Maras - Discovering Peru

Travelling to Maras

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Maras, a pretty good destination in Peru (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Maras and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Maras, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Peru, here's everything to know about Maras for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Maras

Maras is a small town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in Peru. It is famous for its salt mines that date back to pre-Inca times, and where salt is still produced using traditional methods. The town has a colonial-style church and plaza, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Maras is also a popular base to explore nearby attractions, such as the Moray archaeological site and the Andean community of Misminay.

What to visit in Maras

Maras is a beautiful town in the Sacred Valley of Peru. It is known for its salt mines and traditional Andean culture. Here are the top tourist attractions in Maras along with some information about each: 1. Salineras de Maras - The Salt Mines of Maras date back to pre-Inca times. They are a series of terraced pools that are used to extract salt from the underground springwater. With over 3,000 pools, this is a unique and stunning sight to see.
2. Moray Archaeological Site - This Inca site features circular terraces that were used for agricultural experimentation. The temperature and humidity levels vary on each terrace, making it possible for the Incas to grow a wide variety of crops.
3. Chinchero - This nearby town is home to important Inca ruins and a colonial church built on top of an Inca palace. It is also known for its colorful textiles and traditional weaving.
4. Maras Centro Historico - The historic center of Maras is home to many beautiful colonial buildings and a picturesque main plaza. The streets are lined with colorful flowers and traditional vendors selling food and textiles.
5. Queso y Vino Maras - This local cheese and wine producer offers tours of their facility where you can learn about the cheese-making process and sample some of their delicious artisanal products.
Maras is a unique and beautiful destination in Peru with plenty to see and do.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Peru, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Maras

The best time to go on a holiday to Maras, Peru is during the dry season which runs from April to November. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it perfect for exploring the area and sightseeing.
The months of July and August tend to be the busiest as this is the height of the tourist season, so it is recommended to book accommodations and tours in advance if planning to visit during this time. It is important to note that temperatures can drop significantly during the evening, so it is a good idea to pack warm layers.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Maras

Here are the possible ways to get to Maras, Peru: 1. By Bus - From Cusco, you can take a bus going to Urubamba, which is the nearest town to Maras. From Urubamba, you can then take a local taxi or public transport to reach Maras.
2. By Private Car or Taxi - You can hire a private car or taxi from Cusco directly to Maras. This could be more convenient but may come at a higher cost.
3. By Tour - You can also book a tour from Cusco that includes a visit to Maras along with other nearby attractions such as Moray or Salinas. These tours typically include transportation and a guided tour.
Whether you choose to take a bus, hire a private car or taxi, or book a tour, be sure to check the schedules and fares ahead of time, and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Maras, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Maras

Maras is a small town located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, famous for its impressive salt flats and for its delicious food. Here are some typical foods of Maras with a short description for each of them: 1. Chicharrón: Chicharrón is a popular dish in Peru, and the version from Maras is particularly tasty. It is made by deep-frying pork belly in its own fat until it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
2. Guinean pig: Guinean pig, or cuy as it is known in Peru, is a traditional dish that is commonly consumed in Maras and throughout many regions of the country. It is usually roasted or grilled and served with potatoes, corn, and a spicy sauce.
3. Adobo: Adobo is a spicy stew made with pork meat, garlic, peppers, and other spices. It is slow-cooked for hours until the meat is tender and the flavors have combined.
4. Picante de Cuy: This is a spicy stew made with guinea pig, potatoes, and peanuts. It is seasoned with a variety of spices and chili peppers and served with rice.
5. Trout: Maras is also known for its fresh trout, which is usually grilled or fried and served with a variety of sides such as potatoes, rice, and vegetables.
6. Chicha Morada: This is a refreshing drink made with purple corn, pineapple, and spices. It is sweetened with sugar and served cold.
7. Empanadas: Maras is also famous for its empanadas, which are typically filled with cheese or meat and fried until crispy on the outside.
Overall, Maras offers a delicious blend of traditional Peruvian cuisine with unique local flavors that are definitely worth trying!
You can find general info about typical foods in Peru here.

Is Maras an expensive destination for tourists?

Maras, Peru is not a particularly expensive destination for tourists. Prices for accommodation and food are generally reasonable, and there are many budget-friendly options available. However, the cost of visiting certain attractions, such as the salt mines, may be considered a bit pricey for some travelers. Overall, Maras is a fairly affordable destination compared to other tourist spots in Peru.

Where to find accomodation in Maras

Maras is a small town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru. The best areas to find accommodation in Maras are: 1. Urubamba - Located about 20 minutes away from Maras, Urubamba is a popular place for tourists to stay as it has many hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. It also has a variety of restaurants and shops.
2. Cusco - Although Cusco is about an hour and a half away from Maras, it is a popular place to stay for those who want to visit multiple attractions in the Sacred Valley. Cusco has a wide range of accommodation options and is a hub for transportation.
3. Ollantaytambo - Located about 40 minutes from Maras, Ollantaytambo is a charming town with Inca ruins and colonial architecture. It has a few hotels and guesthouses, and is a good option for those who want a quieter stay. It's important to note that Maras itself doesn't have many accommodation options, so staying in nearby towns like Urubamba, Cusco, and Ollantaytambo is recommended.
You can check hotel prices at Maras here:
Booking.com

Is Maras a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Maras is considered to be a relatively safe place for tourists. However, like any other destination, it is always important to exercise caution and take necessary safety precautions. It is recommended to always be aware of your surroundings, avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and to use registered transportation services. It is also advisable to travel with a local guide who knows the area well and can provide useful tips and information on how to stay safe while exploring Maras.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Peru here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Maras.

What type of travelers will enjoy Maras the most?

Maras, Peru is suitable for all types of travelers - couples, young people looking for fun, and families. Couples will appreciate the romantic atmosphere of the salt mines and the lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Young people looking for fun can explore the nearby adventure activities, such as mountain biking, zip-lining, and hiking in the surrounding landscape.
Families can enjoy a lovely day out visiting the salt mines, which is an educational and interactive experience, especially for kids. There are also some nearby playgrounds and parks where children can play and have fun. In summary, Maras is a destination that offers different activities that appeal to different types of travelers.

How to get around Maras

The most common way to move around Maras is by taxi or a private car. There are also some local buses that run between nearby towns and villages, but they may not be reliable in terms of schedule or frequency. Additionally, hiring a bicycle or a motorcycle can be a great option if you prefer to explore Maras at a slower pace and have more flexibility with your itinerary. Lastly, walking is another option but keep in mind that some of the distances between attractions may be a bit far.

What to see around Maras

Certainly! Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Maras, Peru: 1. Moray - This archaeological site features unique circular terraces that were used by ancient Incas for agricultural experiments. It's only about 6 miles away from Maras.
2. Salinas de Maras - A network of salt pans that have been passed down from generation to generation of local families for hundreds of years. It's located just a few minutes from Maras.
3. Chinchero - A charming town with Incan ruins and a vibrant market that sells textiles and other handicrafts made by local artisans. It's located about 10 miles from Maras.
4. Ollantaytambo - This historic town boasts impressive Inca ruins, including an enormous fortress that served as a defensive structure during the Spanish conquest. It's located about 20 miles from Maras.
5. Pisaq - This archaeological site is known for its impressive terraces, temples, and other structures built by the ancient Incas. It's located about 30 miles from Maras. I hope this helps!
For every travel information about Peru you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel and this page was partly created with the help of AI: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.