Moray: Archaeological Center and agricultural laboratory, all the information 2025

Surrounded by the spectacular Andes Mountain, not far from Cusco is the ancient site of Moray, an interesting stop on any Sacred Valley tour. Shrouded in mystery the site was used until recently as farming by the locals. Today Moray is open for tourists to visit and hear the fascinating versions of the history of Moray.

History

Evidence from the site suggest that the lower six terraces at Moray may have been built by a previous culture before the Inca, archeologist think that it was the Wari culture that lived from the 6^th to the 10^th Centuries.

Now archeologist believe that the Inca empires finished the site in the 12^th to the 14^th centuries. The Inca culture brought products from all over the Tahuantinsuyo territory for the purpose of planting them in the fertile land of Moray, scientist have found evidence of soils here from different regions in Peru.

According to historians, these constructions constituted an important agricultural laboratory of the Inca empire. The terraces are built with their respective irrigation canals and each of them has their own microclimate. What we find most fascinating is the great difference in temperature between the top and the bottom of the terraces, a difference that can reach up to 15°C.

With the arrival of the Spanish, Moray was abandoned, it was not until 1932 that it was discovered by archeologists who flew over the site, finding it full of vegetation. The same aerial expedition team that found the Nazca Lines discovered Moray. It was still used by farmers until the 1970s when the National Institute of Culture took control of the site and now it is used for tourism.

Purpose

Agricultural Research

Most believe that the Moray site was an experimental farm used by the Inca, 500 years ago, the ruin features circular terraces engineered by the Inca with an advance irrigation system which was a series of channels fed by reservoir located high in the mountains above the site. Archeologists noticed that the temperature difference from the top to the bottom was an astonishing 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, that the sun hit each terrace at different angles and intensities.

The terraces at Moray have their own microclimate. This allowed the Incas to study the effects of altitude, temperature and sun absorption on crop growth to determine niches suitable for crops to thrive. This experimentation allowed for the Incas to teach neighboring regions agricultural techniques for best crop production despite the differing altitudes and climates throughout the Andes and Peru.

Inca Ceremonial Center

Locals from the nearby communities tell stories that date back to Inca times of celebrations and ceremonies being held at Moray. While it is likely that Moray was used as an amphitheater for ceremonial purposes, it seems improbable that this was its sole purpose due to its remote location far from Cusco city, at that time the heart of the Inca Empire.

Open Pit Mine

A significant amount of excavation was needed to construct the Moray ruins in such a beautiful and symmetrical way. One theory about the site is that it was once an open-pit mine used by Incan or pre-Incan cultures. After the mine had been depleted, it was then covered by terraces and repurposed for Incan farming and ceremonial uses.

Alien Landing Site

Another popular theory about the Moray ruins is that the circular depressions in the earth are crop circles, or marks left behind by aliens from a UFO landing.

What is Moray?

The little-known Moray is an Inca ruin not far from Cusco. It is composed of three groups of circular terraces that descend 490 feet (150 meters) from the highest terrace to the lowest. Each terrace has 12 levels of terraces with the largest having a diameter of 600-feet. Surrounded by the towering Andes mountains, these terraces will fill you with questions as to why they were built.

How to get there?

The easiest option to get to Moray is to book a tour with a tour operator/agency. If you want you can also go by taxi from the Sacred Valley, although it would be a rather expensive option up to 80 soles each way. Make sure you agree on the price before you leave and ensure that the driver waits for you as there are no taxis at the site. You can even take the adventurous option and go by bike from Chincheros. But if you are looking for a guide to accompany you, you will have to take the first option of booking a tour.

What you can see around Moray?

Maras

The salt mines near Moray are salt-encrusted ponds that look like a blanket of snow covering the mountainside at a distance. But as you get closer, each of the 3,000 plus ponds takes on various shades of white or tan from the differing levels of saltwater. Maras’s salt has been harvested since pre-Inca times and today local families run the site and live from the sale of the salt. Travelers are invited to see this centuries-old tradition at work.

Horseback Riding

If you like horses, then you are going to love a horseback riding adventure tour to Moray, Maras, and other nearby highlights. It’s an easy trail so riders with little or no experience will not have a problem. Start in the Andean community of Picsuyo in the Sacred Valley. Here you will meet your horse and begin the uphill 1-hour ride to the highest point in the trail. Soak up views of the snow-clad peaks of Pitusiray, Chicon and Veronica peaks.

