Horseback Riding to Maras Town and Moray Terraces with Salt Pans

5/5

Tipo de Tour

Horseback riding

Dificultad

Easy

Duracion

Full Day

Edad Disponible

All ages

Altitude

3,762 meters / 12,342 feet

Distance

44 km / 27 miles

Travel time

Approximately 7 hours

Difficulty

Class I and II

Experience

Basic to Intermediate

Do you fancy an adventure on horseback while traversing a fascinating plain in the Andes? Embark on an unforgettable scenic and historical ride through the landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Enjoy:

An exciting journey: Ride along winding trails and take in unique landscapes.
History and archaeology: Discover the most important agricultural laboratory of the Inca era.
Guaranteed fun: Whether you are a beginner or experienced, our gentle horses and expert guides will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Itinerary

Horseback Riding to Maras Town and Moray Terraces with Salt Pans

  • 09:00 am Hotel pick-up
  • 09:30 am Safety briefing and horse riding instructions
  • 10:00 am Practice and familiarization with rider and horse
  • 10:30 am Start of horseback ride to Maras Town and visit to the facades
  • 11:30 am Visit to the Moray Terraces
  • 12:30 pm Start of horseback ride back to Maras Town
  • 02:00 pm Tourist Menu Lunch + purple corn chicha or lemonade drink
  • 03:00 pm Transport to Maras Salt Pans
  • 03:30 pm Guided Visit at Maras Salt Pans
  • 04:30 pm Return transportation to the hotel
  • 05:30 pm End of services

Places to visit

Maras Town, Moray Archaeological Site, and Its History:
Maras, known as the salt town, is a district in the Urubamba province with a rich and fascinating history. During the pre-Inca period, it was intermittently inhabited, revealing traces of the Chanapata culture. In the Inca period, Maras housed Cusco nobles and played a key role in the war of Manco Inca. Founded in 1556 by Pedro Ortiz de Orue, the town showcases colonial houses with stone facades that reflect its historical significance. Maras was a strategic point for trade between the Vilcanota River Valley and Cusco. According to the chronicle of Guamán Poma de Ayala, the town rebelled against the third Inca, Lloque Yupanqui, who, according to legend, punished the land with a rain of salt. Today, Maras preserves its colonial church and is known for its salt production and tourist appeal due to its history and natural beauty.

Moray Terraces with Maras Salt Pans:
Discover two impressive wonders in one trip: the Moray Terraces and the Maras Salt Pans. We will begin our journey at the Moray Terraces, a unique archaeological complex composed of circular terraces resembling a stepped amphitheater. Here, the ancient Incas experimented with different crops in simulated microclimates, creating an innovative agricultural laboratory. After exploring Moray, we will head to the Maras Salt Pans, where over 3,200 evaporation pools form a stunning view on the mountainside. These bright white pools contrast with the surrounding landscape and are fed by a natural spring of saltwater. Visitors can walk among the pools, observe the salt extraction process, and learn about the cultural and historical importance of this place. With this unique experience, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Incas while marveling at the natural beauty of the Maras Salt Pans and Moray Terraces.

Development of the program

We start our exciting excursion by picking up our passengers at their respective accommodations and heading to the charming town of Maras, located near the Tiobamba Temple. There, our horses and guide chalans await us to begin this unique adventure. After equipping ourselves with the necessary equipment, you will receive a safety briefing on how to interact with the horses, followed by theoretical and practical instruction before starting our horseback journey. Our route will take us along a mule path surrounded by majestic mountains and colorful farmlands, where you will have the opportunity to observe the daily life of the locals and their livestock grazing. We will pass through the town of Maras, exploring its central square and learning about its historical significance during the Inca and colonial periods. We will visit some colonial mansions, highlighting lintels and limestone-carved facades, and make a stop at a chichería to taste traditional chicha de jora and immerse ourselves further in the local culture. As we progress, we will marvel at the breathtaking views of the imposing mountains that surround the valley, feeling the excitement of being in a place where history comes alive in every corner. The landscape changes as we approach the archaeological complex of Moray, with its surprising circular terraces stretching out before us. Once in Moray, you will have the opportunity to explore this enigmatic site, discovering its fascinating agricultural architecture and cultural significance. From the top of the terraces, you can admire the stunning views of the Sacred Valley and feel a connection to the past as you imagine how the Incas used this place to experiment with different crops. After enjoying this fascinating archaeological site, we will return on horseback along the same ancestral path, carrying unforgettable memories of this unique experience. At the end of our journey, we will enjoy a delicious lunch with Peruvian cuisine and the famous purple corn chicha. After lunch and exploring Moray, we will head to the Maras Salt Pans, where over 3,200 evaporation pools form a stunning view on the mountainside. These bright white pools contrast with the surrounding landscape and are fed by a natural spring of saltwater. Visitors can walk among the pools, observe the salt extraction process, and learn about the cultural and historical importance of this place. We will return to our hotel, thus concluding our service.

Recommendations

Jeans or trekking pants
Long-sleeve shirt
Jacket or windbreaker
Camera
Hat or cap
Trekking shoes or riding boots
Sunscreen
Positive mindset

Recommendations

Jeans or trekking pants
Long-sleeve shirt
Jacket or windbreaker
Camera
Hat or cap
Trekking shoes or riding boots
Sunscreen
Positive mindset

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