Why would the Incas build terraces shaped like circles sunken into the ground? This is one of the questions that come up when visiting Moray, an interesting Inca archaeological site in the Sacred Valley, near the town of Maras, in the Cusco region. It is formed by large circular depressions with concentric terraces that step down like stairs, and from the edge you can see the complete shape of each one.
Moray is not like most Inca sites you visit in Cusco. Most of them are remembered for their stone walls or for their religious or military purpose. Moray stands out for its shape and for its farming purpose; it is linked to experimentation and cultivation, and that explanation is what has caught the attention of archaeologists and travelers. That is why it is a stop that changes the pace of a tour through the Sacred Valley and that blends well with other nearby places, like the Maras salt mines.
In this guide you will find what is needed to plan the visit: the history of Moray, what its purpose was and what theories exist, how to get there from Cusco, how much the entrance costs, and what tips to keep in mind before going. Is it a place worth visiting when you are short on time? Is it better to go on your own or on a tour? The following sections answer these questions.
What is Moray?
Moray is an Inca archaeological site formed by large circular depressions in the terrain, with terraces or platforms that go down its walls like stairs. It is known as the Inca "agricultural laboratory" because the most widespread hypothesis holds that its inhabitants used it to experiment with crops.
Each depression has concentric terraces, meaning circles that get smaller toward the bottom. Each terrace is held up by stone retaining walls, and the complex has a watering system.
Location of Moray
Moray is located in the Sacred Valley, in the Cusco region, on a high plateau near the town of Maras. It is about 50 kilometers northwest of the city of Cusco. Because of its closeness to the Maras Salt Mines, both places are usually visited on the same trip.
Altitude and depth of Moray
- Altitude: The site is at an average of 3,500 meters above sea level. Because it is on a high plateau, it is one of the highest points of the Sacred Valley, and it is a good idea to keep this in mind if you come from a lower altitude.
- Terrace dimensions: Moray takes advantage of natural depressions in the terrain. The main amphitheater has 12 levels of concentric terraces, and each terrace measures an average of 1.80 meters in height.
- Depth and temperature: It is estimated that the largest depression is about 30 meters deep. That depth, along with the design of the terraces and their orientation to the wind and sun, produces a temperature difference of up to 15 °C between the top and the bottom.
History and function of Moray
Moray is attributed to the Inca culture. The Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco includes it among the sites from the Inka period, and its construction is placed in the expansion period of the Inca Empire, which began in the 15th century under the rule of Pachacutec (approximately 1438–1471).
The archaeological complex covers 31.70 hectares and is made up of three large depressions of roughly circular shape, fitted with concentric terraces.
The agricultural laboratory theory
The most widespread interpretation is that Moray was an agricultural testing center. The idea is supported by the site's design, where each terrace level receives a different combination of temperature, humidity, and sun exposure, and the difference of up to 15 °C between the top and the bottom creates conditions similar to those of different altitudes. Under this hypothesis, the Incas would have tested species and varieties at each level to adapt them to other zones of the empire.
Other interpretations
- Ceremonial function: Some infer that these spaces would have served a ceremonial function before being used to acclimatize crops. In addition, a study indicates that there is no evidence to support agricultural use and proposes that Moray was a place for religious ceremonies.
- Symbolic reading: According to the Ministry of Culture, Moray is associated with tinkuy, the union of two elements. In that conception, Moray represents the feminine and Wañin Marka the masculine.
- Astronomical observation: Some scholars also link the site with astronomical observation. It is a less documented interpretation than the previous ones.
The three sectors of Moray
Moray is not a single depression, but a group of terraces distributed in three groups. All three can be viewed today from the upper trails and viewpoints, and each has its own size, shape, and state of preservation. All three are walked through in a short time, so it helps to know what to look for in each one:
Sector 1: Q'echuyoq (The main sector)
It is the largest, the most photographed, and the one that appears in almost all pictures of Moray. Its terraces form almost perfect circles that descend in a concentric way toward the center. It is the first one seen upon arrival and the one that best lets you appreciate the geometry of the site.
Facts about the site:
- Number of terraces: 12 levels of concentric terraces.
- Total depth: Approximately 100 to 150 meters.
- Maximum diameter: Around 182 meters (600 feet).
- Height of the walls: Each terrace has an average height of between 1.70 and 2.10 meters.
- Width of the terraces: Varies between 6 and 8 meters of arable surface.
- Thermal facts: It is internally divided into subsectors:
- Levels 1 to 4 (Bottom): Humidest, coldest zone with low soil temperature.
- Levels 5 to 8 (Middle): Register average annual temperatures 2 °C to 3 °C higher than the bottom.
- Levels 9 to 12 (Top): Highly exposed to variable radiation depending on the seasons.
Sector 2: K'uychiryoc (The Secondary Concentric Sector)
It is smaller than the first one and its shape is less regular; instead of almost perfect circles, its terraces follow a more oval layout adapted to the terrain. That difference makes it interesting, because it shows that the builders did not apply a single mold, but adjusted the design to each hollow. It usually receives less attention than the first, so it is a good place to stop with more calm.