Mountain Biking & ATV tours

The dirt trails travelling the open landscapes of the Sacred Valley are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. One of the most exciting mountain biking and quad biking routes goes from Maras to Moray. After an hour’s car ride from Cusco to Chinchero, suit up for the ride of your life. Moray is the first stop, and then Maras. Your guide will help you through each of the sites and keep you safe along the way.

Weather and Altitude

The Moray ruins are at the edge of the Sacred Valley, not far from Cusco City. The region where Moray resides experiences fairly constant temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures during the day are warmer and average between 65-70 F (18-21C). Average night temperatures range between 30-50 F (1-8 C).

The Cusco region has 2 seasons throughout the year. The dry season is from April to October. Days are usually sunny with low chances of rain. Temperatures really drop at night, so make sure to bring a jacket.

Rainy season is from November to March. During this time, the region receives regular rainfall. Mornings are generally cloudy with light showers and afternoons and evenings can bring heavier rains. Average daytime temperatures are typically mild, but you’ll still need that warm jacket at night.

Moray is located on a high-altitude plateau northwest of Cusco at an elevation of 11,500ft (3,500 m) above sea level.

Moray is one of the Incas great mysteries, set in the heart of the Andes, the surrounds and scenery will take your breath away. Learn about how the Inca experimented with soil and crops to extend their knowledge. Take the opportunity to see Moray an Inca Garden Experiment.

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slamice

Aug 2026, 2026 · Solo

Excellent experience on 2 day tour

A friend recommended me to Sam’s. It was a great experience. After making it to Cusco they walked me through everything at the office. We were a small group which was great for faster pacing the tour guide Israel was a very nice and knowledgeable guy. He is also very patient and relaxed, which helped a lot. I think he knows every tour guide in Machu Pichu. Everything Sam’s provided, including the food and accommodations was much appreciated. I took the two day Machu Pichu tour. The weather was bad for the 4 -5 day Inca trail but Sam’s made our tour work. 100% would recommend.

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DianaFran72

Apr 2026 · Couples

Great 3-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour

Henry shared a wealth of historical and cultural information during our first day in the Sacred Valley. Cristian then guided us patiently and cheerfully on the hike to the Sun Gate and around Machu Picchu. His love for his heritage made two long days especially memorable.

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Elisa Yaeger

Aug 2026 · Solo

Salkantay Trek 4 days

SAME Travel is an incredible tour group. Saul responded to me immediately & took a phone call to answer any questions I had. Jose was my guide & wow was he amazing. The best smile, the most positive attitude, & the most encouraging (especially during the 9 hours of hiking in the snow & rain). I could not have asked for a better guide! The chefs were great & accommodated my vegan needs. & the horseman made sure our luggage arrived safely & dry! & another great aspect of this tour group is that the groups themselves are small, making it feel more personalized. I would definitely book another tour with SAM!

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19_traveler15

Aug 2026· Couples

Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

I contacted SAM Travel directly approx 8 months in advance to book the short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu for my 50th birthday. The typical tour is a return from Cusco, but we were staying in Ollantaytambo so I requested to join the tour from Ollayantambo and finish in Cusco. Booking went very smoothly and over the coming months both Nicole and Edison were very responsive to any questions I had such as how my main luggage would be collected from Ollantaytambo and be ready for our return to cusco. The night before our tour, our guide Juan contacted me to discuss the logistics for the following day. Upon arrival at the train station Juan recognised us immediately (I sent him a picture of us) and ensured that we were comfortable with the itinerary. We were booked onto a group trip but to it turned out to be just my husband and I. Juan was absolutely amazing, He made our trip an unforgettable experience and we could not have asked for a better guide. During the trek, Juan allowed us to walk at our own pace so that we could enjoy the scenery and manage the altitude. He explained the history of the Incan ruins and Machu Picchu in great detail and was very attentive to our needs. He made sure that our overnight bags were waiting at the hotel in Aguas Calientes for our arrival after the trek and he also ensured that our main luggage was collected from Ollantaytambo and was on the bus with us back to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, Juan even made sure that we got checked into our hotel ok before eventually we had to say our sad goodbyes. We cannot thank Juan enough for giving us the best experience and we would highly recommend him as a guide. “Tupananchiskama, Juan! Sulpayki por todo” .

