stopped at Restaurant Mama Mecha.
Next, I went into Maras Peru, and toured the outside of the central church. After that, I caught a taxi down to the Maras Transportation Hub and eventually caught a bus back to Urubamba.
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How to Reach Media Luna in the Sacred Valley
The first part of the adventure is to hike from Media Luna to the Maras Salt Mines. It’s super easy to reach Media Luna from Urubamba. Simply hop on any collectivo that is going in the direction of Ollantaytambo. Exit at the Media Luna “bus stop.” The bus stop is just a quick drop-off location on the side of a road and not an actual station. Shout out “baja” when you wish to exit the van.
It is possible to reverse this itinerary and go from the Moray Inca ruins to Maras Salt Mines; however, I think it’s best to visit the Maras Salt Mines as early as possible to avoid the constant daily tours coming in from Cusco and the afternoon heat.
🚐 Collectivos Urubamba Ollantaytambo | Fare: 1 PEN(25 ¢) | Duration: 5 minutes | Collectivos run frequently | Depart when full from Urubamba main bus terminal | Exit at Media Luna, look for Restaurant Tunupa, a great visual point of reference for exit
Hike from Media Luna to Maras Salt Mines
Exit the bus and cross the street. Follow along the path that is to the left of the Restaurant Tunupa sign. Follow the dirt road, it veers to the right and then take your first left. In a few minutes, cross over the Urubamba River via the large orange bridge.
Next, walk through the hamlet of Pichingoto, and take the first left. Look for the small fenced cemetery. Keep it on your right-hand side.
Keep following the road, eventually, it turns into a small path that climbs a fairly steep uphill. On a clear day, you should be able to see the salt pools come into view. This route will direct you to the back entrance of the Sacred Valley Salt Mines.
🥾Media Luna to the Maras Salt Mines | Distance: 1.25 miles | Duration: +/- 45 minutes | View the Maras Salt Mine Map here
Tour the Maras Salt Mines
Entering the Maras Salt Mines from the back path is an enjoyable experience! Most tourists come in by the busloads to pack the main entrance. It’s nice to walk around and take some pictures without the crowds. All the bus tourists only have time to visit the main viewpoint, take their pictures, and head back to the bus.
If the main entrance is crowded, just wait a few minutes until the crowds start to dissipate. Arrive early to really appreciate these Salt Mines in solitude. At the back entrance, ticket sales usually start after 8:00 a.m. There will usually be a man there collecting the admission fee.
If including the hike onto the Moray Inca ruins, it’s essential to get here before 8:00. The sun gets hot and the next trail offers no shade.
Salt Mines Maras | Admission Ticket: 10 PEN ($2.75 USD) | *Not included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket | Hours: Daily, 6:00 – 18:00
Head towards the main entrance. If you’ve purchased your ticket, head down via the small church. Take photos and buy some salt from the local women. They have a table and cosmetic salt. The Maras pink salt became a daily staple for cooking in Peru!
The Maras Salt Mine is not included on the popular Cusco Tourist Ticket. However, if visiting the Moray Inca ruins, you will need the complete 10 day ticket, or the Circuit III ticket, which includes the Sacred Valley Archaeological Parks of Pisac, Chinchero, Moray Inca Terraces, and Ollantaytambo.
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Only Want to Visit the Maras Salt Mines?
Independently, it is possible to visit the Salt Mines as a 2-3 hour quick day trip from Urubamba Peru. Of course, this all depends on your hiking skills and how long you stay to enjoy the Maras Salt Ponds.
If interested in only visiting the Maras Salt Mines, head back the way you came. It’s easy to now head downhill and through the little village of Pichingoto. Wait by the train tracks and wave down the collectivos passing by. They run by frequently but may be full. The bus ride to Urubamba is only 5 minutes.
But the adventure continues! Next, walk to the small village of Maras. After that, it’s a scenic path to the Moray Archaeological Park. The next section of the hike has a gradual incline, but there is no shade, so again, the earlier the better.
Hike from the Maras Salt Mines to Moray Inca Ruins
When you’re ready, leave the Salt Mines via the main entrance gate. So, keep the Maras Salt Mines to your back. The gravel road for cars will turn to the left but before that turn, look for a small dirt trail on the right side of the road. Take the small dirt footpath.
Keep following the path. The path becomes more defined the more you continue to walk on it. The large white church in the village of Maras Peru will appear far off in the distance. Use it as a reference point. Enter into Maras Peru on the street Calle Jesus.
