Major city · Peru
Maras
Do a half‑day visit to the salt pans and Moray, then stay in Urubamba – go if you have a spare morning.
Maras is a small town in the Sacred Valley, useful mainly as a base for the Salineras salt pans and Moray agricultural ruins. One morning is enough; overnight stay is not possible in town.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PEN
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Jan–Mar (rainy season)
- Airport
- CUZ
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Peru ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Peru's migration authority (Migraciones) or a Peruvian consulate; keep the entry record you receive, as hotels may ask for it.
- Peru ↗Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket for a named circuit, with daily caps; in high season tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. Buy tickets only from the official Ministry of Culture seller or a licensed agency.
- Peru ↗The classic Inca Trail needs a permit booked through a licensed operator, often months ahead; the trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Peru ↗Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on day one, and ask a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Maras105 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Maras, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN, S/).Peru-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel sell prepaid SIMs; register with your passport at official shops.Peru-wide
- Tap waterNot safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.Peru-wide
- TippingRestaurants: About 10% if service is not included.Peru-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Peru-wide
- SafetyMaras is low‑risk; main concerns are altitude (≈3 200 m) and lack of services – carry water, snacks, and a basic first‑aid kit.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin; carry tissue and coins for public toilets.Peru-wide
- Emergency numbers105 police · 116 fire · 106 SAMU ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; strikes can shut roads and shops.Peru-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCUZ Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (Cusco) (Bus or taxi 1 h to Maras).
- Getting aroundBuses between Urubamba and Chinchero stop at the Maras turnoff; taxis from the turnoff to Moray (≈13 km (8.1 mi), 30 min) or to Salineras (≈2 km (1.2 mi) walk).Buses between Urubamba and Chinchero stop at the Maras turnoff; taxis from the turnoff to Moray (≈8.1 mi (13 km), 30 min) or to Salineras (≈1.2 mi (2 km) walk).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi to Moray (one way)negotiateS/3–15
- Metro or bus rideBus to Moray turnoffcheckS/1
- Museum or sight ticketSalineras entrynot covered by tourist ticketS/10
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed in Urubamba, a night, per personPEN 45
A day, not counting the bed: Budget PEN 350 · Mid PEN 550 · High PEN 800
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CUZ Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (Cusco) (Bus or taxi 1 h to Maras)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Feb
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Mar
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Apr
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jul (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Maras: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Feb
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Mar
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Dec
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Buses between Urubamba and Chinchero stop at the Maras turnoff; taxis from the turnoff to Moray (≈13 km, 30 min) or to Salineras (≈2 km walk). Walk or bike if you like.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Salineras salt pans
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Walk 2 km (1.2 mi) from Maras centre along the road; about 30 min each wayWalk 1.2 mi (2 km) from Maras centre along the road; about 30 min each way
Admission S/10; not covered by the tourist ticket.
Moray ruins
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Taxi from Maras turnoff, ≈13 km (8.1 mi), 30 min; bus drop‑off also available for S/1Taxi from Maras turnoff, ≈8.1 mi (13 km), 30 min; bus drop‑off also available for S/1
Taxi ≈S/3–15; bus ≈S/1. Guided bike tours can be booked in Cusco.
Chinchero
cautionDoor to door: ≈30 min
Bus from Maras turnoff continues to Chinchero; about 20 min
Limited services; best as a quick stop.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Urubamba
Closest town with hostels and hotels, 5 km (3.1 mi) north of MarasClosest town with hostels and hotels, 3.1 mi (5 km) north of Maras
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- S/30–45 excl. bed
- Mid
- S/45–70 excl. bed
- High
- S/70+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel dorm bed in Urubamba1 × 1 night × PEN 45 | PEN 45 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × PEN 350 | PEN 350 |
| Taxi Maras → Moray (round trip)1 × PEN 5 · price varies; negotiate | PEN 5 |
| Salineras entry fee1 × PEN 10 · check | PEN 10 |
| Meal (simple lunch)1 × PEN 12 · check | PEN 12 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | PEN 42 |
| Trip total≈ PEN 464 per person per day, bed included | PEN 464 |
2026 estimate in soles; flights and long‑distance transport excluded.
Prices of common things
| Salineras entrynot covered by tourist ticket | S/10 |
| Taxi to Moray (one way)negotiate | S/3–15 |
| Bus to Moray turnoffcheck | S/1 |
| Simple mealcheck | S/10–12 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No restaurants or hotels in Maras – bring food and plan lodging elsewhere.
- Taxi fares can vary; negotiate before boarding.
- Road to Moray is winding; walking back takes about an hour.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 105
- Fire
- 116
- SAMU ambulance
- 106
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MarasMaras
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police105
- Fire116
- SAMU ambulance106
Embassy
US consulate in Cusco (check address); other embassies in Lima.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Urubamba → Maras turnoff: ≈ S/1 per passenger, 10‑15 min (check)
- Taxi Maras → Moray: ≈ S/3–15 round trip, 30 min each way (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disˈkulpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (graˈθjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwanˈto ˈkwes.ta)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (pweˈðo paˈɣaɾ kon tarˈxeta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (ˈdon.de esˈta el ˈba.ɲo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Maras. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Jan–Mar (rainy season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Stay in Urubamba (hostels 30 min bus from Maras).
- Book a taxi or colectivo to Moray in advance.
- Combine Salineras and Moray in one morning to save travel time.
Sources
- officialPeru tourism board
- secondaryWikivoyage: Maras, revision 5124743 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Maras
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