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Eleonora T

Aug 2026 • Couples

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

We did the 3-day and 2-night tour, the first day tour of the Sacred Valley (truly incredible places) with explanations of the various sites of interest, day 2 short Inca Trail, the guide (Israel) was excellent with us, he set a good pace and breaks to explain some little curiosities. Lunch is included and is very good. Finally, the last day visit to Machu Picchu, exhaustive and interesting. The transportation is excellently organized, and the luggage delivery system was also very convenient for us! We highly recommend Sam Travel :)

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Daniel A

Aug 2026 • Friends

Classic Inca Trail

We booked the 4 day Inca Trail during which we unfortunately encountered freak weather with torrential rain meaning parts of the trail were closed by the government due to mud slides after our first day forcing us to turn back the next day. Despite this our guides Ray and Jimmy immediately contacted the office and organised alternative routes, trains, busses, and accommodation allowing us to then complete the alternative trek starting from km 104 on day 3, enter Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate and return on Day 4 for a brilliant guide through Machu Picchu itself by which point the weather was brilliant again.

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Daniel Austin

Aug 2026

What an experience of a lifetime. Our travel guide, Joseph, and our chef, Andres, both went above and beyond to make our trek incredible. Joseph is a true master of the mountain trails. He is articulate, friendly, and encouraging to hikers on his care. He always makes sure you know the plan. A truly fun guy to hang out with, too. When a couple hikers in our group got sick, one of them on Sankaltay Pass trail, he put many extra steps in going back and forth to make sure the fellow hiker got to safety by horse, and he was in total confidence the whole time. You're in good hands with Joseph. Now, regarding food, I am 20+ years vegan, and I fully expected to have a hard time when it came to the catering on the trail. Chef Andres not only fully understood what vegan means, he made every meal a culinary work of art, and the fellow hikers in my group were in awe of the dishes Andres made just for me. And he never made a mistake on vegan ingredients, always confident in what he made. Keep in mind, Andres and his crew made the hike with us every day, which usually kicked our asses, but Andres and his team made incredible dishes 3 times a day after hiking. It was just unbelievable how hard this crew works and how passionate they are about their work. It was a great fortune to have booked through Sam Travel and to have gotten Joseph and Andres taking care of us out there.

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Yasamin Vafai

Aug, 2026

Elias Usca was an amazing guide for our 4 day hike for our honeymoon. Originally we were going to do the Inca Trail, but then we had to reschedule into this trek because there was a landslide on the Inca Trail. Elias make sure that this experience was unforgettable, even if it wasn’t what we had originally planned for, we were happy that we ended up doing the Salkantay with him! When I was struggling with the altitude, he helped me, and even helped carry my bag and arrange a horse for me. He was great at thinking on his feet and even helped our group with having different schedules for the third day based off of everybody’s preferences and abilities. Every night the accommodations were so comfortable and even had hot showers! I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the food, with multiple delicious dishes for every meal prepared by our chef Evereth. Elias was very knowledgeable and shared great facts about the nature and the history of the Inca people during our time with him. He and our group were also super fun, and I was so sad when the trip was over! The vibes were the best. This was definitely worth the money, with everything smoothly planned from the first hotel pickup to the final meal! I can’t recommend it enough!.

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Omid Boozarpour

Aug 24, 2026

We had an amazing time on our salkantay trek with Elias Usca as our guide! We actually were supposed to be doing an inca trail trek with SAM travels, but a landslide caused the trail to be closed! They contacted us promptly and helped us find an alternate trek immediately that would still get us to machu picchu. We were worried about the difficulty, and although it was certainly tough, our guide went above and beyond to help us all the way. Got us horses for the harder bits, even offered to carry our packs when things got tough. The whole while he was encouraging and so friendly. Cracking jokes and keeping our spirits up. He knew so much about the sites and was always offering information and pointing out interesting things. Cant say enough good things about him. We wouldnt have made it without him as well as Eberth and our cook/porter team who kept us well fed and happy! Another thing was sam travels as a whole was always looking for ways to tailor the trek to us and they helped find alternate paths when some in our group were unable to continue as planned. Definitely will be recommending to others!.

