Overview:
The colonial town of Maras is located over a plain from which it is possible to admire the snow capped mountains of La Veronica at 5,682 meters and Chikon at 5,530 meters. Towards the northwest of the town, at a walking distance, are located the famous Maras salt works to which some people call salt mines. These are constituted by 3,000 small ponds roughly 5 square meters in size, constructed in a slope of the Qaqawiñay mountain. At 7 kilometers southwest from Maras the unique archeological site of Moray is located. It is famous for its sunken amphitheater, which appear to disappear into the earth like an artificial crater. The site was apparently an Inca agricultural research station designed for experimenting with crops at various altitudes and temperatures, creating the conditions or micro climates that in modern times people create in greenhouses.
Itinerary:
In the morning or after lunch (two daily departures options are available), after an hour’s drive, you will enjoy a half day excursion to the colonial town of Maras, its salt mines, and The Archeological Site of Moray. During a quick visit to the town of Maras, you will have the opportunity to admire the exterior of the town’s colonial church made with sun dried mud bricks. The excursion will continue by visiting the age-old salt mines. The salt mines ponds are fill every three days, during the dry season, with the salt water that comes from natural springs. When the water evaporates the salt is left for collection and future commercialization. Finally you will visit The Archeological Site of Moray, unique in its kind. It is believed that this site was a center for domestication, acclimatization and hybridization of wild plant species that were adapted for human consumption. In many ways it was an Incan experimental biology station and greenhouse. After the excursion, return transfer to your hotel.
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| Salineras de Maras /
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| Moray /
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