Located in the Sacred Valley, the Moray Ruins are a intriguing collection of circular terraces, west of the town of Maras.
A captivating spectacle awaits the visitors from Cusco where they will discover circular depressions, the largest being aprroximately 30 meters in diameter.
The exact purpose of Moray remains a mystery and remains an ongoing investigation, like many other Inca ruins. Each terrace has distinct microclimates, this results in temperature variations of up to 15 degrees from the top of the terraces till the bottom.
Soil samples taken from the site show that different soils found from the surrounding area were placed on different levels. This scientists believe that Moray served as an experimental site for studying the effects of various soils, climates and for crop growing conditions. Other theories suggest that Moray also may have been an abandoned mine, they also believe that the Inca reinforced the walls to prevent erosion.
Moray is an ideal destination for exploring on a day trip from Cusco, regardless of its original purpose the ruins offer a great insight into Inca life in the valley hundreds of years ago.
Independent Visit to Moray Ruins
Located around 50 kilometers northwest of Cusco are the Moray ruins. Not far from Moray are the Maras Salt Ponds, take a taxi from Cusco and you can visit both sites. The estimated cost for the taxi for the half day will be around $40. Ensure that the drive knows that he will have to wait for you at each site.
Guided Tour to Moray Ruins
A pre organized tour from Cusco to the Moray Ruins and the Maras Salt mines, is a great way to provide a full experience to get the most out of your time. These tours generally last around 4 to 5 hours and pick up time will be around 8am. This gives you all afternoon to explore Cusco city.
Also Inca Trail Hikes Peru offer the day tour to the Sacred Valley tour with Moray and the Salt mines included!
What Did the Incas farm?
Potatoes and tubers, quinoa, and corn were big players in the agricultural scene in the Andes and likely to have played a large role at Moray, if experimentation was indeed its purpose. Another theory suggests that corn was the key crop experimented on at Moray due to its significance in religious ceremonies.
Geography
Moray is located on a high plateau northwest of Cusco at an elevation of 11,500ft (3,500 m) above sea level. Surrounding this mind-boggling site are green checked-like patches of agricultural fields and snowcapped peaks off in the distance.
Weather
The highland region where Moray resides experiences fairly constant temperatures throughout the year. Snowfall is not common. Temperatures during the day are warmer and average between 65-70 F (18-21C). Average night temperatures range between 30-50 F (1-8 C).
Tips to help you acclimate better:
- Some travelers may consider spending their first couple nights at a hotel in the Sacred Valley instead of Cusco. The elevation of the Sacred Valley is lower, making the adjustment to the altitude less extreme.
- Take it easy the first few days at altitude. It’s best to wait at least 48 hours before taking on activities like mountain biking through Maras and Moray.
- Drink a lot of water and eat light meals. A local remedy to ease the effects of altitude is to sip on coca tea.
- Diamox is a prescription drug from the US and works well for altitude sickness. Over-the-counter remedies, such as Sorochi, can be purchased at a pharmacy in Peru.