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Alice

Aug 21, 2026

amazing hike, amazing guides, amazing group, amazing everything !! despite the rain and the closing of the trail, our great guides Jimmy and Ray still found a way to let us safely experience this hike while enjoying the food Edison cooked for us. we’ll never forget this experience and the stunning inka trail :) (and also a special thanks to the team of porters who hiked and set up camp in the rain, you’ve been amazing)

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Elisa Yaeger

Aug 20, 2026

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Cecilia Castelli

Aug 19, 2026

We had an absolutely amazing time with Chris and Daniel during our three-day Sacred Valley experience, including the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, followed by a trip to Pallay Punchu. Every single place we visited was absolutely stunning, and the service throughout the entire trip was exceptional. Everything was perfectly organized, which allowed us to simply enjoy the experience and take in the incredible scenery. Chris was absolutely the best! He is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about what he does. He had an answer to every question we asked and shared so much interesting information along the way. Beyond his knowledge, he is simply a wonderful person who made the experience even more special. Daniel, our driver, was also fantastic. He was so kind, warm, and professional, and always made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. Honestly, it felt less like touring with guides and more like traveling with close friends or family. Both Chris and Daniel were incredibly sweet, welcoming, and genuinely cared about making our trip memorable. I cannot recommend this company highly enough, and I would especially recommend Chris and Daniel to anyone visiting Peru. They made an already incredible trip truly unforgettable!

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Carolyn

Jun 29, 2026

Rainbow Mt and Lake Titikaka

For the second part of our Classic Inca Trail package, we hiked Rainbow Mountain and then toured the islands of Lake Titikaka. On this portion of our trip package, we were able to spend a day/night/morning with a local family on Isla Amantaní. What an incredible experience to really got to understand the culture! Our guide Christian (Chris) from Sam’s Travel was an incredible resource helping us to not only navigate where to be, but also helped us converse with the local community. In addition to being an excellent guide and very knowledgeable, Christian was an AMAZING photographer for our group so we are all in all of the photos!.

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Joann Campos

Apr 24, 2026

The Ultimate Birthday Bucket List Experience – The Dream Team of Liz and Abdul!

I recently checked a major dream off my birthday bucket list with an incredible 3-day tour of the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. This experience was everything I hoped for and more, largely because of the outstanding duo of Liz Montesinos and Abdul. If you are booking with SAM Travel, I cannot recommend this pair enough—they work so perfectly together as a team that it made our entire journey feel seamless and special. Liz Montesinos is an absolutely wonderful guide who brought so much heart to our experience. What stood out most was her intense passion for her culture and her country; she doesn’t just share facts, she shares her heritage with a deep pride that makes the history of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu truly come alive. She was also incredibly attentive, always making sure we were comfortable and helping us capture the most stunning photos of our milestone trip. While Liz provided the incredible storytelling and cultural depth, Abdul was the perfect partner behind the wheel. He is a fantastic driver who made us feel completely safe and relaxed, even on the winding mountain roads. Seeing them work in tandem allowed us to just focus on the magic of Peru. They truly operate as a "dream team," and their combined energy and professionalism made this a birthday I will never forget. If you want the best experience possible, be sure to ask for Liz and Abdul together!.

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Susan

Oct 9, 2025

The Inca Trail with the best guide.

We did the 3 night, 4 day Inca Trail with Sam Travel Peru and our guide and organiser was Josep Quiñonez Alvarez. It was a fantastic experience and Josep made it extra special. He is extremely experienced so was able to read the group very well and make adjustments to the route when necessary. His knowledge of the Incan civilisation was excellent and he was able to convey it in superb English with passion and enthusiasm. Despite the ardours of the trail we had a great 4 days, which undoubtedly was definitely down to Josef.

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Jen Thomas

Oct 3, 2024

An amazing adventure

Sam Travel Peru were brilliant from start to finish on the 4 day classic Inca Trail. They were well organised which made for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The guides Henry and Jimmy were amazing, so fun and helpful. They were informative about Inca history and really knew how to keep the group energised and having a good time. The chef (Mario) came up with some delicious food, pretty incredible at such remote locations. So thankful for the porters too, who made the experience so much more enjoyable by carrying everything to make camp each night (as well as our duffle bags). An all round spectacular experience, so grateful to a wonderful team.

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Isabel Batteria

Apr 17, 2024

Patient and supportive guide

Raymier respected my pace on the Short Inca Trail, never rushed me and supported me throughout. He was knowledgeable, funny and knew the best places for photos.

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