HOW TO EXPLORE MARAS, MORAY AND CHINCHERO IN A DAY FROM CUSCO
Heading to the Maras Salt Mines?
Getting to Salineras de Maras is a simple day trip from Cusco. At an altitude of 3,380m in the Valley of Urubamba the Salt Mines are an impressive site dating back to Inca times.
The salt mines in Maras
Hiking to Salineras de Maras
With a rough idea on how to get to the salt mines without a tour group, I decided to hop into a collectivo and figure it out.
And this is what I love about travel. A solo day exploring the Sacred Valley became a day with Emilie. We met as we hopped out of two different collectivos at the same time.
Hiking up to Salineras de Maras, I found out that she had quit her job in France. The lack of progression in her career had lead her to re-evaluate her career path in the beauty industry. She's now thinking of opening up a hostel in the South of France!
Maras Salt Mines
Entering Salineras de Maras away from the tourist entrance, we were alone exploring.
The ancient salt mines in Maras are still used as they were during Inca times. First created sometime around the 1400s, natural streams fill the pools. Processing the salt through evaporation leaves salt crystals behind. Using local tools and equipment to extract the salt, you can buy small bags at the entrance.
How to get to the Maras salt mines from Cusco
Take the Collectivo from Cusco towards Urubamba. On maps.me look for the collectivo stop in Cusco called "6 soles, Minivan station to Urubamba, Chincero".
Let the driver know you're going to Salina de Maras. He will drop you off on the side of the road between Los Arcos de Tarabamba guesthouse and Casita Media Luna.
Cross the road and go over the bridge above Rio Urubamba.
The hiking trail starts here. You'll have to pay an entry fee (10 Soles) to see Salineras de Maras as it's not included in your Boleto Turistico.
The trail will take around 30 minutes. On the way back either head back down to the main road and catch a collectivo back to Cusco.
Or take a taxi to our next destination, Maras, for 2 Soles.
Hiking from Maras to Moray
If you're looking for an adventure, hiking to Moray from Maras might be for you.
In maps.me the trail is a little off. Go towards the trail down Calle Espinar. Some local women pointed us in the right direction.
Peru countryside
It's around 4.5km to Moray through the countryside and farmland. And it's gorgeous!
Moray Ruins
Walking around the ruins of Moray, the deep circular shapes of the terraces are somewhat of an enigma. Some believe it was once used to grow crops at varying temperatures. Whilst others believe the Incas used it for agricultural research.
Entrance fee: Visiting Moray is part of the Boleto Turistico.
Going from Moray to Chinchero
From Moray, at the entrance, there are collectivos to Ramal. From there you can take a bus to Chinchero. Just let the driver know and he'll point you in the right direction of the bus stop.
Between Urubamba and Cusco, the Chinchero market buzzes with locals and tourists. It's a great place to pick up souvenirs away from the crowds in Cusco.
Chinchero Ruins
Entry to the ruins is part of the Boleto Turistico.
There are regular collectivos heading back to Cusco along the main road.
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