Facts about the site:
- Number of terraces: 8 levels of terraces.
- Total depth: Approximately 35 to 45 meters.
- Hydraulic structure: It has channels carved in limestone that connected with underground aqueducts fed from the Wañuy Marca hill. Its embedded stairways (sarunas) are arranged diagonally to optimize the passage of farmers.
- Solar behavior: Having less depth, the thermal gradient is less extreme than in Q'echuyoq, but its slope is adapted to capture sunlight at specific afternoon angles.
Sector 3: Simiyoc or Ñustapata (The Rustic Climatization Sector)
It is the smallest group and the least visited. Its terraces are more modest and are better appreciated from the trail that surrounds it. If the main sector impresses with its scale, this one lets you see the group as a system of several depressions and not as a single isolated monument.
Facts about the site:
- Number of terraces: 4 to 6 levels.
- Total depth: Less than 20 meters, being the shallowest hole of the complex.
- Visual morphology: Unlike the perfect symmetry of the other two sectors, its terraces tend to widen toward the south in an irregular geometry similar to an inverted "U".
- State of preservation: It is the sector with more rustic stone walls and a lower level of contemporary reconstruction. Scientifically, it has been determined that the soils of this sector have different sandy compositions, ideal for simulating low valley terrains or plains.
How many sectors are open to the public?
Currently, all three sectors are open to the public for observation, under the conservation measures of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco. They can be seen completely from the upper trails and viewpoints, but walking down to the bottom or walking on the terraces of any of the sectors is strictly prohibited.
The restriction is permanent and seeks to prevent soil erosion, the collapse of Inca irrigation channels, and the wear of historical walls. That is why the best photos are taken from above, and that angle is also the one that best lets you see the circular shape of the group.
How to get to Moray from Cusco
Moray is about 50 km northwest of Cusco, on the Maras plateau, and the trip by vehicle takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic and the starting point. There is no direct transport from the city to the site entrance, so the option depends on how much logistics you want to solve yourself.
On an organized tour
This is the most comfortable way and the one most chosen by travelers. Transportation, the guide, and schedules are already set, and the route is combined with other spots in the area. Options for an organized tour:
- Maras, Moray, and Salt Mines Tour: This is the classic half-day tour. It leaves Cusco in the morning or afternoon, visits Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, and returns to the city in about 5 to 6 hours in total. It is the best option so you don't have to worry about logistics or transportation.
- ATV Tour: If you want a more active experience, there are quad bike tours that combine Moray with rural paths of the plateau and landscapes that conventional routes do not cover. It is usually an experience of about 2 to 3 hours in the area, plus the transfer from Cusco.
On your own
Going on your own is possible and cheaper, but it requires more time and some organization. The two main options are combined public transport and taxi.
- By public transport: There is no direct Cusco–Moray line, so the trip is done in sections.
- Cusco to Chinchero: There are buses and combis that leave from the Av. Grau area, with a trip of about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Chinchero to Moray: From Chinchero you take a taxi or a local colectivo towards Maras and Moray. This section takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
- By taxi: This is the simplest option without a tour. You can hire a taxi from Cusco directly to Moray, with a trip of about 1 hour. The most practical thing is to negotiate a round-trip service with a waiting time, which also allows you to add the Maras Salt Mines on the same trip and works out better priced than two separate taxis.
Moray and the Maras Salt Mines: How to combine them?
Moray and the Maras Salt Mines are a few kilometers from each other, on the same plateau, and share the road from Cusco. That is why almost all travelers visit them on the same trip; they complement each other well, since one shows agricultural engineering and the other a salt production system that is still used today. It is the most common combination and the one that best takes advantage of the transfer.
How is the route set up?
The most usual order is Moray first and Salt Mines after, or vice versa, depending on the operator. If you go on your own, it is best to start with Moray in the morning, when there are fewer visitors, and end at the Salt Mines with the afternoon light. The trip between both points takes about 15 to 20 minutes by vehicle.
Chinchero is on the way there or back, so it integrates with little effort. If you have a full day, you can visit its archaeological site and market before or after Moray and the Salt Mines.
Schedules, tickets, and costs for Moray
Moray is open Monday to Sunday, including holidays, with entry hours from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Since the tour at the site is short, arriving early in the morning gives you better light and fewer people.
How do you enter the complex?: The Cusco Tourist Ticket
Moray does not have a separate entrance, entry is done obligatorily with the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC). Depending on your itinerary, there are two options:
Option 1: Partial Tourist Ticket (Circuit III, Sacred Valley)
It is ideal if you are only going to tour this area. It is valid for 2 days and gives access to 4 archaeological sites: Moray, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Pisac.
| Type of visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign adult | S/ 70 (approx. US$ 19) |
| National adult (Peruvian) | S/ 40 (approx. US$ 11) |
Note: Student discount rates do not apply to partial tickets.
