Attractions and Places To See in Maras - Top 15

Maras is rich in history, featuring several ancient Incan and colonial sites. Key historical attractions include the Moray Agricultural Terraces, believed to be an Incan agricultural laboratory, and the ancient Maras Salt Mines, which have been in continuous use since pre-Inca times. You can also explore the lesser-known Zona Arqueológica de Cheqoq with its Inca storage structures, and the colonial Church of San Francisco de Asís de Maras.

The most striking natural feature is the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of terraced salt evaporation ponds are fed by a natural, mineral-rich underground spring. This creates a breathtaking landscape of white and brown hues. Additionally, Maras offers panoramic views of the surrounding Sacred Valley and the dramatic Andean mountain range, including some snow-capped peaks.

Beyond the historical sites, Maras offers unique cultural insights. You can visit the salt market and artisan stalls to learn about and purchase products made from Maras salt. Some local communities, like Medialuna, offer community-based tourism where you can learn about traditions such as chicha, textiles, and medicinal plants, or even participate in walks through the salt mines with local guides.

Yes, Maras offers activities suitable for families. Exploring the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Agricultural Terraces can be an educational and visually engaging experience for all ages. For adventurous families, quad biking and ziplining are available in the areas around Moray and the Salt Mines.

The best time to visit Maras is generally during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, you can expect clear skies and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the outdoor sites like the Salt Mines and Moray. The salt ponds are particularly vibrant during this period.

To fully appreciate the Maras Salt Mines, including time for walking around the ponds, observing the traditional salt harvesting, and visiting the artisan stalls, plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows for a relaxed exploration and photo opportunities.

The region around Maras is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find various routes for mountain biking, such as the 'Maras Salt Mines – Querocancha Archaeological Zone loop from Urubamba' or the 'Descent to Maras Salt Mines loop from Pucruto'. For more details on these and other routes, visit the MTB Trails in Maras guide.

Yes, Maras is home to notable dining options that emphasize local ingredients and innovative gastronomy. Restaurants like MIL Centro and Unu Restaurante are known for offering landscape-inspired cuisine, providing a unique culinary experience that reflects the region's rich agricultural heritage.

The Moray Agricultural Terraces are a fascinating Incan archaeological site consisting of several enormous terraced circular depressions. It is widely believed that these terraces served as an agricultural laboratory, where the Incas experimented with different crops at various altitudes and microclimates, each level creating its own distinct growing conditions.

The town of Maras is worth exploring. It features quaint colonial streets with adobe houses adorned with intricate carvings, quincha, and tile roofs. Many homes still bear stone inscriptions revealing their construction year and the lineage of past owners, offering a glimpse into the town's rich history and architecture.

While direct public transport might be limited, you can typically take a collectivo (shared taxi) or a bus from Cusco to Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, and then hire a local taxi or another collectivo to reach Maras and Moray. Many visitors also opt for organized tours that include transportation to both sites.

The Maras Salt Mines involve walking on uneven terrain and paths between the salt ponds. While the main viewing areas might be accessible, navigating directly through the terraced ponds can be challenging for those with mobility issues or using wheelchairs. It's advisable to check current conditions or consider a guided tour for specific accessibility needs.