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Biking Maras – Moray – Salineras 1 day

 

ITINERARY

Maras-Moray-Saltmines-Cusco

DETAILED ITINERARY:

This beautiful bicycle tour will allow you to discover the high part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This tour combines magnificent views of the Sacred Valley and overlooking the snow mountains, the discovery of archaeological sites and the freedom that comes with the practice of mountain biking on small roads, having a view of the traditional agricultural life.

Maras: Maras is a district of the Urubamba province, possible to be reached by a paved road, starts at kilometer 50 on the road Cusco – Chinchero – Urubamba. It is located towards the west of Cusco at an altitude of 3300 mts. (10824 feet), on a plain that in prehistoric times was a huge plateau, from which it is possible to observe the range of mountains of Urubamba including the snow capped mountains of Weqey Willka (today “La Veronica”, 5682 mts., 18641 ft.) and ” Chikon” (5530 mts., 18143 ft.).

Moray: About 7 kms. (4.3 miles) southwest of Maras. Moray is a very unique archaeological site in the region. It is possible to reach it by car over a dusty road/path departing from the town. There are enormous natural depressions or hollows in the ground surface, that the Incas used for constructing irrigated farming terraces inside. What is surprising is, that the difference of the average annual temperature between the top and the bottom, that is about 30 mts (100 feet) deep, reaches about 15°C (59°F). Towards the northwest of the Maras village are the famous “Salt Mines”. The Maras “salt mines” are constitute by about 3000 small pools with an average area of 5 m² (53.8 ft²), constructed in a slope of the “Qaqawiñay” mountain. People fill up or “irrigate” the pools during the dry season every 3 days, with salty water emanating from a natural spring located on the top of the complex, so that when water evaporates the salt, that contained in it will slowly solidify.

Biking-Route:

We leave Cusco by bus at 9:00 a.m., with the direction to Chinchero (30 minutes to get here), a small village that retains the layout of the streets of the Inca edge and also several buildings dating from this time. From here we go by bike in the direction of the Lake Huaypo, before discovering the agricultural site of Moray, the Maras colonial village and then the salt mines of Maras, where we will see the process of salt recollection and precious mineral during the Inca edge and at the colonial period. Later we will complete our circuit by a beautiful descent to the village of Urubamba at the bottom of the Valley of the sacred river Vilcanota. Finally we find our car that will bring us back to Cusco at 5:00 pm.

This easy excursion of about 35 km bicycle, in small paths without difficulties, will leave you an unforgettable memory!

INCLUDED / NOT INCLUDED

INCLUDED / NOT INCLUDED:

Included:

  • English speaking guide for the archaeological sites.
  • Gloves, helmet, bike, lunch box, round trip transportation.

Not Included:

  • The entrance  ticket for the archaeological sites Moray  70 soles
  • The entrance for Salt mines 10 soles
  • Tips

WHAT TO BRING

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Small backpack and tennis shoes
  • Raincoat or poncho (December to April)
  • Complete change of clothes
  • Water bottle and sunglasses
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • In order to protect hat or cap you from the sun
  • Sunscreen (sunscreen)
  • Insect repellent and extra money (Soles)
  • Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc.
  • Camera and extra batteries

RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDATIONS:

PRICE REDUCTION: 
Groups of more than 5 people have a discount, Students with a valid international student card and Children under 17 years old.  You must show their identity card or passport at time of booking

NOTE: 
The rainy season lasts from December to March. On some days the sky is still blue and  allows a nice bike ride.
The after rainy season  lasts from April to June. The mountains are completely covered with snow and the landscape presents itself in fresh green for beautiful photos.
From July to November the weather is mostly sunny.

Normal, physical condition and summer clothes. Biker require a minimum acclimatization over 3000 meters. One day before the tour all participants will meet with the mountain bike guide in our office or at the hotel. He will give an introduction to the tour and you can check the quality of the bikes and equipment, that we will use on the tour.