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Maras - Moray - Yuncaypata 2d/1n

This trek will allow us to observe the beautiful typical scenery of the Quechua region at its high, medium and low levels; as well as the high level of agricultural technology developed in Moray and the use of the salt pans in Maras, through a saltwater mountain spring.

Program itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Moray – Maras - Urubamba

We leave the city of Cusco early in our private transport, taking the road to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. Crossing the Chinchero pampa (flat land) we take the turning to the town of Maras and the archaeological site of Moray.

We begin our tour by visiting the “agricultural laboratory” of Moray. This consists of circular concentric geological depressions, reinforced by agricultural terracing following the shape of these geological lines. There are considerable temperature differences between these levels which facilitated the adaptation of plant species in different ecological levels. Especially the adaptation of the important Sacred Leaf of Mama Kuka (erythroxylum coca).

We leave this interesting archaeological site to follow the trail to the town of Maras, which grew in importance in the 17th century because of the exploitation and commercialization of the “salineras” or salt pans.
We will cross the extensive Maras Pampas, where people farm the land and rear cattle and sheep. The Urubamba mountain range and its snow-capped peaks provide a spectacular background for our trek. In the town of Maras we will see the fronts of the ancient houses, made from finely worked stone, indicative of the economic heights achieved by the towns population at that time. Here we will have something to eat and a rest.
We continue our walk through spectacular Quechua scenery, to arrive at the salineras of Maras, whose bright white can be seen from a long way away. We will take a tour of the salineras which have been used for a long time.

We leave towards the town of Urubamba, where we will enjoy the hospitality of our friend Oscar, with a hot shower, delicious food, comfortable rooms and a charming fireplace.

Meals: box lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 3539 masl / 11611 ft

Minimum Altitude: 2902 masl / 9521 ft

Distance Travelled: 14.42 Km / 2 miles

Approximate Walking Time: 6 Hrs

Day 2: Urubamba – Unu Orqo - Yunqaypata– Cusco

After a delicious breakfast, we leave in our private transport to the archaeological site of Unu Orqo, a centre for astronomical observation, and the worship of water and fertility.

We continue our trip enjoying the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. Arriving at the community of Yunqaypata, we begin our gentle descent through cultivated fields and past the beautiful Ccoroqocha Lake, offering magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks of the Apu Ausangate and Apu Pachatusan.

We will visit the archaeological site of Rumi Wasi or the House of Stone, with its interesting chincana and a beautiful view of the Apu Ausangate. We end our trek, taking our private transport back to our respective hotels.

Meals: breakfast and box lunch

Maximum Altitude: 3765 masl / 12,352 ft

Minimum Altitude: 3400 masl / 11,154 ft

Distance Travelled: 5.20 km / 3.23 miles

Approximate Walking Time: 4 hrs

Services included

• Private Transportation Cusco – Moray
• Guide service in Spanish/ English
• Sleeping Bag per person (-10 ºC), mummy form (our sleeping bags are cleaned after every use)
• Sleeping liner
• Pillow
• Inflatable sleeping pad
• Cook and assistant
• Cooking equipment
• Snacks
• Daily tea service
• Dining equipment including chairs and tables
• Cooking, eating and bathroom tents
• Food (1 breakfast, 2 box lunch, 1 dinner)
• Vegetarian menu at no extra cost
• Two person tents (3-people capacity tent used as doubles– 4 seasons), single tents available for extra cost
• Mule-handlers
• Mules
• Saddled horse (for every 6 passengers there is one saddled horse)
• First-aid kit
• Emergency oxygen bottle
• Private transportation Urubamba - Yuncaypata
• Private transportation San Jeronimo – Cusco

Services not included

• Extra food
• Optional tip for field staff
• Extra costs

We recommend that you bring

• Water-resistant trekking shoes and sandals
• Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
• Waterproof clothing (poncho)
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
• Sunhat and sunglasses
• Sun cream and insect repellent
• Water bottles such as Nalgene
• Basic medications
• Walking sticks
• Swimsuit and towel
• Personal items
• Personal snacks
• Previous acclimatization in Cuzco city, for at least 2 days and general good health. Pachatusantrek offers easy one day and half day routes which can be completed before the main trek
• DNI / Original Passport

Booking and information

• Booking and information

Important Environmental Note

Pachatusantrek is committed to following the principles of ecotourism in our operations, and request the understanding and cooperation of trekkers, especially by not contaminating the waters and in the adequate disposal of non-biodegradable waste. We must also respect the customs and traditions of the local people.

“With the protection of mother earth and the permission of the apus …”