Maras and Moray are two of the most visited points in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The salt mines of Maras and the archaeological zone of Moray have become two areas of great interest to tourists, thanks to their beautiful landscapes that captivate anyone who visits.
The vast majority of people who decide to visit these places do so on a tour from Cusco. However, if you have more time, you can easily explore them on your own, both from Cusco itself and other important places, such as Ollantaytambo. And here I will tell you in detail how to do it.
In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know to visit these two beautiful places in the Sacred Valley: how to get there, what you can do, costs, and more.
Let’s get started
As such, the area where tourists can be is not very large. First, you will come across a first viewpoint (from which the pools are seen on a broader plane), and after going down some stairs, you will be as close as possible. That is allowed in the collections.
Note: If you wish, you can take a walk around the small town of Maras; it is tiny but quite beautiful with its cobbled streets and adobe houses.
When to visit the Salineras de Maras
The salt mines attract tourists throughout the year. However, if you visit them during the rainy season (from December to March), the color of the pools is darker due to the water and the surrounding earth.
The best time to visit is during the dry season (from April to November), when the climate is more favorable, resulting in a drier environment and a more pronounced display of pink and white colors.
Tourist places of Cusco – Plaza de Armas area
It is the heart of the city. This is where most tourist and commercial activity is concentrated.
I highly recommend a Free Tour to learn about this area’s history. A guide will explain the most emblematic sites and their details, which is worthwhile.
Click here to book the tour of Cusco for FREE
Cusco Cathedral
Dominating the Plaza de Armas, the monumental Cathedral, built in 1550, is one of the city’s main attractions.
According to theory and legend, the bigger and more imposing the building, the greater the faith. With soaring ceilings, baroque paintings, huge oil paintings, and gold and silver altars, the Cathedral seems to achieve its purpose.
Moray Archaeological Zone
The archaeological complex of Moray is renowned for its terraces, which resemble circular terraces, evoking a crater or an Inca amphitheater.
This place was one of the leading agricultural research centers of the Inca empire. The different climates and levels on the terraces were designed to accommodate the cultivation of various products, and scientists still marvel at this impressive technology.
Things to do in Moray
As such, the archaeological zone is not too large, although I recommend going through it calmly if possible. Upon entering, you will see an area with railings that allow you to appreciate the beautiful views towards the leading circular platforms. Then, you will need to go down some stairs to visit (be careful, as they are steep).
On average, you can visit calmly in an hour.
When to visit Moray
Like the salt mines of Maras, the archaeological zone of Moray is accessible for visitation throughout the year. Again, I would be cautious during the rainy season because the surrounding area is a very dirt track. However, you also have the “advantage” of seeing everything greener now.
Entrance cost: Included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (you must take it to enter or buy it directly there).
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Plaza de Armas
With benches, small grassy gardens, and splendid views, the beautiful colonial Plaza de Armas of Cusco invites you to take a stroll and spend some time here.
According to legend, this is the center of the Inca Empire, Tawantinsuyo (the four corners of the earth). Today, you will find the epicenter of tourism in the city.
It is worth taking a moment to admire its beautiful portals, which are all around. I recommend seeing it at all hours, just before sunset. The light gives it an excellent way, creating one of the iconic views of Cusco.
Church of the Company of Jesus
The Jesuits built the church in the 17th century, intending it to be the most splendid church in Cusco. The rivalry and the “beauty contest” were so rude that even the Pope at the time had to intervene.
Today, you will find a beautiful church, the main altar leaves you speechless, and you can climb its towers and have spectacular views of the square. I highly recommend visiting it.
Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena
The Monastery of Santa Catalina was founded in 1601 in Arequipa, but it was soon transferred to Cusco due to several tremors.
It has paintings from the Cusco school, clothing, and various items, but the main thing is to see what life was like for the nuns cloistered here. The place has a bit of a “gloomy” air, thanks to the lighting and the architecture itself, but it is interesting to learn more about this time and theme.
Tourist places of Cusco – Area north of the Plaza de Armas
To the north and behind the Cathedral, west and east respectively (on average for three blocks), is this city section where you will find many shops, restaurants, and fascinating museums.
Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
In this museum, you will find a vast collection of pre-Columbian art items from the 13th to the 16th centuries, the vast majority of which are in the form of ceramics, jewelry, and engravings. The Huari, Nasca, and Inca cultures made the exhibited artifacts.
Inca Museum
As its central jewel, this archaeological museum exhibits a collection of eight Inca mummies and various artifacts, including weapons and ceramics from the same culture.
A visit is highly recommended for those who want to learn more about the unique Inca culture. It is located in an old colonial house from Cusco, giving the visitors a great plus.