Once in the Plaza de Armas, look for the street Calle Jerusalén. Follow Calle Jerusalén and take a right at Via a Moray. Continue down this street. Eventually, you will see a huge complex with many restaurants. The largest sign is for the restaurant Mama Mecha.
Keep this building complex with many restaurants on your right-hand side. Now, you should be able to see the first white arrow signage that directs you to the hiking path for the Moray Inca ruins.
This section of the path is extremely well marked with white arrows on red backgrounds. Look for them mostly on rocks along the trail. This trail passes by another set of Inca ruins, Paqalla Moqo, on the left-hand side. These ruins are a little off the trail, so merge off the trail to stop and visit, or continue on to Moray Inca Terraces.
Keep following the path until you reach the “end of the trail.” It fuses with the main road. Take a left around the bend and you will see the multiple tour buses moving on the road, a good indication that you have almost made it to Moray Peru!
Finally, the road continues to the main entrance of the Moray Archaeological Park
🥾 Maras Salt Mines to Moray Inca Ruins | Distance: 5.75 miles | Duration: 2 – 3 hours
One of the more popular tour packages from Cusco is to visit the Moray Inca ruins via a Sacred Valley ATV tour. The ATV tours are loud and sadly follow along many of the same hiking paths, so another reason to take this self-guided hike early in the morning.
Tour Moray Archaeological Park
The Moray Archaeological Park has peculiar Inca ruins of three large terraces. One of the most “accepted theories” is these terraces were used as agricultural research terraces or laboratories by the Incas. It’s been said that these agricultural experimental terraces were highly influenced by the water irrigation channels that ran through them; however, it’s been questioned whether there were even channels present at this archeological site.
The speculation is the irrigation channels created a sort of micro-climate within the leveled terraces. During their usage, it is speculated that there could be a difference of almost 60° between the top of the terrace and the bottom. These ruins, like most in Peru, still remain a puzzling piece of the mystery of the Incan Empire.
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The Moray Inca terraces are a popular destination in the Sacred Valley and are often pretty busy. The best part of doing this tour independently is that you can, again, wait for the crowds to disperse. Most tourists only have time to visit the two main terraces, take their photos, and leave.
It takes about 1.5 hours to walk around all the terraces and enjoy the view. Complete the whole circuit independently at your own leisure. Bring a picnic and eat it at the opposite of the park at one of the quiet viewpoints that are usually empty.
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Moray Archaeological Park & Boleto Turistico Cusco
Moray Archeological Park is included in the complete Boleto Turístico Cusco, or part of Circuit III on the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Either show your ticket at the entrance gate or purchase the ticket onsite.
Moray Archaeological Park Logistics | Admission Fee: Circuit III of the Boleto Turistico Cusco / 70 PEN ($17 USD), valid for 2 days or The Complete Boleto Turistico Cusco / 130 PEN ($32 USD), valid 10 days | Daily Hours: 7:00 – 17:00 | Duration at site: Moray Inca ruins warrants at least 1.5 hours to explore | Tour Guides are available on-site for an additional fee. Validate they have correct documentation.
Quick Reminder on the Cusco Tourist Ticket
The 10 day ticket with all 16 sites is 130 PEN ($32 USD). If you want to only experience the Sacred Valley portion of the ticket, purchase Circuit III ticket option. Circuit III includes the Archaeological Parks of: Moray, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. This ticket is valid for 2 days and is 70 PEN ($17 USD)
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Tips on Leaving Moray Inca Site
There are two options upon leaving the Moray Inca ruins. Either, hike back to Maras the way you came, or take a taxi back to Maras Peru.
If hiking back, follow the same route you took to the village Moray. From the Moray Inca ruins to the church in the village.
🥾 Moray Inca Ruins to Maras Village | Distance: 2.25 miles | Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Taxis run back to the Plaza de Armas in Maras from the Moray ruins. If you’re solo or in a small group, it’s possible to squeeze in and only pay for one spot.
🚕 Taxi Moray to Maras | Fare: 20 PEN ($5 USD) for the entire taxi or 5 PEN ($1.50 USD) for one seat in a full taxi | Duration: 20 minutes
The restaurant facility that is home to Mama Mecha is an excellent choice for enjoying a beverage. The food is overpriced, but the views of the church and the surrounding green hillside are a nice place to relax after hiking in the Sacred Valley.
Mama Mecha sells everything from beer, wine by the glass, fresh fruit juices, and other beverages.
