Moray and Maras Trek

The half-day Moray and Maras trek takes in the unique archaelogical terraces of Moray and salt pans of Maras, both must-see sites of the Sacred Valley. In total, the trek covers approximately 6km (3.7 mi) which is about two to three hours of hiking. Aracari arranges the scenic Moray and Maras trek on a private basis only, not as a group tour. The trek can only be booked as part of a tailormade trip to Peru, not on a standalone basis.

Moray and Maras trek with Aracari

Drawing on over 20 year’s experience offering discerning travelers authentic, private luxury Peru treks, we arrange expert guiding and a picnic lunch as you hike in the Sacred Valley, enjoying spectacular views.

Moray and Maras Trek Itinerary

Moray and Maras Trek your journey begins with a transfer by private vehicle to the enigmatic Inca terraces of Moray. This unique site, likely used for agricultural experimentation, consists of several impressive, symmetrical circular terraces, creating a depression in the earth. Enjoy a visit here before beginning your trek to the small colonial village of Maras.

Hike through a high plain on flat terrain until you reach a village, in which you will stop to have a picnic lunch. After lunch, you will start your descent into the gorge, where you will find the Maras salt pans. This site consists of a large number of watered terraces that collect salt by evaporation from the saline waters that gush from an underground stream. Built in a similar way to agricultural terraces seen throughout the Andes, the Salinas have been in use since pre-Columbian times. Visually, the shining, salt-encrusted terraces are extraordinary.

After a tour of the salt pans, you will walk approximately forty five minutes down to the Urubamba River along narrow paths. Your vehicle will be waiting directly across the bridge to escort you back to your hotel.

Alternative short hikes in the Sacred Valley

An alternative gentle half-day hike that’s well suited to families is the Chinchero to Huayllabamba trek; you might also like to consider the light hike to Pumamarca Ruins, a hillside Inca fortress.

If you’re acclimatized and looking for full day hikes, then consider the one-day inca trail to Machu Picchu or the challenging Patabamba to Huchuy Qosqo full day hike.

Contact us today to book this tour, or for bespoke travel advice.