Church of San Cristobal
To the west, and heading up the peculiar street called “La Resbalosa” (which, as its name suggests, you must ascend slowly, as it is also quite steep), you will arrive directly at the Church of San Cristóbal.
This simple but beautiful church is an adobe structure with a single nave; inside, you can find several paintings and altarpieces.
Here you will also see the square and the viewpoint of San Cristóbal, where the bell tower is located, and it is well worth climbing (they offer one of the best views of Cusco).
Archbishop’s Palace of Cusco
This building often goes unnoticed by tourists, as it is situated in a corner that is not very visible. However, if you look up, you will come across a beautiful wooden balcony, and it will be difficult not to pay attention to it.
This site serves the Archdiocese of Cusco and has been the residence and office of the Archbishop for many years. You will find a small museum featuring religious art and a series of 17th-century paintings that showcase the Corpus Christi processions, which stand out.
It is worth it if you have the time to go through it here; however, it is best to hire a guide to explain everything in detail.
Stone of the 12 angles
As its name says, this stone has 12 angles (which makes it peculiar). It is a 2-meter stone block from the Inca culture, part of a palace located on Hatun Rumiyoq Street, called the Inca Roca Palace.
The stone is an example of the impressive construction skills that the Incas possessed; it was not uncommon for them to incorporate stones with 12 or more angles into their buildings.
Kusicancha
This was a residential housing area in the original Inca city, built in a grid layout (called a Cancha) with houses facing the central courtyards.
The name means ‘happy enclosure’; unfortunately, the Spanish destroyed many of those original houses during the conquest.
Qorikancha
This place can be translated as a “golden court” since it was adorned with gold-leaf walls, which the Spanish later stole.
The temple housed many divinities, each in its niche, with the main one being the God of the Sun, also known as Inti.
Church and Monastery of La Merced
Rebuilt in the 17th century, this monastery features two sets of beautiful portals and a colonial fountain at its center, as well as several spectacular murals that depict the life of the founder of the Mercedarian order.
Regional Historical Museum
This museum is one of the most visited in Cusco and offers a diverse range of exhibits. From Inca works of art, paintings from the Cusco school, pre-Inca artifacts, Jesuit sculptures, and more.
Museum of Contemporary Art
It is located on the premises of various government offices. You can visit rooms featuring a variety of works, including many contemporary paintings and sculptures.
Church and Convent of San Francisco
The San Francisco Monumental Complex is a true jewel of colonial art in its various expressions; it is imposing, and within its walls, you will find a museum, catacombs, a library, paintings, and many more fascinating objects.
Church of Santa Clara
Austere on the outside, this fantastic 1588 church on the inside wins its prize for the most eccentric. Built in an ancient Inca style, it is an excellent example of the Spanish’s importance in attracting people to the Catholic faith.
Thousands of mirrors adorn the interior of this church; the legend states that they were placed to encourage locals to attend Mass. There is a small museum inside.
Central Market of San Pedro
Probably the most famous market in Cusco is this. Here, you will find a place that is already an attraction in the city, and it is highly recommended that you visit it at least once.
This is the oldest market in the city and is an ideal place to go for breakfast (don’t miss having juice or a smoothie made from local fruits).
Church of St. Peter
Stones from Inca ruins were used to construct this church, which is notable for its ornately engraved pulpit.
It is located near the market of the same name and is worth visiting if you are in the area; it features a magnificent baroque main altar.
Church and Small Square of San Blas
The small square in San Blas has a simple but beautiful church; inside is a jewel of colonial art in America (a pulpit of San Blas carved in cedar ).
It is well worth entering the church to see it. In the square, you can sit down to rest, and around there are several shops and cafes.
You can climb higher to have beautiful city views; the lights give it an extraordinary magic at night.
Hilario Mendivil Museum
This place is the home of one of the most important religious artists of the 20th century in Peru, Hilario Mendivil.
If you are interested in Cusco’s religious art and iconography, it is an excellent stop to learn more about this family and their art.
Admission is free, but voluntary cooperation is appreciated to maintain this place.
Sacsayhuaman
The impressive archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán was begun in the 1440s, during the reign of the Inca Pachacuti. What most attracts attention to this place are its constructions made with enormous stones weighing many tons, which make us wonder how they were placed there.
White Christ
On one side of the Sacsayhuaman is the white structure of the figure of Christ; its open arms represent the Catholic protection over the city.
Q’enko
Q’enko is a small but exciting archaeological zone; its name means “zigzag” due to the channels engraved in this way on the stone, most likely used for rituals or sacrifices.
Pukapukara
Archaeological complex Puka Pukara, archaeologists believe, was a fort; its name means “red stone,” thanks to the fact that the stones take on this color at twilight. Not much is known about this place. However, some sources maintain that it was built during the reign of the Inca Pachacutec.
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