A Quick Visit to the Church in Maras Peru
The main church of Maras sits one block from the Plaza de Armas in Maras Peru. The church is usually not open, but it’s still nice to tour the outside. Up close and personal, this church is simple, but a welcomed detour. The best part is the views overlooking the green areas of the Sacred Valley. On a clear day, it’s possible to see the glaciers on top of the distant mountains surrounding Urubamba.
How to Leave Maras Peru
From Maras Peru, it’s pretty straightforward to leave via public transportation. Small little taxis run from the Plaza de Armas down to the Maras Transportation Hub. Look for them constantly running through the square, opposite side of the Maras Police Station. Verify that taxis will drop at the Maras Transportation Hub.
🚕 Maras to Maras Transportation Hub | Cost: 2 PEN | Duration: 5 minutes | Taxi drivers may try to charge tourists higher prices in the taxis
Maras Transportation Hub to Sacred Valley or Cusco
From this busy bus hub you have two options: Head towards Urubamba, or go to Cusco.
Maras to Urubamba
🚐 Buses & Collectivos Maras to Urubamba | Fare: 2 PEN (50¢ USD) | Duration: 30 minutes | Buses drop at Urubamba’s main terminal
Maras to Cusco Peru
🚐 Buses & Collectivos Maras to Cusco | Stay on the side of the street that the taxi drops | Fare: 5 PEN | Duration: 45 minutes | This bus also passes by Chinchero, the village is only 25 minutes down the road
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Total Cost of Self-Guided Hiking Tour | Maras Salt Mines to Moray Inca Ruins
This independent hike in the Sacred Valley costs little to nothing. Many Cusco tour companies charge around $50 for private tours to the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Inca ruins and they spend very little time at each site. Adding in these hikes makes each Inca site truly feel like a “real expedition.”
Here are my total costs of this hike which includes the Maras Salt Mines to the Moray Archaeological Park.
Prices on the table are rounded to the nearest 25¢
| Expenses | PEN (S/) | USD($) |
| Public Transportation Fees | S/4 | $1 |
| Maras Salt Mine Entrance Fee | S/10 | $2.50 |
| Total | S/14 | $3.50 |
Don’t forget you will NEED the Cusco Tourist Ticket to enter the Moray Archaeological Park. The organized Sacred Valley tours usually DO NOT include the Boleto Turístico Cusco.
Independently Hike from Maras Salt Mines to Moray
In conclusion, this is the complete guide on how to independently tour and hike from Media Luna to the Maras Salt Mines, and arrive at the Moray Archaeological Park.
The start of this trail is in Media Luna in the Sacred Valley and is less than 5 minutes away from Urubamba by collectivo. The earlier of start time the better, due to, lack of shade coverage and the hoards of tourists that arrive by the bus loads to both the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Inca Ruins.
From the Salt Mines, head through the little village of Maras Peru and continue on to the impressive Moray Inca Terraces. After enjoying the Site of Moray, take a taxi back to Maras village, or hike the same way you came in. Stop for a beverage and visit the Maras church on the way out of town. Finally, take a short taxi ride down to the Maras Transportation Hub.
From here, either take a bus back into Urubamba, or head back to Cusco. Visiting the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Archeological Park independently is a great way to experience a few of the highlights of the Sacred Valley at your own pace.
This worthwhile Sacred Valley hike and tour of two Sacred Valley highlights can be completed in 7 – 9 hours with ease.
Have you hiked from the Maras Salt Miles to Moray Archaeological Park? Do you like to explore independently or with a tour? What did you think of Peru’s Sacred Valley? Let me know in the comments below!
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I did this walk today with my partner and we had a fantastic time! Be aware that the route the gpx file takes you is not the same as the description (for me anyway). It takes a different route out of Maras up to Moray. However it was very easy to follow on the map and had the added bonus of meaning you don’t have to go the same way back to Maras.
Would be interested to know when this article was written – we managed to haggle a colectivo down to 2 soles from maras to the “interseccion” but no lower, and a colectivo back to Cusco was 5 each.
Great day out, thanks Megs!
Thanks Kim for the details! I walked a few different routes in my time in Peru, so I will go back in and check this map. Can I ask if you downloaded the GPX from my website or my Wikiloc account. I have aa few different routes to choose from 🙂
I wrote this article in 2020 and I know that some prices have increased since Covid in all parts of the world.
I really did enjoy this hike, too! I will go in and make the correct updates.