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Maras - Moray
Moray
Salineras Maras.
About 6km farther down the valley from Urubamba is the village of Tarabamba. Cross the Rio Urubamba here by foot bridge, turn right and follow a footpath along the south bank of the river to a small cemetery, where you turn left and climb roughly southward up valley to the salt pants of Salinas, It’s about a 3km uphill hike. Hundreds of salt pants have been used for salt extraction since Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce a salt that is used for cattle licks.
The local salt extracting cooperative charges about US$! For entry to this rarely visited and incredible site. However, there is almost never anyone to collect the money if you enter from the path climbing up from the river.
A rough dirt road enters Salinas from above (giving spectacular views), and tour groups visit via this route most days.
Moray.
The experimental agricultural terraces of Moray are fascinating. Different levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, part of which was further excavated by the Incas. The terraces supposedly have varied microclimates, depending on how deep into the bowl they are, and so they were thought to have been used by the Incas to discover the optimal conditions for their crops. There are two large bowls and one small bowl, each ringed by terraces. Some restoration work began in 1994 and a small on site museum is planned.
This site is challenging to reach. First catch a bus or get a ride up the steep road from Urubamba, across the river toward Chincheros. Ask the driver to drop you at the road to Maras. From here, take a trail about 3km to the village of Maras then follow the trail another 7km to Maras. Ask locals for directions. Taxis and pickups are sometimes available, but not always, so be prepared to walk. The only facilities in Maras are very basic stores, so you should be self sufficient.
It is possible to drive to Moray. The road is extremely rough and lasts about 13km from the paved Urubamba Chinchero highway. You need high clearance and a driver who knows the route not many do.
From Moray you can continue on to Salinas, about 6km away, and on down to Urubamba. This would be a long but satisfying day. There are usually workers in Moray who can point out the trail.
Tours in Maras - Moray
Tours doesn't exist
