Archaeological Remains of Moray

Everywhere you look in Cusco you can see how advanced the Incas were in their agricultural techniques, such as the terracing system and irrigation using aqueducts. In Moray , for example, they used circular terraces that demonstrate the high level of culture the Inca civilization achieved.

Moray is 4.5 miles from the town of Maras and 39 miles from Cusco. The main feature that impresses travelers is its system of circular agricultural terraces, which are up to 330 feet deep. They are build using retaining walls connected by an irrigation system.

Moray can be considered a crop lab– they used the terraces to create micro-climates and grow various products. The prevailing theory used to be that the Incas used the layers as a kind of laboratory to optimize growing conditions for different crops of each species. It’s now thought that the site wouldn’t support agriculture without irrigation, of which there’s no evidence. Hydrologist investigators think the site may have served as a temple for water ceremonies.

Getting there from Cusco

One can book a tour with one of the operators. Alternatively you can go by yourself, Take any transportation bound between Urubamba and Cusco via Chinchero and ask to be let off at the Maras/Moray turnoff known as Ramal de Maras . Taxis usually wait at this turnoff to take tourists to Moray and back for around 40 soles, or both Moray and Salineras and back to the turnoff for around 80 soles.

You could also tackle the 4km walk to the village of Maras yourself. From there, follow the road another 9km to Moray . From Maras , you can walk or bike to Salineras, about 6km away. The trail starts behind the church. The Maras taxi company rents out bikes for a fun, fast single-track ride.

Don’t forget

To visit, you will need either the General Tourist Ticket (S/. 130.00) or Single-Entry Tourist Ticket (S/.70.00)

• Weather: Temperate.
• Altitude: 11,646 feet above sea level.
• Hoteles Distance from the city: 39/ 34 miles.
• Restaurantes Access routes: By road.
• Adventure: Sports. Moray offers many choices for those that want to explore its paths by bike and enjoy the pre-Colombian laboratory where agricultural experiments were conducted. Visitors can also take in its beautiful scenery on ATVs, an option that provides a more extreme experience.

Do you like this place? You can book this place like Full Day Tour of Moray, the Salt Mines of Maras, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas