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Exploring Moray Ruins in Peru

Moray Ruins in Cusco Perú Travel Guide

Learn more about this magnificent Inca ruins before you visit it.

Overview

Explore Moray ruins, the enigmatic Inca site located in the beautiful Sacred Valley. Learn all about its history, the best time to visit, what to see, what to do and how to visit it while on your way to Machu Picchu.

The archaeological complexes of Moray lie approximately 45km (28 miles) north-west of Cusco and about 6km (4 miles) west of the village of Maras.

The site is most famous for its three circular terrace groups. Each of these terraces has 12 levels, and the largest depression has a spectacular 183 m diameter.

Maras town

The ruins of Moray are located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, 40 kilometers north of Cusco.

The town of Maras is the town you will arrive to in order to visit the ruins of Moray. Maras village still preserves a large part of the colonial structures that can still be appreciated to this day.

History of Moray

The archaeological complex remains that we see today were created by the Incas possibly between the 12th and 14th centuries and were most likely used to cultivate different crops.

The complex was used by the local communities back in Inca times for farming.

The ruins were discovered in 1932 during the expedition led by Shirppe Johnson. The archaeological site of Moray is organized around three sets of terraces made up of several levels of concentric circles, reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman amphitheaters.

How did the Moray terraces work?

There are some theories about the mind-boggling ruins of Moray here are some of the most relevant for tourists:

  • Agricultural investigation
  • Inca Ceremonial Center
  • Landing place for aliens

The ringed Incan ruins known as Moray have long been a mystery however what makes the ruins of Moray different from other Inca sites is that it is believed to have been used to test crops in a variety of microclimates, although for many it would not have been a center for agricultural research but a ceremonial place for worship and sacrifice.

However, some studies have shown that many of the terraces contain soil that must have been imported from other parts of the region.

Archaeologists believe that the 12 terraces generated microclimates, thanks to the temperature difference at each level, a difference of almost 5 °C was observed between the innermost and outermost terraces.

Climate in Moray

This hidden archaeological site is located on a high-altitude plateau northwest of Cusco, at an altitude of 3,500 m above sea level. Surrounding this amazing Inca site are green agricultural fields and snow-capped peaks in the distance.

What is the weather like in Moray?

Daytime temperatures are warmer and range from 18-21C (65-70 F) on average.  Average nighttime temperatures range from 30-50 F (1-8 C).

Best Time to Visit Moray ruins

The best time during the year is the dry season (April to October).

Getting to Moray

We will explain the most convenient options.

Go on your own to Maras Moray:

If you are going on your own, consider that this will take a little more time since the cheapest way to get to Moray is by the public transportation from Cusco which makes some stops on the way before dropping you off at the town of Maras.

We do not recommend this option as visiting the stunning Inca ruins of Moray on your own could take up to 1 full day.

Go with a travel agency to Moray:

Booking a tour with an agency is the most comfortable, safe and above all fast option to visit Moray.

Check out our Sacred Valley tours and book it now!

What did the Incas grow?

Tubers and potatoes, quinoa and corn were the main products of the agricultural scene in the Andes.

Things to Do in Moray

During the dry season is the best time for outdoor activities such as Mountain biking & ATV tours, Horseback riding.

Here are some of the different ways to visit Moray:

ATV Tour to Moray

Explore the salt mines of Maras and the Inca archaeological site of Moray by Quad and have a fun time with the ATVs and Moray tour. Marvel at the beautiful views that the Sacred Valley offers. Before starting the ATV tour you will be given a briefing with all the indications and also you will be taught how to operate the ATVs. Learn more about this tour in the following link…

Click here to see more about the tour……

Horseback Riding to Maras

Relax and enjoy an intimate wilderness experience on a horseback excursion to Moray with local guides. Learn more about our horseback riding tour to Moray here

Moray by helicopter

Fly over some of the most beautiful places in the Sacred Valley in a helicopter and enjoy a more extensive and unique view with a local guide who will show you the magic of this site.

Moray half day tour

Witness the spectacular Moray on a fascinating half-day excursion from Cusco by car with a local guide at your side.

Tour the historic Urubamba Valley on an unparalleled half-day excursion from Cusco and pass the snow-capped peaks of the Peruvian Andes along the way.

Do you want to book this tour? click on the link below: Maras Moray tour from Cusco

Paragliding

If you like a little thrill and want to experience adrenaline on your visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then you have to go paragliding in the Sacred Valley. Get the panoramic view of the sacred valley and Moray ruins with experts.

Zip-Lining in Maras

Feel the adrenaline as you fly down the longest zip line in Maras.
Fly over Maras’s magnificent landscape, and get a unique view of the Sacred Valley in this adrenaline-filled experience!

Faqs

Is Visiting Moray Worth it?

Definitely yes! The ruins of Moray are undoubtedly one of the best wonders built by the Incas more than 500 years ago, if you are on your way to Machu Picchu or are planning to take a tour to the Sacred Valley add to your tour the visit to Moray in any case you will not regret it.

What would you find at the Incan ruin of Moray?

The archaeological site of Moray consists mainly of several circular terraced depressions, the largest of which is approximately 30 m deep. Like many other Inca sites, it also has an irrigation system and a drainage system.

What was Moray used for?

Although Moray is often confused with an aphiteater, Moray based on studies done by archaeologists would have been a laboratory for agricultural research and experimentation.

Who built Moray Peru?

Moray was built 600 years ago by the Incas, although it is believed that earlier civilizations over 1000 years ago initiated its construction.

What made it possible to grow such different crops on the terraces?

Moray allowed the Incas to successfully cultivate different crops mainly because of the soil, the shape of the terraces which are oriented to the direction of the sun.

What made the terraces so important?

The terraces were built to make the most efficient use of the soil to allow crops to adapt to different altitudes. The Inca developed a system of canals, aqueducts to direct water through the dry land and increase fertility and growth levels.

Is Moray in the Sacred Valley?

Moray is located in a remote area in the Sacred Valley. In the district of Maras in Urubamba province.

Peru Spirit Adventure is a professionally-licensed tour operator and adventure travel company based in Cusco, Peru, in the Ancient Capital of the Inca Empire! That offers personalized, unique tours of Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Laguna Humantay and multiple day tours all over Cusco City and the surrounding, depending on your time.

cusco cathedral

Weather

Cusco Weather has two well-defined seasons during the year. These are distinguished in Rain and Drought. The climate of Cusco is usually dry and temperate.

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cusco cathedral
Cusco

Weather

Cusco Weather has two well-defined seasons during the year. These are distinguished in Rain and Drought. The climate of Cusco is usually dry and temperate.

Read More »
17/08/2022 No Comments

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Terms & Conditions

Thank you for booking and/or traveling on a Peru Spirit Adventure tour with Peru Spirit Adventure. We are 100% local Cusqueñan company and legally recognized by Peruvian law. These Terms and Conditions apply to any travel products and/or services purchased from Peru Spirit Adventure. A contract is entered into once PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE receives your booking form and deposit, and we accept and confirm the booking. Please note that travel arrangements are not confirmed until stated so in writing by PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE. All Peru Spirit Adventure based treks and tours are operated by Peru Spirit Adventure.

BOOKING & PAYMENT

To reserve any of our tours and treks services, the customer must submit his or her personal information and a deposit. The personal information we require is the following: Full name (as appears on passport), Date of Birth, Nationality, Gender, and Passport number.

  • A picture of their passport photo page. A camera phone picture or similar is acceptable.

Once the customer confirms their reservation, we will send an email within 24 hours with a confirmation of their tour or trek and the deposit amount and also, details of the services included and not included in the service price. Once we send this information to the customer, if we do not receive any response from the customer it will be assumed by the company that the customer has accepted all terms and conditions. We provide a full pre-tour briefing at your hotel in Cusco. This gives the customer the chance to ask any questions they may have about the tour or trek itinerary.— ABOUT THE BRIEFING: The night before your tour or trek, there will be a pre-tour talk (briefing) at your hotel in Cusco at either 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm. (exact time will be confirmed by email). Once you receive your briefing time, if we do not hear back we will assume it is confirmed by you. Please take this into consideration when booking your travel plans to Cusco, ensuring you arrive in time for the briefing. If your tour or trek begins on a Monday then the briefing will be scheduled for the Saturday before.

  • Please note that it is difficult to change the briefing time and date at short notice. Therefore, if we receive a request for a briefing change less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled briefing, we most likely will not be able to change the briefing time or date. We will, however, do everything we can to change to try and accommodate the schedule change.

DEPOSITS:

We use PayPal for sending deposits, that way you can use your credit card. There is a 6% fee for deposits using PayPal (for the international transfer). We also use Western Union for sending deposits, Deposits through Western Union have variable fees. The deposit amount depends on the type of itinerary you will book, as follows;

  • For all trek and multi-day tours, we require a deposit of $250 USD per person — Deposits for tours and treks are non-refundable and non-transferable to another individual. There are no exceptions.
  • For the Rainbow Mountain tours & hikes we require a deposit of $100 USD per person — Deposits for tours and treks are non-refundable and non-transferable to another individual. There are no exceptions.
  • For the Humantay Lake Day Trip, we require a deposit of $100 USD per person — Deposits for tours and treks are non-refundable and non-transferable to another individual. There are no exceptions.
  • For the Sacred Valley Tours & Trips, we require a deposit of $100 USD (for the group) — Deposits for tours and treks are non-refundable and non-transferable to another individual. There are no exceptions.
  • For the Cusco Half Day Tours, we require a deposit of $50 USD (for the group) — Deposits for tours and treks are non-refundable and non-transferable to another individual. There are no exceptions.
  • For large groups, we accept wire transfer for deposits and final balances due. If you would like more information about the wire transfer option, please email us at peruspiritadventure@gmail.com

FINAL PAYMENTS: We accept cash and PayPal for final payments. A client may not depart for the tour or trek until payment in full is received, either in cash or by PayPal.

  • Cash payments are due the day before tour or trek departure and can be paid at the pre-tour or trek briefing. We accept US dollars and Peruvian soles for cash payments. If you will pay in US dollars. Take note. The Peruvian banks are extremely strict about the “quality” of dollars they will accept. Therefore, we have to request that your bills are what they call “unbroken”. Broken bills will not be accepted. Broken means — any tear (even as small as 3 mm) or excessive wrinkling
  • PayPal payments are due one week before the tour or trek departure. a) There is an 8% fee on balance due payments using PayPal. b) If the balance via PayPal is not paid by 3 days prior to trek departure, the PayPal fee will be 10%. Our PayPal email is: info@peruspiritadventure.com
  • All banking fees will be covered by the client

CANCELLATION POLICY FOR TOURS & TREKS:

Notification

  • Notification of cancellation must always be made in writing by the person that made the booking and paid the deposit to peruspiritadventure@gmail.com.

Deposits

  • Your deposit for the tours and treks are 100% non-refundable. If you need to cancel for any reason, as you approach your tour start date, there may be additional cost due. There are no exceptions due to the fact, that PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE expends a great deal of expense purchasing permits, entrance tickets, and making deposits for reservations or services, most of which are non-changeable, non-transferable, and non-refundable by government regulation. We also do not accept medical notes of any kind, as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.

CANCELLATION FEES

  • Cancellations made 30 days in advance have no charge (with the exception of the non-refundable deposit) with the following exception:
  • Inca Trail treks
  • In the case of cancellation, the customer will not receive a refund of their deposit
  • If the customer cancels between 30 and 10 days before their trek, they must pay 50% of the total trip cost.
  • If the customer cancels between 10 and 3 days before their trek, they must pay 80% of the total cost.
  • If the customer cancels 2 days or less before their trek, they must pay 100% of the total cost.
  • In the exceptional case that a customer decides to leave once they have started the trek, no refund will be given. The customer must also pay any additional expenses they incur such as food, lodging, and transportation. On the last day, the customer will be able to rejoin the group and participate in the Machu Picchu tour.
  • If after the tour has started a client cannot participate in the trek or tour (due to sickness, physical problems, etc.) no refund will be given. The customer must also pay any additional costs they incur for transportation, lodging, and food. On the last day, the tourist will be able to rejoin the group and participate in the Machu Picchu tour.
  • In the case of natural disaster that prevents a service being completed, the customer will receive a 50% refund.
  • In the case of a natural disaster that requires a change in the trek route, but the trek is still completed, there will be no refund.
  • In the very unlikely circumstance that your service is not completed due to a fault of Peru Spirit Adventure, you will receive a full refund (including your deposit).

INCA TRAIL TOURS

  • PERMITS: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Peru Spirit Adventure (or any agency).
  • In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Peru Spirit Adventure will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
  • Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.

CHANGES MADE BY CLIENT

  • Please note that for the Inca Trail, permits are not-changeable, not-transferable, and not-refundable. Dates can never be changed by government policy.

With the exception of the Inca Trail treks, we are generally able to change a trek date.

  • To change the date of your non-Inca Trail trek, there is a fee of US $75 per person if the change occurs more than 30 days prior to trek departure.
  • If the change occurs 21 to 30 days prior to trek departure, the fee is US $100 per person.
  • If the change occurs 10 to 20 days before trek departure, the fee is US $150 per person.
  • Changes less than 10 days prior to trek departure will have varying fees, which can be discussed at the time the change is being made.
  • Changes made must be to another group trek for a minimum of 2 individuals. If a single traveler needs to change dates, and there is not an existing option for that date, the change will not be possible.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

  • We highly recommend travel insurance for all of our customers.
  • Coverage should include baggage loss, accident, emergency air rescue and trip cancellation. Trip cancellation insurance should reimburse you for non-recoverable air or land expenses should you cancel your trip due to personal or family illness, as well as covering any medical or emergency evacuation expenses if you become ill during your trip.
  • In the case of illness or injury on one of our treks or tours, we are trained to provide emergency first aid and arrange transportation to a proper medical facility. However, we are not responsible for the cost of those transportation services or the cost of medical care.

ABOUT YOUR PASSPORT IN MACHU PICCHU, HUAYNA PICCHU AND ON THE INCA TRAIL:

  • Once you book your tour, we send your information immediately to “Machu Picchu Park” in order for permits to be issued as soon as possible.
  • You will need to bring your actual passport for all services. A photocopy will not be accepted.
  • The information we will to Machu Picchu Park includes your full name, passport number, nationality, gender, and age. That information cannot be modified.
    • The only exception is in the case of a changed passport number due to renewal.
      • If your passport number changes between reserving your spot and the start of your trek, you will need to bring your old as well as your new passport to the start of the Trek.
    • If any of the information on your passport does not match the information we were previously provided, you won’t be able to start the trek.
  • If you arrive in Cusco and did not advise us that you have a new passport number, and that your information has changed, Peru Spirit Adventure will not be held responsible. In this situation it will be the responsibility of the customer to pay the extra expense of returning to Cusco or Machu Picchu (transportation, food and other expenses).

TRAVEL IN PERU: Peru Spirit Adventure operates in regions, where standards of accommodation can vary. Transportation and other services might not be like those you would normally have back home. However, we strive with all due care and skill, to provide the best service for our clients. Traveling in Peru requires flexibility, patience, broad-mindedness, good humor and an understanding that changes may be made without notice due to circumstances or occurrences beyond our control. For example: a strike, protest, landslide, bad weather, etc. (Force Majeure). By booking any of our tours & treks, you agree to allow Peru Spirit Adventure to make necessary changes without liability.

FORCE MAJEURE

Force Majeure is any event that PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE cannot with all due care foresee, control or avoid. This covers events such as war or threat of war, riot, civil strike, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, fire or all similar events beyond our control. In this case, PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE will not accept liability and reserves the right to change, postpone or even cancel trips. (This is a last option, of course!)

RISKS

By booking any of our adventure trips (Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Lares, Salkantay, Ausangate, Choquequirao, Rainbow Mountain trek and more) you assume the risks associated with personal accidents, medical emergencies, air travel problems etc. For these treks, PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE Agency accepts no responsibility.

FULL TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR ADVENTURE TOURS & TREKS

  • You must advise Peru Spirit Adventure of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
  • You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
  • All balances need to be paid in either cash or PayPal (see “FINAL PAYMENTS” section above).
  • In order to receive a student discount, you must send your valid University ID to Peru Spirit Adventure at the time of booking. ID must have your name, photo and valid expiration date. Any card without an expiration date will not be accepted. You will then be required to bring your student card with you on the trek – they will not allow you to pass through the checkpoint without this original card.
  • You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
  • Cancellations: Your deposit is 100% non-refundable. If you need to cancel for any reason, as you approach your tour start date, there may be additional cost due. There are absolutely no exceptions (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us (see “CANCELLATION FEES” section above).
  • PERMITS: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE (or any agency).
  • All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
  • If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter airlifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment.
  • PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Peru Spirit Adventure cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
  • PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
  • In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Peru Spirit Adventure will replace your trek with an alternative trek.

VERY IMPORTANT:

  • We strongly suggest spending time at high altitude (above 3000 meters / 9842 feet)- in Cusco or another high altitude area for a minimum of 2- 4 days before undertaking your trip. This is in order to minimize the possible effects of altitude sickness. By drinking plenty of fluids, adding sugar to your drinks, eating food high in carbohydrates, avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and drinking coca tea (ancient traditional leaf) will help your body acclimatize.
  • We recommend you arrive in Cusco 48 hours or more before trek departure because occasionally we need to leave earlier than scheduled in case of strikes or other events out of our control (see ‘Force Majeure’ section below)

RIGHT TO USE PICTURES

You accept and grant to Peru Spirit Adventure – Tour Operator the right to use your images, photos, and videos that show or describe during your participation in any tour, trekking or adventure, in any advertising of any type, without payment of any additional consideration.

Thanks again for choosing us and we look forward to seeing you in Cusco!

Peru Spirit Adventure Team!

Peru Spirit Adventure

Who is Peru Spirit Adventure? We are a small tour operator company owned by a local Peruvian experts with more than 10 years of experience as a guide. Our office is based in Cusco, a city in the Peruvian Andes and is located near the central square, Plaza del Armas. Our team is made up of knowledgeable and passionate tour guides from Cusco and Andes with many years of experience Read more

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