Option 2: General Tourist Ticket (Comprehensive)
It is the most recommended if you will stay more than 3 days in Cusco. It is valid for 10 days and gives access to 16 tourist attractions, among them Sacsayhuaman, the city museums, and the South Valley.
| Type of visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign adult | S/ 130 (approx. US$ 35) |
| National adult (Peruvian) | S/ 70 (approx. US$ 19) |
| Foreign student and children from 10 to 17 years old | S/ 70 |
| National student and national children from 10 to 17 years old | S/ 40 |
| Children under 10 years old | Free |
Where and how to buy the ticket?
The Tourist Ticket is not sold online. Purchases must be made in person and in cash, using Peruvian soles. You can buy it:
- At the Moray entrance booth, upon arrival.
- In advance at the COSITUC central office, at Av. El Sol 103, Cusco.
Best time and hour to visit
Moray can be visited all year round, but the experience changes quite a bit depending on the season. Since the site is visited outdoors and from viewpoints, the weather matters more than in other places in the Sacred Valley.
- Dry season (from May to October): This is the best time to go. Days are sunny, the sky is usually clear, and the terraces look sharp, which helps with photos and trails. The flip side is that it is also high season, with more visitors, especially between June and August. Mornings and nights are cold, although during the day the sun warms up strongly.
- Rainy season (from November to April): There is more cloud cover and rain, which is mostly concentrated between December and March. In exchange, the landscape looks greener and there are fewer people. Trails can get slippery and clouds sometimes block the view, but it usually rains more in the afternoon than in the morning. If you travel during this time, it is a good idea to go early and bring a raincoat.
To know more details about the temperatures and rains of each month, check our guide on the weather in Cusco.
Tips for visiting Moray
- Altitude and acclimatization
Moray is over 3,500 meters above sea level, an altitude similar to that of Cusco. If you just arrived, it is better not to include it on your first day. Spend one or two days getting used to the altitude beforehand, walk slowly, drink water often, and avoid alcohol and heavy meals. If you want to plan it well, check our guide. - Sunscreen
At this height, sun radiation is very strong, even with clouds or on cool days. Bring high-factor sunscreen, a hat or cap, and sunglasses. Since the site is open and has almost no shade, exposure is long. - Footwear
Wear sneakers or boots with good soles and grip. The trails are made of dirt and stone, and can be slippery if it has rained. Technical footwear is not needed, but avoid sandals or flat shoes. - Dressing in layers
The weather changes fast in the high plateau, it can be cold at dawn, hot at noon, and cold again in the afternoon. The most practical thing is to bring several layers: a light base, a fleece or sweater, and a windbreaker or waterproof jacket. In the rainy season, add a poncho or umbrella. - Other useful tips
- Bring water and a snack, since the options inside the site are limited.
- Bring cash in soles for the ticket and small purchases.
- Take your time calmly, at this altitude, climbing slopes or stairs tires you more than normal.
Frequently asked questions
- How much time is needed to visit Moray?
The walk inside the site is short; with 45 minutes to 1 hour, you can see all three sectors from the viewpoints and take photos calmly. If you go on a half-day tour with the Maras Salt Mines, count on 5 to 6 hours in total from Cusco. If you add Chinchero, plan a full day. - Can you enter the terraces?
No. All three sectors can be seen completely from the upper trails and viewpoints, but walking down to the bottom or stepping on the agricultural terraces is completely forbidden. The restriction is permanent and aims to prevent soil erosion, the collapse of the Inca irrigation canals, and the wear of the historic walls. - Is Moray included in the Tourist Ticket?
Yes, and in fact it is the only way to enter: Moray does not have a separate ticket, but is entered with the Cusco Tourist Ticket. It is included in both the Circuit III Partial Ticket (Sacred Valley), valid for 2 days, and the General Ticket, valid for 10 days. You can buy it at the Moray entrance booth or at the COSITUC office in Cusco, always in person and in cash (soles). - Can you go to Moray and Machu Picchu on the same day?
In practice, it is not recommended. Machu Picchu requires a full day due to the train ride from Ollantaytambo or Cusco, and Moray is in the opposite direction, in the Maras high plateau. Trying to combine both would mean waking up early, tight schedules, and little time to enjoy each site. The most practical thing is to dedicate one day to Moray and the Salt Mines and another to Machu Picchu. If you are going on to Machu Picchu, a good option is to visit Moray on your trip through the Sacred Valley before sleeping in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes. - Is it suitable for families and older adults?
In general, yes. The tour is short, with dirt trails and no hard climbs, and children under 10 enter for free with the General Ticket. What weighs most is the altitude (over 3,500 meters above sea level), so it is best to acclimatize first, walk slowly, and bring water, sunscreen, and warm clothes. For older adults or people with mobility issues, the most comfortable thing is to go on a tour or private taxi, since the main viewpoints are close to the entrance and the tour requires little physical effort.
