Moray Terraces
Witness the Incas' agricultural genius at Moray's concentric terraces, an ancient experimental farm with stunning Andean vistas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Softer light, fewer crowds
Moray Terraces
Best Time
Softer light, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the Incas' agricultural genius at Moray's concentric terraces, an ancient experimental farm with stunning Andean vistas.
"Incredible Inca engineering! The circular terraces of Moray are stunning, with mountain views all around."
🎟️ Boleto Turistico is Key
Save money by purchasing the Cusco Tourist Ticket if you plan to visit multiple sites.
🚗 Taxi or Tour for Access
Taxis or organized tours are the easiest way to reach Moray from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Circular Terraces
Main archaeological site
Witness the awe-inspiring concentric rings, an Inca agricultural laboratory testing crops at different altitudes.
Inca Engineering Marvel
Throughout the site
Marvel at the advanced agricultural and engineering skills of the Incas, a testament to their ingenuity.

Panoramic Sacred Valley Views
Overlooking the terraces
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Sacred Valley and the Andes mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Tickets and Transportation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Boleto Turistico is Key
Save money by purchasing the Cusco Tourist Ticket if you plan to visit multiple sites.
🚗 Taxi or Tour for Access
Taxis or organized tours are the easiest way to reach Moray from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the terraces, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
The high altitude means strong sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Boleto Turistico is Key
Save money by purchasing the Cusco Tourist Ticket if you plan to visit multiple sites.
🚗 Taxi or Tour for Access
Taxis or organized tours are the easiest way to reach Moray from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the terraces, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
The high altitude means strong sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. :sunwithface:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially if visiting during warmer months. The altitude can be dehydrating. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Rings
The circular terraces are incredibly photogenic, especially from above. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the incredible Inca engineering and the unique agricultural purpose of the Moray Terraces, often describing them as a marvel. The stunning mountain views and the historical significance are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the site itself is fascinating, some reviewers note a lack of visitor enhancement, suggesting more information or interactive elements would improve the experience.
"Beautiful views interesting history. The use of the terraces and the accuracy is amazing the Incas were truly a master builder and intellectual community of Astrologers, mathematical genius!"
Marilyn Flores
"Incredible Inca engineering! The circular terraces of Moray are stunning, with mountain views all around. A fascinating mix of history, agriculture, and scenery. We took an ATV tour here which was even better!"
Geoffrey Bishop
"Wow! This is so beautiful. If you’re in Ollantaytambo you must take the cheap taxi and experience this. Honestly, the drive there was even better than the site itself"
KaiLee Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common ways to reach Moray from Cusco are by taxi or as part of an organized tour. Taxis can be hired for a half-day trip, often combined with a visit to the Maras Salt Mines. Many Sacred Valley tours also include Moray. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Yes, visiting Moray from Ollantaytambo is very feasible. It's a shorter drive than from Cusco, making it a popular option for those staying in the Sacred Valley. Cheap taxis are available, and it's often included in local tours.
Absolutely! Moray and the Maras Salt Mines are geographically close and are frequently visited together as a combined tour or taxi trip. This offers a comprehensive experience of the Sacred Valley's unique attractions.
While walking around the site is standard, some visitors opt for ATV tours for a more adventurous exploration of Moray and its surroundings.
From Cusco, the journey to Moray typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car. From Ollantaytambo, it's a shorter drive, around 45 minutes to an hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Moray is often included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico), which costs 70 soles for a partial circuit or 130 soles for a full circuit. If you don't have the Boleto Turistico, a separate ticket for Moray can be purchased, typically around 15-20 soles.
While not strictly mandatory if you only plan to visit Moray, the Boleto Turistico is highly recommended if you intend to visit other archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley and Cusco. It's often more economical than buying individual tickets.
Moray Terraces are generally open daily from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to confirm current hours with your tour operator or local sources.
Yes, tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance to Moray. However, having the Boleto Turistico or pre-arranged tour tickets can streamline your entry.
The Boleto Turistico offers different validity periods, which might be considered a form of discount if you plan your visits accordingly. Students and children might have specific rates, but this is less common for the general tourist ticket.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The prevailing theory is that the Incas used Moray as an agricultural laboratory. The concentric terraces created microclimates, allowing them to experiment with different crops and study the effects of altitude, temperature, and sun exposure to determine optimal growing conditions.
The main site at Moray features four distinct circular terraces. There are also two smaller, less prominent ones located nearby.
Due to the depth and exposure to sun and wind, there can be a significant temperature difference, reportedly up to 27°F (15°C) between the top and bottom levels of the terraces.
Yes, there is a basic circuit to walk around the site, allowing visitors to view the terraces from different angles. The terrain is generally manageable, but comfortable shoes are recommended.
The Incas likely experimented with a wide variety of Andean crops, including potatoes, maize, quinoa, and various medicinal herbs, to understand their cultivation needs at different altitudes.
📸 📸 Photography
Mornings offer softer, more diffused light, which is ideal for capturing the textures and colors of the terraces without harsh shadows. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
The most iconic shots are taken from the rim overlooking the entire complex of concentric circles. Walking along the paths provides different perspectives.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or your tour operator before flying a drone at archaeological sites in Peru.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the terraces. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant mountain views. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards! :iphone:
Generally, photography is allowed throughout the site. However, always be respectful of the historical significance and avoid disturbing other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Agricultural Ingenuity of Moray
By creating distinct microclimates within each ring, the Incas could meticulously study how different crops responded to varying conditions of sunlight, wind, and temperature. This allowed them to optimize crop cultivation and acclimatize plants to different ecological niches across their vast empire. This sophisticated approach to agricultural research highlights the Incas' deep knowledge of botany, meteorology, and engineering, enabling them to sustain a large population in a demanding landscape.
Visitors can walk along the paths surrounding the terraces, gaining a tangible sense of the scale and complexity of this ancient agricultural system. The site's design is so precise that it's believed to have been able to simulate conditions found at various altitudes throughout the Inca Empire, making it a crucial hub for agricultural innovation.
Navigating the Sacred Valley: Moray and Beyond
Many visitors choose to explore Moray and Maras via organized tours departing from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. These tours often include transportation, a guide, and sometimes even lunch. Alternatively, hiring a taxi for a half-day or full-day excursion provides more flexibility, allowing you to set your own pace and spend more time at each location. For the more adventurous, ATV tours are also available, offering an exhilarating way to traverse the rugged terrain and access these incredible sites.
When deciding between Pisac and Moray/Maras for a shorter visit, consider your interests. Pisac is known for its impressive Inca ruins and a vibrant artisan market, while Moray and Maras offer a unique glimpse into Inca agricultural innovation and ancient salt harvesting techniques. Regardless of your choice, the Sacred Valley promises an immersive journey into Peru's rich past and stunning landscapes.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit